More than $23 million in grants to be awarded in 2013
DALLAS, Dec. 12, 2012 – Youth football, health and safety, and community will be the focus areas of the newly created National Football League Foundation. NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL announced the formation of the new organization today at an NFL meeting in Dallas.
Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan was named by Goodell as one of seven board members to the NFL Foundation, which will award more than $23 million in grants in 2013 to support youth and high school football programs, health and safety efforts, as well as community health initiatives, including NFL PLAY 60.
"We are proud of the NFL's long-standing history of giving back to communities," said Commissioner Goodell. "The board of our new foundation is a passionate group of individuals who will help to ensure the NFL continues to be a leader in philanthropy."
The announcement follows the restructuring of the NFL's previous charitable arms -- NFL Charities and the NFL Youth Football Fund. As a result of this change, the NFL will be able to devote more resources to its goal of making a difference in the lives of those touched by football – from players at all levels of the game to the broader community.
Khan and his wife Ann have focused their philanthropic giving in the Jacksonville community through the Jaguars Foundation, which has provided more than $1 million in grants in 2012 to children's and family programs, as well as other NFL and teamrelated initiatives. The Foundation has also donated more than 11,000 charitable tickets with an in kind value of nearly $500,000.
The Khans' charitable initiatives also include a seven-figure commitment to the City of Jacksonville as a partner in the Mayor's initiative to military men and women, and their families, transitioning back to civilian life after completing their military service.
The Khans also made a challenge matching grant to the North Florida Boy Scouts and similar contributions to fund Play 60 grants to schools and nonprofits, in partnership with Baptist Health, as well as grants to support of neighborhood renewal and community improvements.
"I'm flattered to be asked by Commissioner Goodell to be among the first to serve the NFL Foundation, and naturally I'm proud to accept the invitation and get to work," Khan said. "I'm certain we will accomplish many good things through the NFL Foundation. We have an opportunity and obligation to make a difference in three key areas that I am personally passionate about – youth football, health and safety, and making a sincere investment in our communities – and our time to make that difference is now."
Joining Khan on the NFL Foundation board are:
• CHARLOTTE JONES ANDERSON, Executive Vice President/Vice President of Brand Management/ President of the
Charity Foundation, Dallas Cowboys
• MICHAEL BIDWILL, President, Arizona Cardinals
• MARY OWEN, Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning, Buffalo Bills
• MIKE REINFELDT, Senior Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, Tennessee Titans
• ARTHUR J. ROONEY II, President, Pittsburgh Steelers
• LEONARD WILF, Owner/Vice Chairman, Minnesota Vikings
"I am in extremely impressive company on the NFL Foundation board, making the honor of this appointment all the more meaningful to me and my family," Khan said.
The National Football League Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation represents the 32 NFL clubs and supports the health and safety of athletes, youth football, and the communities which support our game.
For more information on The National Football League Foundation, visit: www.NFL-Foundation.org.
