The NFL Foundation/LISC Grassroots Program just announced that 17 cities across the country will receive grants totaling $3.05 million to build and refurbish neighborhood ball fields. This latest commitment brings the program’s total investment to nearly $43 million since its inception in 1998. The fields will offer safe and welcoming athletic space to low- and moderate-income communities in cities ranging from Buffalo to Jacksonville to Tempe, AZ.
This press release originally appeared on National Football League Foundation.
Community organizations, schools, and parks in 17 cities across the country will receive grants totaling $3,050,000 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 $43 million since 1998, supporting 322 projects nationwide.
This funding cycle will include new fields or field enhancements in Atlanta, Ga.; Baltimore, Md.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Capitol Heights, Md.; Clymer, Pa.; Dallas, Texas; Detroit, Mich.; Houston, Texas; Jacksonville, Fla.; Kansas City, Mo.; Long Island City, N.Y.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Oakland, Calif.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Saint Paul, Minn.; Tempe, Ariz.; and York, S.C.
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.
"These field refurbishments will ensure athletes have a safe place to come together, play with friends and enjoy the many benefits sports offer," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "The NFL Foundation and LISC remain committed to improving the quality and accessibility of fields for communities nationwide."
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. Each year, applicants who demonstrate a willingness to provide for continuing maintenance and field safety, and who seek to involve youth football programs that are part of the USA Football Heads Up Football initiative, are given special consideration.
In addition to the grants awarded by the NFL Foundation and LISC, ESPN is donating $100,000 to be used by grantees in Philadelphia, Pa., Baltimore, Md., Jacksonville, Fla. and Pittsburgh, Pa.
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.
"Our mission at LISC is to help build healthy and resilient communities of opportunity and choice – good places to live, work, do business, visit and raise families," said Maurice Jones, LISC president and CEO. "Developing quality recreational assets and experiences is a key part of that journey, and the NFL has been a committed partner in making that happen."