In a continued effort to provide support to the Western New York Community, the Buffalo Bills Foundation is now offering $500 grants to local non-profit organizations for a chance to start new NFL Flag Football programs.
The foundation, which has provided funds for organizations such as the Police Athletic League and Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the area to start NFL Flag Football programs, is hoping to further increase flag football participation among boys and girls in the area. Up to twenty $500 grants will provide $10,000 total in funding for organizations such as sports leagues, town recreation programs and schools to start NFL Flag Football programs this fall or next spring.
"We've put a lot of resources behind initiatives throughout Western New York to bring NFL Flag Football to kids across our region," explained Michelle Roberts, Program Officer, Buffalo Bills Foundation. "This grant opportunity provides an incentive and assistance to help support local non-profit organizations interested in adding a flag football program."
The NFL Flag Football initiative is one that the Buffalo Bills have supported in several ways over the years, explained Bills Senior Director of Community Relations & Youth Football Preston Teague.
"The NFL Flag Football initiative is something that we have focused on as a part of our youth football outreach," said Teague. "We think that it is a great way for boys and girls to learn the fundamentals of football in a fun and safe way. Our goal is to continue to increase participation in the NFL Flag Football program throughout Western New York and to support this we have hosted a number of different clinics, events, tournaments and the last two years we've sent a team to the NFL Flag National Championships in Orlando. We would like to see our NFL Flag Football program grow into one of the best in the country and opportunities like the Bills Foundation NFL Flag Football grant will help us get there."
For qualified organizations wishing to apply, please visit www.buffalobills.com/nflflag and fill out the form. The application deadline is Friday, Aug. 31.
