A partnership between the NFL and the non-profit organization United Way began as far back as 1973. This partnership is still active today. The partnership aimed to help build healthier, stronger communities. Here are some other ways in which the NFL gives back to society.
The NFL Foundation
The NFL Foundation is a non-profit organization geared to improving the athletes’ health, safety, and wellness across all levels. It champions youth football development by funding USA Football, the national governing body of the sport. The foundation has been at the forefront of giving financial support and resources to football teams affected by natural disasters.
The NFL Foundation also gives grants to charitable organizations supported by NFL legends and current players. This includes the Legends Impact Grant, a new Player Foundation Grant program’s component.
Fans are happy to support the NFL Foundation because of the great pleasure they get from watching NFL games. They also enjoy football betting and can now place bets legally through online sportsbooks.
Building and supporting a stronger society
Through strategic partnerships with other goal-driven organizations, the NFL Foundation has various initiatives to help middle and high school students.
InSideOut initiative
This initiative supports far more than just the development of physical skills. Through intentional coaching, supportive leadership, and well-defined pathways, young football players build moral character and empathy. They learn how to resolve conflict and make better decisions. This makes their lives more productive and benefits the communities they live in.
Character Playbook
This initiative is a digital social and emotional learning program. It started in 2016 in partnership with United Way and EVERFI, a leading digital education provider. The initiative uses evidence-based strategies to show students how to develop and sustain healthy relationships throughout their middle school years.
The 306 Program
The 306 program is EVERFI’s digital education program for high school students on African American history. It shares accomplishments in arts, sciences, sports, etc., inspiring young African American students. Over 170 high schools have access to this resource. Sponsorship of the program is part of the NFL’s Inspire Change program. It also serves as a substantial civic education tool and encourages young people to vote.
Giving back to causes
The NFL Foundation supports the American Cancer Society through its annual cancer awareness initiative. It donates to military non-profits such as the Wounded Warrior Project, T.A.P.S., the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Social justice grants
The NFL Foundation has been responsible for awarding 520 social justice grants in the past year. These grants have gone to both current players and NFL legends. Since 2017, it has awarded nearly 650 grants. Organizations working in social justice and equality have received over $3 million.
Youth and high school football grants
Many youngsters can learn more about football through the NFL Foundation’s partnerships and grant programs. It goes further than this as they get in good physical shape, learn, and grow in other ways.
The top 50 NFL draft prospects will soon be heading into the on-field events and workouts at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. It’s a reminder of the quality of these young athletes and why NFL games are so popular.
The NFL Foundation’s programs help more than just prepare young footballers to play professional football. It provides youth football participants with programs and initiatives that help with character-building. They not only improve their sports skills but their academic and life skills too so that they can impact their communities.