The Grassroots Program is designed to provide nonprofit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields.
Donor Name: National Football League Foundation
State: Selected States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/30/2026
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Funding Information
- There are two levels of funding available: 1) general field support (e.g., irrigation, bleachers, lights, etc.); and 2) field surface grants.
- General Field Support: applicants may submit requests of up to $50,000 for capital projects not associated with the actual field surface. This support includes the installation/refurbishment of bleachers, concession stands, lights, irrigation systems, etc.
- Field Surface Grants: Matching grants of up to $250,000 are available to help finance the resurfacing of a community, middle school, or high school football field. Matching grants of up to $250,000 will be available to applicants seeking to install new synthetic sports turf surfaces. The ability of these new surfaces to withstand constant use and require little ongoing maintenance costs makes this an attractive option for communities, schools, and youth groups to consider.
- A smaller number of matching grants of up to $100,000 will be available to help finance the resurfacing of a community, middle school or high school football field utilizing natural grass/ sod surfaces. If applicants choose to utilize natural grass/sod surfaces as opposed to the synthetic sports surfaces, a minimum five-year maintenance plan and corresponding financial budget must be provided to demonstrate that the applying organization will maintain the field despite projected wear and tear and potential overuse by youth sports participants. Funds from the Program may not be used to maintain field surfaces, as all grant funds must be used for capital expenditures.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible for the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, organizations applying for grant funds must meet all the criteria listed below:
- Be a community-based organization, middle school or high school serving a neighborhood consisting primarily of low and moderate-income families and individuals.
- Please note:
- Schools must demonstrate the ability of the community to also utilize the field.
- Universities and college campuses are not eligible to apply for NFL Foundation Grassroots grants and will not be considered for funding.
- Please note:
- Have at least one-full time staff (all-volunteer organizations will not be considered)
- Be in existence for at least three years.
- Have a proven track record in real estate development and/or parks programming.
- Have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status/school status; and
- Located in an NFL Target Market.
For more information, visit NFL Foundation.
