Division II Opportunity Grants
Forecasted
NCAA Division II Opportunity Grants support research-driven initiatives to increase diversity in athletics administration and coaching through targeted funding for new and enhanced positions.
Funder: National Collegiate Athletic Association
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (applications close, projected)
Funding Amounts: Three tracks: Internship Grant (1 year, full-time entry-level); Strategic Alliance Matching Grant (3-year diminishing match for mid/senior admin, 5-year total commitment); Coaching Enhancement Grant (3-year, new assistant coach). Typical annual NCAA budget for all awards: $860,000.
Summary: Supports NCAA Division II institutions and conferences in hiring and advancing underrepresented groups in athletics administration and coaching through three targeted grant tracks.
Key Information: Only active NCAA Division II members and multi-sport conferences are eligible; each grant type has limits on concurrent awards.
Description
The NCAA Division II Opportunity Grants provide funding to support the recruitment, hiring, and advancement of individuals from underrepresented groups—including veterans and first-generation college graduates—in athletics administration and coaching roles at NCAA Division II institutions and conferences. The program offers three distinct grant tracks:
- Internship Grant: One-year funding for a full-time, entry-level position in athletics administration.
- Strategic Alliance Matching Grant: Three-year, diminishing match for a new or enhanced mid- to senior-level administrative position, with a five-year total institutional commitment.
- Coaching Enhancement Grant: Three-year funding to establish a new full-time assistant coach position aimed at increasing diversity in coaching.
The grants aim to foster a more inclusive environment and encourage the long-term success of diverse professionals in collegiate athletics.
