Player Matching Grants
The NFL Foundation's Player Matching Grants fund player-backed projects in social justice, community support, and youth football, supporting research and programs on health, education, and safety.
Funder: National Football League Foundation (https://www.nflfoundation.org)
Due Dates: September 30, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per grant; organizations and players may receive up to two grants per year (if from different players/organizations).
Summary: Supports nonprofits, schools, and youth football organizations in social justice, community support, and youth football, with funding backed by NFL players and Legends.
Key Information: 1:1 match required except for eligible former players coaching youth/high school football.
Description
The Player Matching Grants program, offered by the National Football League Foundation, provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and youth football programs. Funding is provided on behalf of current NFL players or NFL Legends who have contributed to these organizations. The grants are designed to empower players and Legends to support initiatives in three focus areas: Social Justice, Community Support, and Youth/High School Football. Eligible projects may address issues such as disease prevention, mental health, youth fitness, military appreciation, disaster relief, education, economic development, and youth football safety. The program typically requires a 1:1 funding match from the applicant, with special provisions for former players coaching youth or high school football.
