NFL Foundation

What NFL Foundation does

The NFL Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the National Football League, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered at 345 Park Avenue, New York. Originally established in 1973 as NFL Charities, the entity was restructured in 2012 into the current NFL Foundation through the consolidation of NFL Charities and the NFL Youth Football Fund, with cumulative grantmaking now exceeding $1 billion over its 50+ year history.

The Foundation administers more than 50 grant and recognition programs spanning youth football participation, player health and wellness, community support, military appreciation, and social justice initiatives. Signature programs include the Youth Football Camp Grant (serving 400+ camps annually), NFL PLAY 60, Walter Payton Man of the Year (with a $250,000 recipient award), Salute to Service, Inspire Change, Digital Divide Grants, CPR/AED Grants, and the LISC Grassroots Field program (a multi-year partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation). Grant intake, review, and disbursement are managed through the proprietary Grant Application Management System (GAMS), a custom web platform purpose-built for the Foundation's workflow.

Funding flows from NFL league contributions, mandatory contributions from each of the 32 franchises, royalties on NFL-branded merchandise, and proceeds from the NFL Auction. The Foundation deploys capital through three primary channels: direct club-level grants (the NFL Foundation Club Matching Grant and team-level community programs), national partnership grants (USA Football, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Nike), and Super Bowl host committee legacy grants at each championship game. Recent large-scale commitments include an $8.2 million Super Bowl LX legacy grant with the Bay Area Host Committee and more than $3 million for 16 synthetic playing fields through LISC in 2025.

Name

NFL Foundation

Legal name

National Football League Foundation

Website

https://nflfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The NFL Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the National Football League, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes grants across more than 50 programs supporting youth football, health and wellness, community impact, and social justice, funded primarily by league and 32-club contributions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sports Philanthropy and Charitable Grantmaking

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK), Athletics Fundraising, Sponsorships & NIL Support (EDALAIAN), Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB)

Keywords

• Philanthropic grant programs
• Youth football development
• Sports philanthropy foundation
• Community health grants
• Athlete welfare funding

Headquarters

HQ city

West New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Grants and Program Disbursements, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic Donations & Grants: The NFL Foundation distributes grants funded by the NFL, its 32 member clubs, and partner organizations. Revenue comes from league contributions, merchandise sales (Salute to Service, Crucial Catch), NFL Auction proceeds, and corporate partnerships. Funds are then allocated through structured grant programs to support youth football, health & wellness, community support, and social justice initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The NFL Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the National Football League, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes grants through more than 45 grant and recognition programs supporting youth football, health and wellness, community support, and social justice. Funding flows to NFL clubs, current and former players, coaches, and nonprofit organizations via the Grant Application Management System (GAMS), with grants ranging from $1,000 Coach of the Week awards up to $265,000 for the Walter Payton Man of the Year winner.

Product overview

The NFL Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving as the NFL's philanthropic arm, dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football. The organization does not offer a traditional technology product but rather a comprehensive portfolio of grant programs and community initiatives. Key offerings include: Youth Football Programs (Youth Football Camp Grants, Grassroots Field Grants, Club Matching Field Grants, Don Shula Coach of the Year Award); Health & Wellness Initiatives (NFL PLAY 60, Character Playbook, InSideOut Initiative, Team Up for Sports Safety, CPR Education, Crucial Catch); Community Support (Salute to Service, Inspire Change, Walter Payton Man of the Year, Super Bowl Legacy Grants, My Cause My Cleats); and Global Social Impact. The foundation operates the Grant Application Management System (GAMS) as an internal platform for managing applications. Total philanthropic contributions exceed $1 billion over more than 50 years.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Youth Football Camp Grant Program Provides annual grants of up to $2,700 (USA Football First Down) or $2,000 (Traditional) to NFL players, legends, and coaches who host free, non-contact youth football camps and clinics. The program helps young athletes learn and enjoy the sport in a healthy and fun environment.
• NFL Foundation Grassroots Field Grant Program Awards up to $250,000 in matching grants to nonprofit groups and schools in underserved communities of NFL markets to fund upgrades such as turf surfaces, irrigation, lighting, bleachers, scoreboards, fencing, and goalposts. Administered in partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), with $65 million+ awarded and 450+ fields built to date.
• NFL Club Matching Youth/High School Football Field Grant Program Allows NFL club foundations to apply for and receive up to $200,000 in matching NFL Foundation grants for building or upgrading youth and high school football fields at club facilities or in club market communities.
• Don Shula NFL High School Football Coach of the Year Award National award program honoring high school football coaches who display the integrity, achievement, and leadership exemplified by Don Shula. Each AFC and NFC winner receives a $10,000 personal contribution plus $15,000 for their school's football program.
• NFL PLAY 60 Initiative National youth health and wellness platform empowering youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. The NFL Foundation provides grant funding to national partners including American Heart Association, GENYOUth, Kenneth Cooper Institute at Texas Tech, and Special Olympics.
• GENYOUth NFL FLAG-In-School Program Program led by GENYOUth and funded by the NFL Foundation that helps schools and nonprofits promote physical activity through flag football, reaching 17 million students in 30,000 K-12 schools to date.
• NFL Character Playbook Program Digital education program funded by the NFL Foundation and powered by EVERFI, including courses to help middle and high school students establish healthy relationships and understand mental health. Over 3 million students have participated since 2016.
• InSideOut Initiative (ISOI) Initiative funded by the NFL Foundation and developed by NFL Legend Joe Ehrmann that inspires, catalyzes, and equips school communities to transform high school student-athlete lives through purpose-based sports. Served through 6,500+ schools with nearly 200,000 coaches and 8 million student-athletes.
• Team Up for Sports Safety (TUFSS) Initiative managed by the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut and funded by the NFL Foundation that promotes adoption of key health and safety policies across all 50 states and Washington DC to reduce catastrophic injuries among high school athletes. 300+ new safety policies enacted since 2018.
• Smart Heart Sports Coalition / CPR Education Grants Founded in March 2023 in response to Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest incident. Funds CPR Grant Program of up to $15,000 per club for CPR education/training and AED purchases for high school sports programs.
• Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer 16-year partnership between NFL and American Cancer Society supporting cancer early detection and risk reduction efforts, including funding for CHANGE grants in all NFL markets that have contributed to over 762,000 screenings in underserved communities.
• Salute to Service Year-round effort to honor, empower and connect the nation's service members, veterans and their families through partnerships with Bob Woodruff Foundation, Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, USO, and Wounded Warrior Project. Over $73 million raised since 2011.
• Inspire Change NFL's social justice initiative aimed at reducing barriers to opportunity, particularly in communities of color. Supports grants and initiatives including the 306 Black History digital education course, Inspire Change Changemaker Award, and grant funding for social justice needs.
• Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award Prestigious NFL honor recognizing NFL players for excellence on and off the field. Winner receives up to $265,000 for their charity of choice; remaining 31 nominees receive up to $55,000 each for their respective charities. Presented with Nationwide Foundation.
• Super Bowl Legacy Grant Program Awards a $1.5 million grant matched by the respective Super Bowl Host Committee and its partners, allocated to local nonprofit organizations to create meaningful legacy in Super Bowl host regions.
• My Cause My Cleats Initiative celebrating the positive impact NFL players have made in communities by allowing players to highlight cause-related work on custom-painted cleats during Week 12 of the NFL season. Select players donate cleats through NFL Auction with proceeds going to players' charities.
• Player Matching Grants Allows NFL players and legends to apply for matching grants in three areas: Social Justice, Community Support, and Youth/High School Football. Provides funding of up to $5,000 per grant (1:1 match required) to nonprofit organizations or schools on behalf of current or former NFL players; former coaches coaching youth/HS football receive up to $5,000 non-match.
• Player Foundation Grant Recognizes and supports the charitable work of current and former NFL players with nonprofit organizations. Open to players with foundations established for at least three years.
• NFL Club Community Grants Provides each of the 32 NFL clubs the opportunity to apply for grants supporting community efforts and activating national cause campaigns locally, including Social Justice, PLAY 60, Volunteerism, Crucial Catch, Salute to Service, Youth Football, Social Responsibility, Huddle Legacy, My Cause My Cleats, and International initiatives.
• Addressing Digital Divide and Access to Mental Health in Underserved Communities Grant Provides up to $10,000 per NFL club foundation to address barriers in two key areas of social justice impact: the digital divide and mental health in underserved communities.
• CPR Grant Program Provides clubs with up to $15,000 in grant funding for CPR education/training and to directly purchase or fund the purchase of AEDs for high school sports programs, with a minimum of $5,000 for CPR training and minimum $5,000 for AED purchases.
• Nike Youth Football Grant Through expanded partnership with Nike, provides up to $45,000 per club to activate in youth and high school spaces, including Boys High School Football ($10,000), Girls High School Flag ($10,000), Coaches Clinic ($5,000), and Indigenous Program ($20,000). Nike's five-year $3.2 million investment supports Indigenous youth football programs.
• NFL High School Football Coach of the Week Program that recognizes high school and flag football coaches who demonstrate hard work and dedication. Provides $1,000 grants to help maintain and upgrade high school football programs.
• Global Social Impact Program NFL Foundation's international philanthropy initiative supporting underserved youth globally by enhancing health, wellbeing and access to opportunities. Uses flag football as a vehicle to drive social impact in five global market communities: Australia, Brazil, Germany, Ireland, and Spain.

Quantifiable outcome

• 680+ community football fields built nationwide
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999LISC is the nation's leading community development support organization. The NFL Foundation-LISC Grassroots Field Grant Program provides up to $250,000 matching grants to nonprofit groups and schools in underserved communities. Over 25 years, the partnership has awarded $65 million+ supporting 450+ field projects nationwide.
• USA FootballcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1973USA Football is the sport's national governing body and NFL Foundation's primary youth football development partner. Founded in 2002 by the NFL and NFL Players Association, USA Football provides coaching certification, equipment grants, and manages the Football Development Model. NFL Foundation funding supports USA Football programs including First Down Camps, coaching education, and youth league development.
• American Heart AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNFL Foundation partners with American Heart Association for PLAY 60 youth health initiatives and CPR education. AHA receives grant funding to implement Kids Heart Challenge and provide schools with resources for physical activity and flag football programs.
• GENYOUthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGENYOUth leads the NFL FLAG-In-School program, making flag football accessible nationwide. Program has reached 17 million students in 30,000 K-12 schools with equipment kits and curriculum for daily physical activity.
• Kenneth Cooper Institute at Texas TechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplements FitnessGram Project to evaluate how NFL PLAY 60 programs affect youth health, fitness, and school environments. Provides evaluation of school-based flag football programming.
• Special OlympicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNFL Foundation supports and expands Special Olympics Unified Flag Football and Unified Sports programs, promoting inclusive play among athletes of all abilities.
• Korey Stringer Institute at University of ConnecticutcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManages Team Up for Sports Safety initiative to reduce catastrophic injuries among high school athletes. KSI collaborates with state policymakers to implement emergency action plans, AED requirements, and heat safety policies.
• Bob Woodruff FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of five primary military nonprofit partners in Salute to Service initiative. Since 2011, more than $73 million raised to support military families through BWF and other veteran service organizations.
• Pat Tillman FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSalute to Service military partner supporting service members, veterans, and their families through character-based leadership programming.
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSalute to Service military partner providing care to all who have lost a loved one in military service.
• United Service Organizations (USO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSalute to Service partner providing programs, services, and live entertainment to U.S. military personnel.
• Wounded Warrior ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSalute to Service military partner supporting wounded veterans with mental health, physical wellness, and career programs.
• American Cancer SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCrucial Catch partner for 16 years, supporting early detection and risk reduction through CHANGE grants. Has facilitated 762,000+ screenings in underserved communities.
• EVERFIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigital education provider powering Character Playbook (healthy relationships education) and 306 Black History course. Programs have reached 3 million+ students.
• NikecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpanded partnership provides up to $45,000 per NFL club for youth and high school football programs. Nike's five-year $3.2 million investment supports Indigenous youth football programs.
• Bay Area Host CommitteecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Super Bowl LX legacy giving, contributing $8.2 million for community impact including Sports For All hubs and Bridge to Work workforce program.
• 49ers FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-contributor to Super Bowl LX legacy grants. Partnering on Sports For All hub development at Townsend Field in Santa Clara, the largest contribution in 49ers Foundation history.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves1 record

Others

• GENYOUth: GENYOUth is a nonprofit founded by the NFL and national dairy farmers that delivers the FLAG-In-School program (17M students reached in 30,000 schools) using NFL Foundation grant funding. It is a downstream delivery partner rather than a competing foundation.
• NFL Players Association (NFLPA): The NFLPA is the labor union representing NFL players and co-founded the NFL Youth Football Fund (later merged into the NFL Foundation). It is a sister organization with overlapping player-facing programs but focuses on player rights, commercial licensing, and player welfare rather than league philanthropy.

Broad incumbents

• Gates Foundation: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest private grantmaking foundation in the United States, operating across health, education, and global development. While not a sports-affiliated peer, it represents the upper bound of grantmaking scale and donor-funded program delivery models relevant to NFL Foundation's aspirations in youth health and education.

Direct peers

• NCAA Foundation: The NCAA Foundation supports collegiate athletes and education-based athletics, analogous to NFL Foundation programs serving current/former players and the broader youth-football ecosystem. Comparable in grantmaking scope, donor base, and reliance on sport affiliation for fundraising leverage.
• NHL Foundation: The NHL Foundation is the National Hockey League's charitable entity supporting youth hockey, community programs, and education. Like the NFL Foundation, it pools league and club-level funding, runs recognition programs, and operates youth-development grant streams.
• PGA of America Foundation: The PGA of America Foundation operates junior golf programs, scholarships, and community initiatives through a national network of PGA professionals. Like the NFL Foundation, it leverages sport-affiliated professionals as program ambassadors and runs recognition-and-grant portfolios.
• US Soccer Foundation: The US Soccer Foundation is the charitable arm of U.S. Soccer, focused on building safe playing fields in underserved communities — directly comparable to the NFL Foundation's Grassroots Field Grant Program (680+ fields). Both compete for the same grantmaking niche and youth-sports infrastructure dollars.
• MLB Players Trust: The MLB Players Trust is the charitable arm of the MLB Players Association, supporting youth baseball, community programs, and disaster relief. It is structurally analogous to the NFL Foundation (player/league-affiliated grantmaking) and competes for the same corporate donor and youth-sports-program mindshare.
• NBA Foundation: The NBA Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Basketball Association, focused on economic empowerment in Black communities. It is the closest direct peer to the NFL Foundation in structure (league-affiliated 501(c)(3)), program areas (youth, social justice), and funding model (league + corporate partner contributions).

Emerging players

• USA Football: USA Football is the national governing body for youth football, founded by the NFL and NFLPA, and the NFL Foundation's primary delivery partner for coaching certification and First Down Camps. While it shares the same football-development mission, USA Football is an operational governing body rather than a grantmaking foundation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NFLFoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/national-football-league-foundation

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about NFL Foundation