The Division III opportunity grants provide funding to members committed to enhancing representation in athletics administration and assistant coaching roles, to better reflect the student-athlete population we support. Let’s continue building pathways that open leadership roles to a broader range of individuals. Participate in developmental opportunities that foster leadership, new perspectives, and provide mentorship for those that have been underrepresented in athletic administration.Â
Pathway to Excellence Grant
The Pathway to Excellence Grant provides funding for full-time, entry-level athletics administrative positions for two academic years. It aims to support schools and conferences committed to increasing underrepresented groups in these roles. The positions offer experience in areas such as strategic planning, budget management, compliance, student-athlete welfare, and diversity initiatives. Read more how the NCAA's Pathway to Excellence Grant is creating opportunities and progress within college athletics.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible, schools and conference offices must be active NCAA Division III members and capable of fulfilling all recipient responsibilities, with multisport conferences also qualifying. It’s recommended that schools and conferences collaborate with their human resources departments when developing and submitting proposals. Grant requirements must be fully completed before additional funding can be received. While Division III schools can receive both the Pathway to Excellence Grant and the Coaching Enhancement Grant, but cannot receive more than one Pathway to Excellence Grant at a time.
Strategic Alliance Matching Grant
The Division III Strategic Alliance Matching Grant provides financial support for full-time, mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles. These positions, funded during a five-year commitment, include responsibilities in areas such as strategic planning, budget management, fundraising, compliance, and student-athlete welfare.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible to submit a proposal, schools and conference offices must be active NCAA Division III members, and conferences must be multisport. Recipients cannot receive more than one Division III Strategic Alliance Matching Grant at a time, and all grant requirements must be fulfilled before receiving additional funding. Schools may receive funding from both the Division III Strategic Alliance Matching Grant and the Division III Coaching Enhancement Grant simultaneously.
Coaching Enhancement Grant
The Division III Coaching Enhancement Grant provides financial assistance to member schools committed to increasing ethnic minority and gender representation in newly created assistant coaching positions for any NCAA-sponsored sport. This grant supports diversity efforts in athletic coaching across Division III institutions.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible, schools must be active NCAA Division III members and meet all recipient responsibilities. Schools are encouraged to consult their human resources departments during proposal development. Division III schools can receive funding from the Division III Coaching Enhancement Grant alongside either the Division III Pathway to Excellence Grant or the Division III Strategic Alliance Matching Grant, but cannot receive more than one Coaching Enhancement Grant at a time.
