Funding Amount

Up to US $5,000

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Other requirements

  • Only a current NFL Player or NFL Legend (former player) may apply, on behalf of a nonprofit, school or youth football organization they have contributed to; a 1:1 match in the current calendar year is required.

Not eligible / not funded

  • Not eligible: Political, religious and church organizations are excluded.
  • Not eligible: The program focuses on community betterment through various initiatives, such as mental health and anti-bullying efforts, while excluding donations to political or religious organizations.

Overview

The Player Matching Grant Program by the NFL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and youth football programs with grants up to $5,000. These grants must be matched by a contribution from the applicant, and players can apply for two grants per year. The program focuses on community betterment through various initiatives, such as mental health and anti-bullying efforts, while excluding donations to political or religious organizations.

About the Program
NFL Foundation Player Matching Grants are designed to provide nonprofit organizations or schools and youth football organizations with funding of up to $5,000 per grant, on behalf of a current NFL Player or NFL Legend (i.e., former player) that has contributed to the organization.
Players and Legends may apply for up to TWO Player Matching Grants per calendar year if the grants are awarded to different organizations. Additionally, an organization may receive up to TWO grants, in one year if the grants are awarded from different Players/Legends.
To be eligible for match funding, a 1:1 match must be provided by the applicant in the current calendar year.
Player Matching Community Grants are for nonprofit organizations doing work to better the community. This grant allows NFL players and Legends to help support broad community efforts through the work of nonprofit organizations. Areas of support include, but are not limited to, Disease Prevention and Awareness, Mental Health, Youth Health & Fitness, Military Appreciation, Disaster Relief, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Character Education, Anti-Bullying, Animal Welfare, etc. Please note, we will not match donations to political organizations, religious organizations or churches.
Former Players Currently Coaching Youth or High School Football
Recognizes the time contribution of former NFL players who coach youth and high school football programs. Eligible players may receive up to $5,000 in non-match funding, based on the need, merit and standing of the application.
Former players MUST serve as HEAD COACHES or full-time assistants in order to be eligible for the grant. Athletic Directors and league commissioners may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Players must be vested.

Full eligibility text

Only a current NFL Player or NFL Legend (former player) may apply, on behalf of a nonprofit, school or youth football organization they have contributed to; a 1:1 match in the current calendar year is required. Political, religious and church organizations are excluded.

What NFL Foundation Inc actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025
324
Total given
$97.57M
Median grant
$20K
Range
$5,310–$45.51M
  • By dollars: Indiana 47%, New York 12%, District of Columbia 10%. Top recipient cities: New York, NY; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA.
  • 38% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

Example grants

  • USA Football · Indianapolis, IN

    $45.51M

  • NCPG · Washington, DC

    $6.14M

  • Bob Woodruff Family Foundation Inc · Brooklyn, NY

    $5.58M

  • Local Initiatives Support Corporation · New York, NY

    $3.45M

  • Everfi Inc · Charleston, SC

    $2.1M

IRS Form 990, 2025. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

  • Nonprofits
  • Youth programs
  • Mental health
  • Domestic violence

Categories

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