Beyond the Field: The New England Patriots' playbook for community impact
CreditThe New England Patriots are known for their dominance on the football field, with six Super Bowl championships and an NFL record 17 AFC division titles under head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. But off the field, the Patriots organization makes just as big of an impact through extensive community outreach and philanthropy.
Giving Back Through the Patriots Foundation
The Patriots Foundation serves as the non-profit arm of the Patriots organization. Established in 1994 by Patriots owner Robert Kraft, the foundation has distributed millions in grants to support nonprofit organizations throughout New England. The foundation focuses its giving on three core areas:
- Youth football - Supporting Pop Warner football leagues and high school football programs. Initiatives include equipment grants, coaching education, and the High School Coach of the Week program.
- Health and wellness - Funding programs that promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention, especially among children. It includes fitness programs in schools and grants for recreation centers.
- Civic engagement - Encouraging volunteerism, literacy, and civic leadership skills in youth. The foundation runs reading programs in elementary schools and leadership training for high school students.
The Patriots have made community unity and togetherness a priority. After the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, the team helped launch the "One Fund Boston" to support victims and their families. The Patriots donated $100,000 and held an online auction that raised over $650,000 for the fund. More recently, the Patriots and the Kraft family have committed millions in COVID-19 relief aid for New England.
Inspiring the Next Generation
A major focus for the Patriots is inspiring youth to reach their potential. The team partners with United Way on the Character Playbook initiative, which uses digital tools to teach students about character, healthy relationships, and more. The Patriots also host football camps and clinics to get kids excited about the sport. Through the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign, Patriots players have supported causes like education equity, rare disease research, and ending hunger.
Leading On Social Justice
With encouragement from players, the Patriots have embraced activism for racial justice and social change. Team owner Robert Kraft formed the Players Social Justice Council to amplify players' voices on these issues. The council has pushed for police accountability, criminal justice reform, and voting access. In 2020, the Patriots made Gillette Stadium a voting venue to expand ballot access.
Giving Back is a Team Effort
From the front office to the locker room, every member of the Patriots organization contributes to community outreach efforts. The team's off-the-field impact reflects many of the same values that drive its on-field success - hard work, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. As the Patriots seek their seventh Super Bowl title, their community engagement initiatives will continue empowering and inspiring New Englanders.
Conclusion
As the Patriots seek their next Super Bowl title, their community engagement initiatives will continue empowering and inspiring New Englanders. The Patriots are currently ranked 4th in the AFC East with a 2-7 record, according to the 2023 NFL standings.
In summary, the New England Patriots complement their football prowess with extensive community-building and social impact work. Guided by the Kraft family's philanthropic vision, the team enriches lives across New England through programs that promote health, education, volunteerism, and unity. With players as passionate off the field as they are on it, the Patriots' commitment to community is sure to keep making a difference for years to come.
