Atlanta 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 $14 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 has committed nearly $3 million over a three-year period 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.

Falcons Fit & Green Initiative
The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, in partnership with Safeplay Systems and Nike, are leading a $600,000 “Falcons Fit & Green” initiative, which will support development of up to 10 green playgrounds in Metro Atlanta.

The “Falcons Fit & Green” initiative advances the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation’s mission to improve youth fitness across Georgia, and goes hand-in-hand with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation’s Inspiring Spaces program, which works to promote green practices and to increase access to great public spaces.  Please visit the AFYF grants application page to apply.

Organizations interested in applying for a “Falcons Fit & Green” grant are invited to attend a Grantee Workshop on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at the Arthur M. Blank Family Office.  Interested organizations should RSVP by noon on Friday, August 1, 2008, to LBond@Falcons.nfl.com.

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)

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