Since 1998, the NFL Foundation and LISC have joined forces to build and refurbish over 330 neighborhood football fields across the US through the NFL Grassroots Program. On Thursday, the latest 14 cities receiving grants totaling $3 million were announced. Our CEO, Maurice Jones, reiterated the importance of the program, stating “quality recreational opportunities significantly increases the assets of neighborhoods and the well-being of the people who live there.”
NFL/LISC GRASSROOTS PROGRAM GRANTS MORE THAN $3 MILLION IN LATEST GRANT CYCLE FOR NEW AND REFURBISHED COMMUNITY FOOTBALL FIELDS IN 14 CITIES
Nearly $46 Million Committed Since 1998, Supporting 336 Projects Nationwide
Community organizations, schools, and parks in 14 cities across the country will receive grants totaling $3,000,000 to build or refurbish neighborhood football fields, the NFL announced today.
The NFL Foundation/LISC Grassroots Program – a partnership between the NFL Foundation and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the nation’s leading community development support organization – has committed nearly $46 million since 1998, supporting 336 projects nationwide.
This funding cycle will include new fields or field enhancements in Aurora, Colo.; Burien, Wash.; Camden, N.J.; Chicago, Ill.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Houston, Texas; Jacksonville, Fla.; Kansas City, Mo.; Lawrenceville, Ga.; McKees Rocks, Pa.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Saint Paul, Minn.; San Diego, Calif.; and Toledo, Ohio.
Fields are newly built or significantly renovated, with improvements including irrigation systems, lights, bleachers, scoreboards, goal posts and turf. Grassroots grants are issued once established funding thresholds are reached for each project.
“The NFL is pleased to continue our work with LISC to improve the quality and accessibility of fields across the country,” said Executive Director of the NFL Foundation ALEXIA GALLAGHER. “These field refurbishments will benefit many young athletes and the communities they come from, providing a safe and fun space for them to play.”
In an effort to incorporate and improve health and safety on community football fields, the NFL Foundation and LISC have collaborated with USA Football, the sport’s national governing body in the United States and a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Each year, applicants who demonstrate a willingness to provide for continuing maintenance and field safety, and who seek to involve youth football organizations that are part of USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, are given special consideration.
LISC identifies local, nonprofit, community-based agencies that have an interest in building or refurbishing football fields in schools and neighborhood parks. Through the program, local agencies are provided with necessary financing and technical assistance to improve the quality and safety of fields in their communities. The agencies oversee the construction, maintenance and programming of the fields.
“Congratulations to all the recipients! We are grateful to the NFL Foundation for its 20-year partnership with LISC and its unending commitment to improve the lives of residents in communities across the country,” said MAURICE A. JONES, President and CEO of LISC. “Providing quality recreational opportunities significantly increases the assets of neighborhoods and the well-being of the people who live there. We look forward to continuing our work with the NFL Foundation to forge healthy, resilient communities of opportunity and choice – good places to live, work, do business, visit and raise families.”
About the NFL Foundation
The National Football League Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation represents the 32 NFL clubs and supports the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football, and the communities which support our game. For more information on the NFL Foundation visit NFLFoundation.org.
About LISC
With residents and partners LISC forges resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America- great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families. Since 1980, LISC has invested $18.6 billion to build or rehab 376,000 affordable homes and apartments and develop 63 million square feet of retail, community and educational space- including athletic facilities and other recreational space.