Falcons Youth Foundation

The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation (AFYF) was established in 1985 to serve as the philanthropic arm of the Atlanta Falcons. Since Arthur Blank acquired the Atlanta Falcons in 2002, AFYF has grown to be the largest owner-funded foundation in the National Football League, providing more than $16 million in grants to nonprofit organizations across the state of Georgia.

Learn more about the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation in the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Annual Report.

Grant Focus Areas
AFYF is taking the issue of childhood obesity head on by investing in nonprofit organizations that are moving school-age kids to spend more time every day in organized physical activity. If you have questions, please contact Lea Bond at 770.965.2726 or LBond@falcons.nfl.com.

Falcons Fitness Zones
In Fall 2005, AFYF launched its Signature Program -- the Falcons Fitness Zones (FFZ). Through a partnership with the Metro Atlanta YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County and other select organizations. This program seeks to raise the number of kids spending more time in organized physical activity year-round.

AFYF investments seek to increase opportunities for kids living in five neighborhoods designated as Falcons Fitness Zones. Through the Falcons Fitness Zones, the AFYF works with community partners to leverage existing physical fitness programs for youth, and enhance them through the strategic use of Atlanta Falcons resources.


2010 Grant Opportunities
For 2010, AFYF will focus on sustaining existing programs with current Falcons Fitness Zone partners, which are reaching more than 10,000 kids in Atlanta and Gainesville throughout the year. Funds for expansion or new ideas are limited, so the grant process is highly competitive. If your organization would like to share ideas for improving youth fitness in Georgia, please send a two-page summary to LBond@Falcons.nfl.com. From these, AFYF may invite select organizations to submit full grant applications.

Also in 2010, AFYF expects the National Football League to make at least one grant award for an athletic field development project. In partnership with LISC, the NFL Youth Football Fund makes field grants through its Grassroots Program annually in Atlanta and other NFL markets. Since 1998, the program has contributed $12.5 million to restore or build more than 100 community fields in more than 40 cities nationwide. To learn more about the Grassroots Program and how to apply, please visit the LISC site at http://www.lisc.org/section/goals/healthy/youth.


Falcons Fitness Zone Heroes
The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation honors community partners who go the extra yard in their work advancing the AFYF mission to promote youth fitness and help get Georgia’s kids fit. The first class of Falcons Fitness Zones Heroes are leaders in their respective communities and organizations, and serve as models for the thousands of kids reached through Falcons Fitness Zones programming. Click here for more information (PDF)

• Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation Fitness Heroes: Kaamel
• Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation Fitness Heroes: Monica
• Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation Fitness Heroes: La'Teef
• Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation Fitness Heroes: Patt & Linda
• Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation Fitness Heroes: Wilkie

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