Since today is Super Bowl Sunday, I thought I would share the great work done by NFL teams in their local communities. Many professional athletes have their own charitable foundations. They quietly do great work, filling a need they feel passionate about.
In addition to the individual players, the National Footbal League itself views community service as a “fundamental responsibility to uphold our legacy of community engagement and the highest standards of excellence.” –Roger Goodell
NFL Charities is a non-profit organization created by the 32 member clubs of the National Football League to enable the teams to collectively make grants to charitable and worthwhile causes on a national scale…
NFL Charities primary funding categories include:
- Sports-related medical research & education grants
- Player foundation grants in support of the philanthropic work of current and former NFL players
- Financial assistance for former NFL players in need via direct support to the NFL Player Care Foundation
- Impact grants to support national youth health and fitness’ education initiatives as part of a league-wide commitment to fight childhood obesity
- Team program grants which supplement the charitable and community activities of the 32 NFL clubs
What is your local team doing?
Click HERE, scroll to the bottom of the page and click your team’s logo. Below are the highlights of the team I’m hoping will win this year’s Super Bowl; the New York Giants!
The Giant strongly support the NFL’s “Play 60 Challenge,” encouraging children to be physically active at least 60 minutes a day. In partnership with the American Heart Association the NFL hopes to reduce childhood obesity. Players visit locals schools, inspiring children of all ages to be more active.
The team participates in “Rock & Wrap It Up,” collecting prepared but unserved food from the stadium and distributing it to The Bowery Mission in Manhattan, providing about 13,000 meals each year. The players also serve holiday meals at The Food Bank For A New York City, distribute groceries at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, and serve food at Eva’s Kitchen.
The Giants share the NFL’s emphasis on health and wellness by publicizing the need for organ donors, working with New Yrok Presbyterian hospital. Players mingle with blood donors at an annual blood drive. The Giants have also teamed up with Hackensack University Medical Center to raise funds for “Touchdown Fund: Score for Kids, Cardiac and Cancer.”
Throughout the year, the Giants positively impact the tri-state area by participating in many great events:
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- suppporting the United Way
- the Wounded Warrier Project
- Read Across America
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Special Olympics
- and many more.
Unfortunately, we don’t hear a lot about the charitable work that teams and players do. Take a few minutes and check out what your team is doing. They may not win every football game, but their communities win every time through their efforts. Good organizations, good people, doing good work.
