The Division II opportunity grants provide grant funding to members who are committed to hiring leaders from underrepresented groups (e.g., veterans, first-generation college students) in athletics administration and assistant coaching positions.
How to Apply (program-wide)
- Select the grant you are applying to with Program Hub
- Institutions and conferences may apply to more than one grant, with separate applications for each
- Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed
Quick Guide: How to Apply in Program Hub (PDF)
Choose a grant
Internship Grant
Funding for full-time, entry-level athletics administrative roles for one academic year
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Strategic Alliance Matching Grant
three-year support for mid- to senior-level admin positions to advance representation
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Coaching Enhancement Grant
Support for newly created assistant coaching positions in NCAA-sponsored sports
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Internship Grant
One-year funding for a full-time, entry-level position in athletics administration to support access and professional growth for underrepresented groups.
Who's Eligible
- Active NCAA Division II member institution and multi-sport conference
- Able to fulfill all recipient responsibilities
- May not hold more than one Division II Internship Grant at a time; all prior grant requirements must be fulfilled before additional funding
How to Apply (proposal)
- Apply through Program Hub
- Each institution must submit a distinct application
Application packet must include:
- Completed application form (submitted in Program Hub)
- Proposal should include:
- Position title and detailed job description with % time by duty
- Current and proposed org charts
- Supervisor bio and plan for supervision (supervisor must be different from mentor; 500 words)
- Mentor bio and plan for development (mentor may be outside athletics; 500 words)
- Hiring strategy to ensure a broad candidate pool
- Institutional commitment to belonging and well-being
- Professional development plan
- Employee evaluation plan
- Grant success evaluation plan
- Salary and benefits
- Signature page
See Division II Internship Grant Guidelines (PDF) for required documents and uploads
Selection Criteria
- Impact: expands representation in athletics administration
- Feasibility: clear duties, supervision and development plan
- Budget alignment: allowable, reasonable costs tied to objectives
- Sustainability: plan to retain or continue the role beyond funding
Award Details
- NCAA funding to recipients: $30,000 during the grant year to support the intern's salary
- Professional development: $3,000 provided at the beginning of the grant year for the intern's professional development
- Term: one year; nonrenewable
- Position requirements: full-time employment for the grant year; administrative role
- Recipient match: minimum $5,000 in in-kind support to the hired intern during the award year (for example, housing stipend, insurance, meal plan, technology allocation, tuition and fees)
- Operational notes: deferral and vacancy rules per award agreement; reconciliation and documentation required at year end
Strategic Alliance Matching Grant
Three-year, diminishing match to fund a mid- to senior-level administrator position (new or enhanced), with a commitment to continue the role beyond the award term.
Who's Eligible
- Active NCAA Division II member institution and multi-sport conference
- Able to fulfill all recipient responsibilities
- Cannot receive more than one Strategic Alliance Matching Grant at a time; may receive this grant alongside the Division II Coaching Enhancement Grant; all grant requirements must be completed before receiving additional funding
How to Apply
- Apply through Program Hub
- Each institution must submit a distinct application
Application packet must include:
- Completed application form (submitted in Program Hub)
- Proposal should include:
- Position title and detailed job description with % time by duty
- Current and proposed org charts
- Supervisor bio and plan for supervision (supervisor must be different from mentor; 500 words)
- Mentor bio and plan for development (mentor may be outside athletics; 500 words)
- Hiring strategy to ensure a broad candidate pool
- Institutional commitment to belonging and well-being
- Professional development plan
- Employee evaluation plan
- Grant success evaluation plan
- Salary and benefits
- Signature page
See Division II Strategic Alliance Matching Grant Guidelines (PDF) for required documents and uploads
Selection Criteria
- Impact: expands representation in athletics administration
- Feasibility: clear duties, supervision and development plan
- Budget alignment: allowable, reasonable costs tied to objectives
- Sustainability: plan to retain or continue the role beyond funding
Award Details
- NCAA funding to recipients (salary, wages and benefits): three years of support — 75% in year one, 50% in year two, 25% in year three
- Professional development and technology: professional development stipend and technology stipend per current-year grid (new and enhanced positions each have specific caps)
- Term: three years of NCAA support with a minimum two-year continuation after grant funds are exhausted
- Position requirements: full-time administrator role with significant leadership responsibilities; maintain full-time status throughout the grant term
- Recipient match: recipient supplements NCAA support in years one through three and funds 100% of the position after the grant term, per proposal plan
- Operational notes: deferral and vacancy rules per award agreement; reconciliation and documentation required annually
Coaching Enhancement Grant
Three-year funding to establish a new full-time assistant coach position, designed to encourage access, recruitment, selection and the long-term success of underrepresented groups in coaching.
Who's Eligible
- Active NCAA Division II member institution
- Able to meet all recipient responsibilities
- May receive this grant alongside the Division II Internship Grant or the Division II Strategic Alliance Matching Grant, but not more than one Coaching Enhancement Grant at a time
How to Apply (proposal)
- Submit proposal in the NCAA Program Hub by the deadline
Application packet must include:
- Completed application form (submitted in Program Hub)
- Proposal should include:
- Position title and detailed job description with % time by duty
- Current and proposed org charts
- Supervisor bio and plan for supervision (supervisor must be different from mentor; 500 words)
- Mentor bio and plan for development (mentor may be outside athletics; 500 words)
- Hiring strategy to ensure a broad candidate pool
- Institutional commitment to belonging and well-being
- Professional development plan
- Employee evaluation plan
- Grant success evaluation plan
- Salary and benefits
- Signed signature page
See Division II Coaching Enhancement Grant Guidelines (PDF) for required documents and uploads
Selection Criteria
- Impact: expands representation in athletics administration and coaching
- Feasibility: clear duties, supervision and development plan
- Budget alignment: allowable, reasonable costs tied to objectives
- Sustainability: plan to retain or continue the role beyond funding
Award Details
- Funding schedule (salary, wages and benefits): Year 1 — $25,000; Year 2 — $15,000; Year 3 — $8,000
- Additional support: $1,200 per year provided at the beginning of each grant year for the coach's professional development
- Term: three years; nonrenewable
- Position requirements: full-time assistant coach position; supervisor and mentor must be different; maintain full-time employment throughout the grant
- Recipient match: institution supplies complementary funding toward salary and benefits each year
- Operational notes: required to maintain the position for a minimum of two years after grant funds are exhausted; deferral and vacancy rules per award agreement
Frequently Asked Questions
