- A Social Justice Working Group—comprised of 5 players from the Players Coalition and 5 owners—makes funding decisions on social justice grants in four key areas—education, economic advancement, police-community relations and criminal justice reform. Since 2017, the Working Group have approved more than $47.5 million in grants to more than 40 non-profit organizations. A list of current and previous grant partners is here.
- Grants are issued twice a year—in the springtime for grant renewals of existing grant partners, and in the late fall/early winter for new grant partners.
- Only non-profits are eligible to receive grants.
- Interested non-profits should fill out the following form: https://sjgrantplayerscoalition.nflfoundation.org/enus/grant-idea Filling out this form is a mandatory first step. Please note that Fall 2024 grant cycle is closed and that submissions will be considered next in Fall 2025.
- Non-profits who fill out the form will be contacted if there is a potential fit for their program or idea.
- Please note that not every submission will receive a response, and that by submitting information or materials, you and anyone acting on your behalf, agree that any such information or materials will not be considered confidential or proprietary.
- Organizations with additional questions may email social.justice@nfl.com.
Grantmaking decisions are made based on a number of factors, including but not limited to:
How many organizations are being funded in each of the above-mentioned four Inspire Change pillars.
Areas of focus within each pillar.
- Education: Fostering Mentorship for Better Outcomes in Education and Beyond
- Economic Advancement: Advancing Access to Financial Literacy and Career Pipelines
- Police and Community Relations: Creating Changes in Policing through Law Enforcement-Community Collaboration and alternative crisis responders
- Criminal Justice Reform: Providing Transition Support for the Formerly Incarcerated and Advocating for Key Reforms to the Criminal Legal System
Geography—National or local reach of each non-profit.
Number of individuals served.
Organization size.