1. w w w . J o i n t h e t e a
Presented by:
Karol Alvarez
Matt Brandes
Tushar Bulsara
Michael Roman
Augie Santa Maria
2. www.jointheteam.com
Founded in 1973
Grants greater than $100 million to over 300
organizations
Roger Goodell, President
$10 million each year donated to
organizations such as Boys and Girls of
America and American Heart Association
3. www.jointheteam.com
“NFL Charities, founded in 1973, is a non-
profit organization created by the member
clubs of the National Football League to
enable the teams to collectively make grants
to charitable and worthwhile causes on the
national level. Since its inception, NFL
Charities has granted more than $100 million
to over 300 different organizations.”
4. www.jointheteam.com
Sports-related medical research grants
Player foundation grants in support of current and former NFL
players’ philanthropic work
Youth health and education grants
Supplementing the philanthropic work of our 32 member clubs
Financial assistance to former NFL players who are in need
7. www.jointheteam.com
Ties with the most profitable sport on the
planet
Strong community ties
Expanding to new Demographics
Volunteer Programs
Youth Health and Fitness
Player Foundation Grants
11. www.jointheteam.com
League Visibility
Can Grant-Making Organizations Compete?
Competitive Landscape & Challenges
◦ NFL Player Support
◦ Media Attention/Coverage
◦ Public Recognition
13. www.jointheteam.com
Human Resources
Corporate Development
Communication and Government Affairs
Public Relations
Community Affairs
Football Development/Game Operations
Officiating & Game Operations
NFL Youth Football
Internal Audit
Few people would equate the notion of grant-giving foundations with the very fundamentals of direct competition, yet these nonprofit entities do compete, much like any for-profit business. They struggle for an identity to promote their brands and work tirelessly to differentiate their name in a crowded marketplace (The Charity Sweepstakes, 2006). Competition emphasizes an approach to securing the resources necessary for a nonprofit to advance its mission. Through a well-rounded competitive strategy, nonprofit organizations can secure the resources and opportunities most appropriate to meet their programs’ objectives.
In recent years, competition has become an important concern for most nonprofit organizations. Not only must a nonprofit organization be concerned about competition from other nonprofits, but they must also face competitive challenges from for-profit business organizations (White, 2003).
The way in which the NFL charities competes with other foundations differs in terms of the resources it is competing for. Although, the NFL Charities does not receive public funding from donors, it does receive donations from current and former NFL players. When put in that context, the NFL Charities must compete with other organizations for NFL player’s support, as players might seek to provide charitable donations to other organizations outside of the NFL charities programs.
NFL Charities, however, does not compete for customers, but instead NFL Charities competes for media attention and public recognition.
Some of the most notable NFL Charities’ competitors for media coverage are the Major League Baseball Charities, National Basketball Association Charities, and National Hockey League Charities among others.
There are both positive and negative potential consequences associated with the particular competitive environment that the NFL Charities faces. Some of the consequences of competitiveness that NFL Charities might experience are similar to those associated with competitiveness in the business world. In each sector, the particular nature of the competitive environment in which various organizations must compete for limited resources brings both special opportunities and concerns.
Competition can bring a focus and strength to nonprofit’s efforts, but in each sector there are also potential downsides if competitive forces are not balanced by striving for something bigger. In the business world, that might be a legacy, a technological revolution, or a founder's personal goal. In the nonprofit world, the task of identifying the "something bigger" is much easier, even automatic; for an organization's mission, but often that “something bigger” can be overshadowed by the desired to give charity just for the media coverage.
This is something that is not peculiar just to the NFL Charities, as all nonprofit and for-profit organization are searching for what we can call “good-publicity”, through being involved in charitable events. Often times, NFL players seek to redeem themselves in the eyes of their fans by working with a charity, but at times these players become involved just for a photo-opportunity and sometimes they don’t follow through with their support, putting in jeopardy the nonprofit organizations that they support.
The landscape of NFL Charities differs from that of other nonprofit organizations in that nonprofit organizations compete for the full array of resources it needs and is generally considered by its community, customers, third-party payers, and other constituents to be an excellent actor in its field, NFL Charities on the other hand, will attract other people who are interested in helping to advance its cause in a variety of ways. Potential board members, and staff who feel their skills and passion will be put to good use will be inclined to contribute their efforts to a successful nonprofit, advancing their active participation in the community while benefiting the nonprofit and its mission.
Competition is a critical dynamic in your nonprofit's strategic life. It brings the possibility of helping organizations to stand out from the crowd, and it can lead to better organizational efforts and better outcomes. A range of options on both sides of the spectrum of collaborative and competitive relationships is necessary for success.
Good Publicity
An example an NFL player who has a very strong Christian faith is quarterback Kurt Warner. He was the starting quarterback of the St. Louis Rams who won the Super Bowl and appeared on 2 different occasions, as well as being awarded Super Bowl MVP. He has been very outspoken about his Christian beliefs. He serves God by serving others in his community. The former football player became legendary for spreading the word of God. Kurt founded his own charity called First Things First Foundation. He gave tickers to the Sunshine Foundation of St. Louis when he was with the Rams so that 20 people could attend each home game. He, his wife, Barbara, and their four children ate with the 20 attendees before each game. Many of the recipients of the tickets are very poor. Warner also takes his guests with him to church on Sundays (White, 2007).
Bigger Picture
As many football fans have come to believe, there is little doubt that Tom Brady will make it to the hall of fame. He has led the New England Patriots to three Superbowls and almost a perfect season in 2007. What many may not know is that New England superstar Tom Brady is a generous helper through NFL Charities which includes fighting hunger in Africa to providing sports equipment to those with physical disabilities. Even though he has not established a charity of his own, he has been an enormous asset to many others. An example is in helping two charities; Tom Brady went on an 8 day trip to Ghana and Uganda to visit health clinics and schools. This trip resulted in actively encouraging Americans to lobby Congress for a 1% increase in humanitarian aid to the developing world.
The Human Resource department is the initial point of contact for all NFL employees from the moment of application. This department oversees hiring, compensation, development, and dismissing of employees. HR operations support various responsibilities such as recruiting, employee relations, and the internship program.
The Corporate Development department works closely with the Executive Management in the evaluation and execution of transactions for the league. This department also assists in identifying and implementing league business opportunities and developing strategic initiatives. This department also leads the involvement in stadium development.
The department that deals with the NFL Charities subsidiary is Communication and Government affairs. This department is the NFL’s voice to the public and media. This critical area is responsible for publicizing all activities involving the NFL including games, clubs, and its players. The duties in this department also included interacting with government agencies and NFL related political affairs. Within the Communications & Government affairs department is NFL Charities, which oversees the leagues extensive philanthropic endeavors (NFL.com).
The Public Relations department is also tied into NFL Charities as these employees support publicity for the NFL business ventures as well as foundations and sponsored events.
The Community affairs department is imperative for the Join the Team website for NFL Charities. These employees support the community relations team in its development and execution of outreach programs. Projects include the development and execution work on the NFL’s program with the American Heart Association promoting healthily lifestyle and physical activity among youths. This helps create and implement educations programs for the NFL Youth Education Towns.
The essence of the NFL is its games and the Football Development / Game Operations department which has a huge responsibility of maintaining and protecting the integrity of the games. This department oversees all aspects of NFL officiating, They are on stage every game day as employees in this department operate the NFL. If there is any evidence of wrong doing, unethical practices, league tampering, or foul play, it will affect the integrity of the NFL Charities.
Officiating and Game Operations department which oversees editing and game video footage. They also edit the rulebook and officiating manuals. Employees assist with the scouting programs. They prepare manuals, championship game lists and prepare hotels for AFC/NFC playoffs (NFL.com)
The NFL Youth Football department is a quality youth program to engage youngsters in the game of football along with the NFL experience. They have various programs offered through NFL Charities in regards to youth football and activities. This division oversees the planning and execution of league sponsored youth football games and initiatives. This department also hosts football clinics associated with major NFL events. Most importantly, within the NFL Youth Football Department supports youth and high school football needs nationwide. Employees work with various cross functional team members along with work on mailings, prepare updates, and maintain calendars, travel plans and appointments. These employees provide operational and administrative supports for NFL Punt, Pass & Kick, NFL FLAG, NFL Youth Football Fund program, NFL Players Camp Grants, Matching Youth & High School Grants, NFL Players-Coach High Football Grants, Youth Football database/website, Yearly NFL Football summit and assist tremendously with the NFL Charities organization (NFL.com)
The last department within the NFL Association is the Internal Audit Department. Employee’s responsibilities include reviewing procedures within internal department as well as visiting each of the 32 member teams to evaluate compliance. They oversee compliance reviews with Super Bowl vendors and official merchandises license (NFL.com).
