No. We encourage all athletes to apply. We understand that many sponsorships may be related or used only for training / equipment and NIL deals may be time limited. Knowing this, we encourage all athletes who may need unrestricted funding to apply.  

Please submit any documents or stories that you think would help our review committee better understand your needs and struggles. The Next Lap Foundation does not require you to submit a W2 or any tax documents.  

All videos should be submitted in landscape (horizontal) format with no background noise or music playing. Cell phone or webcam footage is acceptable, please do not feel the need to hire a professional videographer.  

You will submit a form with all the required components listed above. The application itself takes 5-10 minutes and does require multiple document uploads. Once completed you should receive a confirmation email. Each application is reviewed by our selection committee. We will notify grant recipients after the deadline for submission closes. If you are not selected to receive a grant this year, we hope you will apply next year.  

Our committee considers: Financial need, athletic merit and commitment, mission fit and storytelling capabilities, your letter of support and post career plans. Each application is individually reviewed for each of these points.  

Selected athletes for 2026 will be notified by December 19th, 2025. Once selected, athletes and the foundation will enter a contract establishing the athlete as a grant recipient for 2026. Payments are made via ACH in April of 2026.