The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have announced the second round of grants for 2026, awarding $350,000 to 188 schools in 45 states through the Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge. The funding, provided by the NFL through the NFL PLAY 60 campaign, aims to address critical needs in student health and emergency preparedness.
Approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States live with obesity, and the same number get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, according to the American Heart Association. The grants are designed to support schools in providing health-focused resources and cardiac emergency readiness tools that might otherwise be unattainable. “Educators know what their students need to thrive, and this grant program is designed to help them get there,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “We are grateful to the NFL’s support in helping to ensure that children everywhere have equal opportunities to live longer, healthier lives.”
The NFL PLAY 60 grants support specific areas identified by schools, including physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements, inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. The initiative, rooted in science, encourages kids to get at least 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
In addition to the grants, the American Heart Association and NFL are partnering during the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to attempt a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the most people to complete CPR training in one hour. The feat, supported by Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s foundation and social media personality Doctor Mike, will take place on Friday, April 24, from 1-2 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. The effort aims to encourage participation in the Nation of Lifesavers by teaching Hands-Only CPR. Registration is free at heart.org/NFLDraft.
NFL mascots from the NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador Class, including Freddie Falcon (Atlanta Falcons), Gumbo (New Orleans Saints), Rampage (Los Angeles Rams), Roary (Detroit Lions), Rowdy (Dallas Cowboys), Sir Purr (Carolina Panthers), and T-Rac (Tennessee Titans), are also working to inspire kids to move more for mental and physical well-being.
Grant applications are accepted year-round, with the next group of recipients to be announced in June. More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities is available at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
