The NFL Grassroots Program is a partnership between LISC and the National Football League to provide neighborhood-based organizations and middle and high schools with grants and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields. The program, funded by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, not only provides recreational opportunities: it acts as a catalyst for community redevelopment. Since 1998, the program has awarded $15 million in grants to over 100 community football fields nationwide serving more than 150,000 inner-city children.

Former Bay Area grant recipients include:

• Oakland Community Housing, Inc.: McClymonds High School in West Oakland and Oakland High in the Lower San Antonio
• Richmond Police Activities League: John F. Kennedy High School football field
• Good Tidings Foundation: Crocker Amazon Playground in San Francisco

Links and Resources

• Profile of Burton High School and its new football field. [PDF]
• September 12, 2007, archived webcast: "Get in the Game! Preparing Your NFL Grassroots Proposal"
• Program descriptions for NFL Grassroots and other national LISC youth programs