We care about young people both on and off the field, which is why youth football is a top priority for the NFL and its players. In 1998, the NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) formed the NFL Youth Football Fund (YFF) — a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation which supports the game at the youth level, promotes positive youth development and ensures the health of football in future generations.
Through the YFF, hundreds of thousands of youngsters have been given the opportunity to learn the game of football, get physically fit, and stay involved in productive after-school activities with adult mentors. The YFF also provides youth football participants with safe and accessible places to play, as well as programs and initiatives that address the importance of proper coaching, health and safety, academic and life skills development.
How it Works
The scope of YFF support includes formal grant programs, public policy advocacies, curriculum development, and working with USA Football – the sport’s national governing body — regarding the standardization of policies and procedures.
Formal YFF grant programs exist as an important grassroots youth football development strategy. Each program includes its own set of eligibility criteria and requirements. In many cases, these programs focus on NFL clubs and current and former NFL players to help advance and support youth and high school football initiatives nationwide. For more information on YFF grant programs, please click here.
About the Grant Application Process
The YFF is pleased to provide eligible grant applicants with a paperless, streamlined and user-friendly online grant application process. The YFF Grant Application Management System (G.A.M.S.) provides Grant applicants with an easy-to-use interface that requires minimal technical know-how.
