Dallas Cowboys – Donation Request Program (2026)
In-Kind Donations for Nonprofit Auctions and Raffles
The Dallas Cowboys, through the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation, accept in-kind donation requests from nonprofit organizations holding charitable auctions and raffles.
Traditional donations may include autographed game-day programs, stadium or facility tours, signed photographs, and unsigned Dallas Cowboys merchandise packages.
Organizations must submit requests at least eight weeks before the scheduled fundraising event, and nonprofits may receive only one in-kind donation per calendar year.
Organization: Dallas Cowboys / Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation
Support Type: In-kind charitable donations
Best Use: Nonprofit auctions and raffles
Geographic Focus: No formal geographic restriction published on the donation request page
Application Timeline: Rolling
Required Lead Time: At least 8 weeks before the event
Request Limit: One in-kind donation per nonprofit per calendar year
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About the Funder
The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys describe their community service mission as helping individuals and communities that may lack the strength, resources, or means to help themselves.
The organization uses the visibility and resources of the Dallas Cowboys, its players, coaches, cheerleaders, staff, and ownership to support charitable causes and community initiatives.
The Foundation has partnered with DonationMatch to manage and validate nonprofit donation requests.
What This Program Provides
The Dallas Cowboys primarily provide in-kind donations that nonprofit organizations can use in charitable auctions and raffles.
Traditional donation items may include:
Autographed Game-Day Programs
Signed Dallas Cowboys programs may be provided for use in nonprofit fundraising events.
Stadium & Facility Tours
Depending on availability, organizations may receive Dallas Cowboys stadium or facility tour experiences that can be offered as part of an auction or raffle.
Signed Photographs
Autographed photographs may also be provided.
Merchandise Packages
Organizations may receive packages containing unsigned Dallas Cowboys merchandise.
The specific item provided is determined by the Dallas Cowboys and depends on availability.
Applicants should not assume that they will receive a particular player autograph, piece of memorabilia, experience, or merchandise package.
Items That Are Not Available
Because of extremely high demand, the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation does not provide certain popular items through the donation request program.
The Foundation is unable to donate:
- Game tickets
- Autographed helmets
- Signed jerseys
Organizations should not submit applications specifically requesting these items.
Eligible Organizations
The program is intended for nonprofit organizations conducting charitable fundraising activities.
The DonationMatch system is used to validate nonprofit organizations before requests are processed.
The strongest fit is an established nonprofit holding an:
- Auction
- Silent auction
- Raffle
- Gala with an auction component
- Other charitable fundraiser where an in-kind item will help generate revenue
Organizations should be prepared to provide nonprofit information and details about the scheduled fundraising event through DonationMatch.
Geographic Focus
The Dallas Cowboys donation guidelines do not publish a specific geographic eligibility restriction for this in-kind donation program.
The Cowboys and Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation maintain an especially significant philanthropic presence in North Texas, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and surrounding communities.
However, organizations should not assume that the in-kind donation request program is limited exclusively to North Texas unless the DonationMatch application determines otherwise.
Applicants should complete the eligibility process through the official application portal to determine whether their organization qualifies.
Dallas Cowboys Community Priorities
The donation request itself is designed primarily around nonprofit fundraising events rather than a formal list of eligible charitable causes.
However, the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation’s broader community outreach includes significant investment in areas such as:
Youth Health & Wellness
Programs helping children and young people live healthier, more active lives.
Youth Football & Athletics
The Cowboys support youth football, flag football, physical activity, and sports opportunities.
Education
The organization has invested in educational programming and opportunities for young people, particularly in North Texas.
Social Services & Basic Needs
The Cowboys maintain a longstanding partnership with The Salvation Army and support programs addressing food, shelter, domestic violence, veterans services, and other basic needs.
Social Justice & Community Opportunity
The organization participates in NFL Inspire Change and other initiatives focused on stronger and more equitable communities.
Military & Veterans
Salute to Service programs recognize and support service members, veterans, and military families.
Cancer Support
The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Hope Lodge in Dallas provides free lodging to cancer patients and caregivers traveling for treatment.
These broader priorities may provide useful context when describing an organization’s alignment with the Cowboys’ community mission.
Financial Assistance Is Not Available Through This Program
The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation does not provide financial assistance through this donation request process for:
- Event sponsorships
- Table purchases
Organizations looking for a corporate sponsor or a cash contribution for an event should therefore not use the in-kind donation request form for that purpose.
This opportunity is specifically designed to provide items that can help nonprofits raise money.
Application Timeline
📅 Application Timeline: Rolling / ongoing
📅 Minimum Lead Time: 8 weeks before the fundraising event
📅 Typical Fulfillment: Approximately 2–3 weeks before the event
📅 Request Limit: One in-kind donation per organization per calendar year
Organizations must provide at least eight weeks’ notice to be considered.
Approved donations are typically fulfilled approximately two to three weeks before the scheduled event date and will not be provided earlier.
Organizations should therefore plan their auction or raffle logistics accordingly.
One Donation Per Calendar Year
Nonprofit organizations may request:
One in-kind Dallas Cowboys donation per calendar year.
Organizations holding multiple fundraising events should select the event where a Cowboys item is most likely to generate meaningful charitable revenue.
All donation decisions are final.
Application / Request Process
The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation uses DonationMatch to receive, validate, and process nonprofit donation requests.
Organizations must submit their request through the DonationMatch portal rather than contacting the Cowboys directly for a standard auction or raffle donation.
Applicants should be prepared to provide information about:
- Nonprofit organization
- Charitable status
- Fundraising event
- Event date
- Type of fundraiser
- Organization mission
- Intended use of the donation
- Contact information
Donation Guidelines:
➡️ https://www.dallascowboys.com/community/donations
Direct DonationMatch Application:
➡️ https://my.donationmatch.com/companies/129670
Requests Outside the Standard Donation Program
Some charitable requests may not fit the standard auction or raffle donation process.
Examples include requests for:
- Fan packages
- Recognition letters
- Condolence letters
- Care packages
- Similar special requests
Organizations or individuals with one of these requests may contact the Cowboys Community Relations team at:
This email should not be used as a substitute for the DonationMatch application when requesting a traditional nonprofit auction or raffle donation.
Additional Dallas Cowboys Giving Opportunities
The Cowboys also operate separate philanthropic programs that should not be confused with the general in-kind donation request process.
Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation
The Foundation coordinates the broader community outreach and philanthropy of the Dallas Cowboys.
➡️ https://www.dallascowboys.com/community/jones-family-foundation/
Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation
The Arlington Youth Foundation provides matching grants to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth specifically within the City of Arlington, Texas.
Its priorities include:
- Football and athletics
- Health and wellness
- Education
- Arts
This is a separate cash grant opportunity with different eligibility requirements.
➡️ https://www.dallascowboys.com/community/arlington-youth-foundation/
Dallas Cowboys Community Programs
Organizations can learn more about the team’s broader community initiatives here:
➡️ https://www.dallascowboys.com/community/
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:
- Are recognized nonprofit organizations
- Are planning an auction or raffle
- Can submit at least eight weeks before the event
- Can benefit from sports memorabilia, merchandise, or an experience
- Have not already received a Cowboys donation during the current calendar year
- Are looking for an in-kind item rather than direct cash sponsorship
The Dallas Cowboys brand can make memorabilia and experiences valuable additions to nonprofit fundraising events.
Organizations should approach this as a fundraising enhancement opportunity rather than a traditional grant.
A strong request should clearly explain the organization’s charitable mission, the purpose of the event, and how proceeds generated through the donated item will benefit the community.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Support Type: In-kind donations
Application Timeline: Rolling
Minimum Lead Time: 8 weeks before the event
Typical Fulfillment: Approximately 2–3 weeks before the event
Request Limit: One in-kind donation per nonprofit per calendar year
Best Uses: Auctions and raffles
Typical Donations: Autographed game-day programs, stadium/facility tours, signed photographs, and unsigned merchandise packages
Not Available: Game tickets, autographed helmets, and signed jerseys
Cash Event Sponsorship: Not available through this program
Geographic Restriction: None specifically published on the donation guidelines page
Application Method: DonationMatch
Best Suited For: Nonprofits seeking a recognizable sports-related item or experience to generate charitable fundraising revenue
Key Strategy: Apply at least eight weeks in advance and use the request for the annual event where a Dallas Cowboys item could generate the greatest fundraising value.
