The Professional Athletes Foundation (PAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, serving as the charitable arm of the NFL Players Association. Founded in 1990, PAF is classified as a public charity focused on recreation, sports, leisure, and athletics. The organization is dedicated to supporting former professional and amateur football players and their families during times of financial crisis and transition.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$39.8M
+7.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$381K
-18.3% YoY
Grant Count
5
-50.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$76K
+63.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
PAF was founded by NFLPA Executive Director Gene Upshaw to address the unique challenges former players face in their journey off the field. The organization's mission is to support, strengthen, and inspire players as they transition from their active NFL careers and navigate life's challenges.
Primary service areas include:
- Financial assistance for players and immediate family members in times of financial crisis
- Education assistance and scholarships for high school graduates with confirmed plans to compete in collegiate activities
- Health care resourcing and wellness initiatives
- Mental health support
- Addiction counseling
- Partner, spouse, and family counseling
- Informational symposiums
- Budget building assistance
Grantmaking
PAF provides grant assistance to support former professional and amateur football players and their immediate family members. According to recent financial data, the organization awarded approximately $2.89 million in total giving in 2024.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
PAF supports professional athletes across various U.S. cities and states, including Alpharetta, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and operates in states such as Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Ohio, and Tennessee. The organization's funding distribution is primarily concentrated in the United States.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total assets: $39,776,192
- Total revenues: $10,638,551
- Total expenses: $4,542,361
- Total liabilities: $200,000
Historical context (2023):
- Total assets: $37.1 million
- Revenue: $4.01 million
- Expenses: $4.53 million
The organization has maintained tax-exempt status since July 1981 (EIN: 52-1205920).
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $39,776,192 | $37,052,683 | $34,685,437 |
| Revenue | $10,638,551 | $4,005,784 | $5,429,644 |
| Expenses | $4,542,361 | $4,531,855 | $4,023,462 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $6,769,056 | $858,009 | $1,828,441 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 5 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
127 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Professional Athletes Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Andre Collins serves as Executive Director. A former NFL player himself, Collins holds a degree in Health Policy & Administration from Penn State University and brings 21 seasons of experience working with the NFLPA. The organization is led by a volunteer board of directors, including Chairman Lloyd Howell, all of whom serve without compensation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLOYD HOWELL | CHAIRMAN | 2 | — |
| NOLAN HARRISON | ACTING CHAIRMAN | 2 | — |
| NED EHRLICH | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| EMERY MOOREHEAD | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| DAVID JOYNER | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| KEN JOLLY | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| CHARLES SWISHER | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| PETE KENDALL | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| MAXINE BAKER | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| YVETTE STEWART | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| DEWEY MCCLAIN | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| ANDRE COLLINS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
PAF marked 30 years of service to NFL players, celebrating its founding in 1990 and its role as the leading organization aiding former NFL players in their post-football success. The organization has been honored with recognition from local municipalities, including a City of Oakland Proclamation at its Annual Painting with the Pros event. PAF continues to expand its reach and impact through various community programs and initiatives supporting the NFL player community.
Professional Athletes Foundation Marks 30 Years of Service to NFL PlayersSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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