Player Matching Grants
Forecasted
Player Matching Grants support player-backed nonprofits, schools, and youth football organizations, funding community and social justice work and football resources to reduce barriers and promote safe play.
Funder: National Football League Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per matching grant; up to $5,000 in non-match funding for eligible NFL Legends coaching football
Summary: Supports NFL player-backed community, social justice, and youth football initiatives through matching grants and a non-match coaching option.
Key Information: Matching grants require a current or former NFL player's financial contribution and a 1:1 match in the application calendar year.
Description
The NFL Foundation’s Player Matching Grants support nonprofit organizations, schools, and youth football organizations on behalf of current NFL players and NFL Legends (former players). The program connects players’ charitable contributions with funding for community well-being, efforts to reduce barriers to opportunity, and safe participation in youth and high school football.
Community Support grants address issues including disease prevention, mental health, youth fitness, disaster relief, and other community needs. Social Justice grants prioritize education, criminal justice reform, community/police relations, and workforce and economic development, with strong consideration for grassroots leadership and community involvement. Youth & High School Football grants help nonprofit flag and tackle programs provide boys and girls with equipment and resources for safe play. A related non-match option recognizes NFL Legends’ time contributions as football coaches.
