The NFL Foundation and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation have announced a significant investment in community football fields. Together, they will provide $3.15 million in grants for 15 cities and towns across the United States.
This initiative focuses on creating and renovating football fields in schools, parks, and neighborhoods.
LISC Grassroots Field Grant Program has been a community development pillar for 25 years. It addresses the need for safe, well-maintained spaces where youth can play and stay active.
This year, the program will bring much-needed improvements to locations such as Phoenix, AZ, Lamar, CO, and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Each project will bring exciting upgrades to its respective community. Fields will feature new irrigation systems, advanced lighting, and modern bleachers. Other additions include improved scoreboards, durable goalposts, and state-of-the-art turf.
These changes will enhance both the functionality and appearance of each space.
The Grassroots Field Grant Program has a remarkable history of impact. Since its start, nearly $65 million has been invested nationwide. This funding has led to the creation or refurbishment of 437 football fields, serving countless young athletes.
The NFL Vice President of Philanthropy, Alexia Gallagher, praised the program’s success. She emphasized the importance of helping youth stay healthy and active.
“We’re privileged to play a vital role in communities across the country,” she said.
Gallagher also expressed excitement about expanding the program’s reach in the future.
LISC works closely with local organizations to make these projects a reality. The program identifies schools and nonprofits in need of funding and technical support.
This collaboration ensures that fields meet the specific needs of each community.
The partnership empowers local agencies to take charge of construction, maintenance, and programming. It transforms these fields into lasting community assets, serving as hubs for recreation, connection, and growth.
The program’s focus on football fields stems from their unique role in community life. These fields are more than places to play. They foster teamwork, discipline, and a sense of belonging.
This year’s 15 cities and towns selected for funding reflect the program’s broad reach. Communities such as Covington, LA, Brooklyn, OH, and Spokane, WA will benefit greatly.
Other locations, like St. Francis, WI, and Baltimore, MD, will also experience significant improvements.
Each field will provide a safe and welcoming environment for youth and families. These spaces will host football games and other community activities, and the positive impact will extend beyond the field.
The NFL Foundation’s philanthropic work spans 50 years. It has grown into one of the most impactful charitable organizations in the United States. Its efforts include disaster relief, education initiatives, and programs like the Grassroots Field Grant.
This long-term commitment to giving back highlights the Foundation’s mission. By investing in communities, it creates opportunities for youth to thrive. The NFL Foundation’s work underscores the belief that sports can improve lives.
Each project is designed to ensure the fields remain in excellent condition for years. Proper maintenance and quality construction help maximize the investment’s value.
LISC plays a crucial role in guiding this process. It provides the expertise needed to complete these complex projects successfully, and this partnership guarantees that every dollar is used effectively.
Communities that receive these grants see immediate and long-term benefits. Youth gain access to safe, well-maintained fields where they can develop their skills, and families gain spaces to gather and celebrate local sports.
The NFL Foundation and LISC are committed to expanding the program’s impact. They plan to reach even more communities in the coming years. With each grant cycle, they continue to build on their legacy of creating opportunities.
Football fields often become central to their neighborhoods. They bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and pride. The Grassroots Field Grant Program ensures these spaces are accessible to everyone.
The program’s success reflects its focus on collaboration. Local organizations play a crucial role in shaping each project. This approach creates fields that meet real community needs.
As these new fields take shape, the excitement builds. The 15 communities selected this year represent just the latest chapter in the program’s story. Each project promises brighter futures for young athletes and their families.
For youth, these fields offer more than just a place to play. They provide opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed. The NFL Foundation and LISC make a lasting difference by supporting their development.
The NFL Foundation and LISC have shown what’s possible when organizations unite for a common goal.