About the Program

The National Football League Foundation supports current and former NFL players and coaches who organize and host free, non-contact youth football camps during the summer. This program recognizes NFL players and coaches who give back to communities in their hometowns or team cities while also providing positive examples for young football participants by emphasizing sportsmanship and involvement in community-wide charitable projects.

Please read below carefully as there have been significant changes to the Camp Grant Application process in 2024. For further information please click here to view the 2024 Camp Grant Application Guide. YOU MUST SELECT ONE (1) OPTION FOR YOUR 2024 YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP.

OPTION 1.) 2024 USA FOOTBALL FIRST DOWN YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP APPLICATION

The NFL Foundation STRONGLY RECOMMENDS applicants utilize this option. You will receive your grant funding/reimbursements more quickly as well as receiving excellent service and resources from USA Football. Maximum grant award of $2,500.

ALL applications will be sent to USA Football upon submission. This application is for current and former NFL players and coaches interested in hosting a USA Football First Down Camp. First Down introduces kids to football in a fun, free and friendly way. No helmets, no pads, no cost. It’s designed to provide collateral for a ready-to-execute, non-contact youth football clinic at your desired facility.

The objective is simple: make it easy for caring NFL players and coaches to provide a positive football development experience to children in their communities. And make it fun for kids and parents.

OPTION 2.) TRADITIONAL CAMP GRANT

Please select this option if you do not wish to receive any additional support and would only like a financial award to support your free, non-contact, youth football camp. Maximum grant award is $2,000.

Please note, that traditional grant recipients may not receive funding until well after the completion of your camp. 

PLEASE NOTE: The NFL Foundation recommends that MOST and ALL first-time applicants apply for the USA Football First Down camp grant. This customizable camp is offered through USA Football and gives players assistance in providing a positive football development experience to children in your community.

Who Can Apply

• Current NFL players
• Former NFL players who:
  • Are vested under the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Player Retirement Plan
  • Will host a camp associated with a nonprofit organization or school
• Current NFL coaches (head, assistant, special teams, etc.)
• Former NFL coaches (head, assistant, special teams, etc.) who will host a camp associated with a nonprofit organization and/or school

Please note that the NFL Foundation will not review applications for any players or coaches who have not completed grant reports (formerly known as evaluations) for past grants.

Important Dates

The appliction deadline is April 15, 2024.