Do This Now (free, 15 min)
Enroll Jr Pacers with USA Football at usafootball.com/enrollment. AYF membership does not cover this — USA Football is separate, and enrollment is the gate to every grant. Spring 2026 already closed (Mar 10); the Fall window opens late summer and is announced by email to enrolled orgs. Enroll now so we're ready the day it opens.
Step 1 — Enroll (the prerequisite)
- Create an account at account.usafootball.com and add the organization.
- Complete the enrollment form: game types by age group, estimated athlete count (~100–190) and coach count.
- Upload 501(c)(3) proof — EIN + the IRS determination letter (on our NAS). Use our exact legal name "Jr Pacers Youth Football & Cheer" — a mismatch flags the app.
- Enrollment is instant and free.
Step 2 — Strengthen the application
Grants score on "involvement with USA Football programs." Get coaches through the Youth Coach Course ($19.50/coach via Enrollment Plus+). The more certified coaches on record, the higher we score. This doubles as real coaching-safety value.
Step 3 — Apply when the window opens
- Watch for the email + usafootball.com/grants (fall window, late summer).
- Apply from the enrolled org's dashboard (you can save & return).
- Provide: a physical shipping address (NO P.O. box — equipment ships freight), a financial profile (revenue: registration/fundraising/sponsorships/donations; expenses: equipment/uniforms), participation numbers, and a short narrative on need + commitment to player safety. Use the Packet narrative.
- Submit. Awards announced within ~4 weeks; equipment credit redeemed through Riddell.
Don't Get Rejected
- Enroll BEFORE applying — the application only appears after enrollment
- Use the exact legal name on 501(c)(3) docs (no "Jr." vs "Jr" mismatch)
- Physical shipping address, never a P.O. box
- Have coaches certified — zero certs weakens the merit score
- No outstanding USA Football invoices
Can't confirm without calling: exact fall 2026 dates, whether Guardian Caps are in the Riddell grant catalog, and whether Sadler/AYF satisfies their insurance commitment. Contact: grants@usafootball.com · 1-877-536-6822.
Our Enrollment Data — Ready to Enter
fill-in-the-blanksUpload at enrollment: the IRS determination letter (NAS → Legal Docs) + EIN. Name must read exactly "Jr Pacers Youth Football & Cheer." Then assign coaches to the Youth Coach Course before the fall window.
Also worth it: AED Grant
USA Football also grants Automated External Defibrillators to enrolled orgs (separate application at usafootball.com/grants/aed-grant). An AED at games is a real safety upgrade and a strong story for other funders too.