The Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation (AFYF) was established in 1985 to serve as the philanthropic sect of the Atlanta Falcons football team. AFYF has grown to be the largest owner-funded foundation in the National Football League since Arthur Blank acquired the team in 2002, and it has provided more than $17 million in grants to non-profit organizations in Georgia.
AFYF provides grants to non-profit organizations that demonstrate interest in reducing childhood obesity and improving fitness among children in Georgia. AFYF directs most of its grants to organizations in the Atlanta and Gainesville neighborhoods as they serve as Falcons Fitness Zones. In particular, AFYF seeks innovative ways to encourage children to be active. Partners may serve kids at after-school programs or at school during the school day. Instead of enforcing certain physical activities, AFYF provides countless opportunities for children to participate in a variety of activities like dance, volleyball, jump rope, swimming and mountain biking. Additionally, AFYF provides grants to organizations that are pursuing new ways for Georgia kids and families to gain increased access to healthy, affordable food.
In Fall 2005, AFYF launched its core program, the Falcons Fitness Zones (FFZ). AFYF has partnered 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 fitness program seeks to gather more children to spend time in organized physical activity year-round. AFYF has five neighborhoods designated as Falcons Fitness Zones and hopes to reach at-risk youth in these areas. Through the Falcons Fitness Zones, AFYF works with community partners to enhance existing fitness programs through the strategic use of Atlanta Falcons resources.
Learn more about the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation at www.atlantafalcons.com
