A charter school in Trenton is among the 20 organizations across the U.S. that will share $1.7 million in grants from The Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation to improve sports facilities in under-resourced neighborhoods.

The awards represent the second round of funding through a partnership between the retailer’s nonprofit and community development organization Local Sports Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC).

During its first round of funding in 2023, the Game-On Community Places to Play initiative gave $1.275 million to 15 projects that created or renovated multi-use youth sports space in low-income communities. According to Dick’s and LISC, this time around 20 nonprofit community-based organizations will receive grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.

Supporting sports spaces

Within New Jersey, Paul Robeson Charter School will receive $50,000 to support a gym renovation project at its new campus.

Located on what was once a vacant lot, the 55,000-square-foot school building broke ground in November 2023. It expects to be complete next year.

Other projects that secured funding include a gym upgrades at Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Foundation in New York City and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.

According to Dick’s and LISC, grantees were selected through a competitive application process and are required to secure matching funding. In addition to managing the grant program, LISC will provide technical assistance to grantees to help them move projects forward.

Rick Jordan, vice president of The Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation, said in a statement, “We are thrilled these communities will be able to offer revitalized sports spaces to deserving athletes across the country. We are proud of this partnership and believe that the rejuvenation of sports facilities is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the future of youth athletes.”

Michael Pugh, president and CEO of LISC, added, “So much about the work of community development is connecting all the things that residents need to build a good quality of life, from housing to jobs to schools to health. That’s why supporting recreational space is a key LISC priority and why partners like The Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation are so important. Together, we have the chance to influence the quality of life in our communities, not just for today but long into the future.”

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