Five Indiana Schools Awarded American Heart Association Grants

Clinton Central Elementary among recipients to promote student physical activity and faculty well-being

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The American Heart Association and the NFL have selected 136 schools nationwide, including five in Indiana, to receive Kids Heart Challenge, American Heart Challenge, and NFL PLAY 60 grants totaling $6,500 to help promote physical activity and well-being for students and faculty.

Why it matters

Physical activity is vital for students' physical and emotional health, yet most youth do not get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. These grants aim to create more opportunities for movement and support in schools, which can have a positive impact on learning, concentration, and stress management.

The details

The five Indiana schools receiving grants are Clinton Central Elementary School, Franklin Square Elementary School, How the Wildflowers Grow Learning Center, Wanamaker Early Learning Center, and West Crawford Elementary School. The grants will help these schools implement programs like Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, which teach students and families about healthy habits like eating smart, managing stress, and learning Hands-Only CPR.

  • The grant applications are accepted year-round, with another group of recipients to be announced in April.

The players

American Heart Association

A nonprofit organization that focuses on cardiovascular health and provides grants to schools to promote physical activity and well-being.

National Football League (NFL)

A professional American football league that has partnered with the American Heart Association to support the NFL PLAY 60 program, which encourages youth physical activity.

Terri Ruff

Board chair for the American Heart Association in Indianapolis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Supporting the well‑being of students and educators isn't just an investment in schools — it's an investment in entire communities. This grant program helps schools create more moments of movement and more spaces where kids feel supported in both their physical and emotional well-being, creating habits to help them live longer, healthier lives.”

— Terri Ruff, Board chair, American Heart Association in Indianapolis (carrollcountydailynews.com)

What’s next

Another group of grant recipients will be announced in April.

The takeaway

These grants from the American Heart Association and NFL demonstrate a commitment to improving the physical and emotional well-being of students and faculty in Indiana schools, which can have far-reaching benefits for the entire community.