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NFL Player Matching Grants is a grant from the NFL Foundation that funds and recognizes the charitable work of current and former NFL players partnered with nonprofit organizations across the country. The program is open to current players and vested former players (under the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Retirement Plan) who work with or for established nonprofits that have operated for at least three years.
Grants are not matching in nature — applicants are not guaranteed funding — and awards may not be made to memorial foundations on behalf of deceased former players. The program supports NFL players' philanthropic efforts and community impact through partnerships with qualifying nonprofit organizations.
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Search similar grants →Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
Forgot password? | Register! Youth Football Access & Support 2024 Social Responsibility Annual Report 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) 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.
Current and former NFL Players with nonprofit organizations, or who work full time for a recognized nonprofit The application deadline is February 12, 2026. For more information about the NFL please visit these links: NFL. com NFL.
com/auction Community. nfl. com PlaySmartPlaySafe.
com NFLPlayercare. com Operations. nfl.
com
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Nonprofits, schools, and youth football programs. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Up to $5,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.