NFL Foundation Grassroots Program (2026)
Capital Grants for Community Football Field Improvements in NFL Target Markets
The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program is a national community football fields initiative designed to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields in low- to moderate-income communities. The program is funded by the NFL Foundation and administered by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), which also provides technical assistance to selected projects.
This competitive program offers significant capital support for upgrading existing football facilities or creating new, safe, and accessible community fields that serve youth and neighborhood residents.
Organization: NFL Foundation (administered by LISC)
Support Type: Capital improvement grants (matching required)
Geographic Focus: NFL Target Markets only (specific cities, counties, and states aligned with NFL teams)
About the Funder
The NFL Foundation invests in programs that strengthen communities through youth development, health and safety, and access to high-quality recreational spaces. Through the Grassroots Program, the Foundation works with LISC to address the shortage of clean, safe, and well-maintained football fields in underserved neighborhoods while building long-term community infrastructure and partnerships.
What This Program Supports
The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program funds capital-only projects related to community football fields, with strong preference for projects that upgrade existing, heavily used, or under-resourced facilities.
Eligible project types include:
Field Surface Grants
- Synthetic turf field installation or resurfacing (up to $250,000; matching required)
- Natural grass/sod field resurfacing (up to $100,000; five-year maintenance plan required)
General Field Support
- Capital improvements not related to the playing surface (up to $50,000), such as:
- Bleachers
- Lighting
- Irrigation systems
- Fencing
- Scoreboards
- Restroom or locker room facilities
- Public address systems
Projects must demonstrate:
- Active and consistent field use
- Strong community partnerships
- A clear maintenance and safety plan
- Youth football participation aligned with USA Football standards
Eligible Support Types
- Capital improvement funding only
- Matching grants (minimum 1:1 match required for all funding levels)
Eligibility & Preferences
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, middle schools, or high schools
- Located in an eligible NFL Target Market
- Serving low- to moderate-income communities
- In existence for at least three years
- At least one full-time staff member (all-volunteer organizations are not eligible)
- Demonstrated experience in real estate development and/or parks programming
Additional preferences are given to projects that:
- Upgrade poor-condition or underutilized fields
- Exceed the minimum 1:1 matching requirement
- Involve partnerships with organizations such as Parks & Recreation Departments, YMCA branches, or USA Football
- Demonstrate long-term maintenance funding and safety planning
- Support youth football programs registered with and compliant with USA Football’s Football Development Model
Ineligible Applicants & Uses
The program does not fund:
- Individuals
- Colleges or universities
- All-volunteer organizations
- Public agencies (other than public middle or high schools)
- Operating expenses or ongoing maintenance
- Non-capital costs of any kind
Funding Amounts
- Up to $250,000 for synthetic turf field surface projects
- Up to $100,000 for natural grass/sod resurfacing projects
- Up to $50,000 for general field capital improvements
- All grants require at least a 1:1 local match
Timeline & Review
📅 Proposal Deadline: March 30, 2026 (no exceptions)
📅 Review Type: Competitive, single deadline
📅 Grant Type: Capital, matching funds required
Application / Request Process
Applications must be submitted by email and include all required narrative sections and attachments outlined in the RFP.
Submission Instructions:
- Email proposals as a single PDF attachment
- Do not include proposals in the body of the email
- Title the attachment with the Organization Name and Project Name
📧 Submit to: Sportsandyouthdevelopment@lisc.org
Apply / Learn More
➡️ https://www.lisc.org/our-initiatives/sports-recreation/nfl-foundation-grassroots-program/
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This program is a strong fit for organizations that:
- Serve low- to moderate-income communities in NFL markets
- Are planning major football field capital improvements
- Can secure matching funds and long-term maintenance commitments
- Use sports and recreation as tools for youth development and community building
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
- Review Type: Competitive, single deadline
- Deadline: March 30, 2026
- Best Suited For: Community-based nonprofits and eligible schools planning large-scale football field capital projects
