136 Schools Nationwide Awarded Grants to Boost Student and Faculty Health

The American Heart Association and NFL team up to provide funding for physical activity equipment, programs, and well-being resources.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:39pm by Ben Kaplan

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The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have selected 136 schools nationwide to receive grants through the Kids Heart Challenge, American Heart Challenge, and NFL PLAY 60 programs. The $350,000 annual funding pool will support initiatives to promote physical activity, inclusive physical education, and overall well-being for students and faculty.

Why it matters

Physical activity is crucial for students' physical and emotional health, but most youth are not getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. These grants aim to provide schools with the resources to create more opportunities for movement and support student and faculty well-being.

The details

The grants will fund four key areas identified by schools and educators: physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. The program builds on the existing Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge school grant program established by the American Heart Association.

  • The grant recipients were announced at an NFL PLAY 60 school assembly held at Lawton Alternative School in San Francisco, California on February 4, 2026.
  • Another group of grant recipients will be announced in April 2026.

The players

American Heart Association

A relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.

National Football League (NFL)

The professional American football league that is providing $350,000 in annual funding for the grant program.

Nancy Brown

Chief executive officer of the American Heart Association.

Megan Mendoza

Senior Manager of Social Responsibility at the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“Every student deserves the chance to learn, grow and feel their best throughout the school day. By expanding this grant program, we are helping schools create more moments of movement and more spaces where kids feel supported in both their physical and emotional well-being.”

— Nancy Brown, Chief executive officer of the American Heart Association (heart.org)

“For two decades, NFL PLAY 60 has been committed to helping kids lead healthier, more active lives, and this year's expanded grant program reflects that commitment in an even larger way. We're proud to work with the American Heart Association to give schools across the country the tools and resources they need to inspire movement, strengthen well‑being and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

— Megan Mendoza, Senior Manager of Social Responsibility, NFL (heart.org)

What’s next

Another group of grant recipients will be announced in April 2026.

The takeaway

This grant program demonstrates a commitment from the American Heart Association and NFL to provide schools with the resources and support needed to promote physical activity, inclusive physical education, and overall well-being for students and faculty nationwide.