The San Francisco 49ers Foundation, one of the National Football League's largest charitable foundations, announced on Wednesday that $1.5 million has been distributed in grants and contributions this year to various non-profit agencies throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. This is the third year in a row the 49ers Foundation has donated $1.5 million, totaling more than $10 million over the past eight years.
"Growing the foundation to this level in such a short amount of time is an achievement we are extremely proud of," said team Owner John York. "This year's grants will enable us to continue to improve the quality of life for the youth in the Bay Area, and further our mission of keeping kids safe, on track, and in school."
The 49ers Foundation, partially funded by 49ers team owners Denise and John York, is the non-profit community funding arm of the San Francisco 49ers. Money raised supports development programs for underserved youth that keep them safe, on track and in school. The Foundation addresses safety for Bay Area youth through child abuse prevention programs primarily working with the Hedge Funds Care group. It also keeps young people on track through the 49ers Academy, which serves 6th, 7th and 8th grade students from East Palo Alto and through programs such as Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY) and Bayview/Hunter's Point YMCA, that help support troubled youth get back on track in school and teach kids the value of respect.
"The Foundation could not have reached this point without the help of our players and coaches," said team owner Denise York. "They join us in all of our events, from helping to host the Celebrity Wine Fest to being celebrity waiters at the Pasta Bowl, all in an effort to raise money and give back to our community."
In addition to the players and coaches involvement, the 49ers Foundation relies on the guidance of its board of directors in addition to community and corporate partners.
A few of the many organizations receiving grants this year include: Bayview/Hunter's Point YMCA, 49ers Academy, Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY), Santa Clara Police Athletic League, Glide Foundation Organizing Project, City Year, Santa Clara Schools Foundation, and Kipp Bayview Academy.
