USA Football Grant Program Applications Now Open For 2016

Youth, middle school and high school football programs may apply now through April 20 for football equipment grants, field-building grants and automated external defibrillator (AED) grants from USA Football, the sport’s national governing body and a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Youth leagues that are 501(c)(3) compliant and schools may submit applications by 4:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 20, at http://www.usafootball.com/grants. Applications must be submitted online.

EQUIPMENT

Recipient programs redeem USA Football equipment grant funds through Riddell, the official helmet and protective equipment partner of USA Football. Equipment grants are valued up to $1,500 for youth organizations and up to $2,500 for high school programs, offering new equipment, uniforms, equipment reconditioning and flag football equipment to advance the fun and benefits of the sport. Based on need, merit and a program’s commitment to coaching education and best practices, USA Football will award more than $1.5 million in equipment grants this summer. USA Football’s equipment grant program is made possible through the NFL Foundation. The NFL Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of sports, youth football and communities.

ARTIFICIAL TURF

USA Football also will award eight $50,000 field-building grants this summer based on merit and need. Municipalities, school systems and tax-exempt youth leagues are eligible for field-building grants to be used toward the purchase of a FieldTurf synthetic field. FieldTurf, the global leader in the manufacturing of synthetic turf sports fields, is the official synthetic turf provider of USA Football.

AED PACKAGES

In partnership with Physio-Control, USA Football will award AED packages to five football programs. This annual grant program provides potentially life-saving equipment for organizations to keep onsite in case of cardiac emergency. Studies have shown that administering an AED soon after a cardiac event greatly increases the chance for survival. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of fatalities during exercise for U.S. children and teens. Physio-Control’s LIFEPAK CR Plus AED is the official AED of USA Football and its Heads Up Football program for high schools and youth organizations.

“With the strong support of our partners, USA Football’s grant programs help high schools and youth leagues continue to make positive differences in young people’s lives through the fun, fitness and inherent values of the sport,” USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Even with successful fundraisers and adhering to budgets, some organizations may find challenges in properly equipping their teams. We’re proud to help create great football experiences for the good of young athletes.”

About USA Football

USA Football (www.usafootball.com) evolves and grows the sport through innovative standards and best practices to advance coach and player development, participation and safety within the fun of the game and its inherent values. As the sport’s national governing body and member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football at www.facebook.com/usafootball or on Twitter @USAFootball.