About the Program

The NFL Foundation recognizes and supports the charitable work of current and former NFL players with nonprofit organizations around the country. The NFL Player Foundation Grant program is open to current and former NFL players with nonprofit organizations, or who work full time for a recognized nonprofit, that has been established for at least three years. 

For former NFL players, only those vested under the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Retirement Plan are eligible for funding consideration. NFL Player Foundation Grants may not be awarded to memorial foundations on behalf of deceased former players.

This is NOT a matching grant. Applicants are not guaranteed funding, and those applying should not consider potential NFL Foundation grant dollars in their annual planning or budgeting. When applying for this grant consider that your foundation must be able to plan and execute all programs, activities and events regardless being awarded an NFL Foundation grant. 

**PLEASE NOTE: if your foundation cannot operate without NFL Foundation funding, you cannot apply for this grant. 

The applying organization must be defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or Section 509 of the IRS Code. (For players who have established donor advised funds with local community foundations, the NFL Foundation will only support those community foundations recognized by the Council on Foundations and practicing under National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. See www.cof.org for more information). Please note that the NFL Foundation will not review applications for organizations who do not have proof (an IRS determination letter) of tax-exempt status. An organization’s application for tax-exempt status is not considered proof.

Who Can Apply 

• Current and former NFL Players with nonprofit organizations, or who work full time for a recognized nonprofit

Important Dates

Application deadline is February 28, 2024.