Leo Murphy Memorial Field and Equipment Grant


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Leo Murphy Memorial Field & Equipment Grant.

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Through the generosity of our many sponsors and the hard work of our membership fundraising efforts throughout the year, Cleveland Touchdown Club Charities is pleased to once again accept applications for the Leo Murphy Memorial Field & Equipment Grant.

This program provides:


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  • Financial support for non-profit youth football organizations or schools in the Greater Cleveland area and connecting counties to be used for equipment or facility upgrades up to $5,000.
  • Recognition of the grant recipients program through the CTCC website and literature.

Started in 2012, the CTCC Leo Murphy Memorial Field & Equipment Grant was established to allow the membership of CTCC give back directly to youth football programs in the Greater Cleveland area. Named after Leo Murphy, the longtime trainer for the Cleveland Browns and Honorary Lifetime Member of CTCC, this program provides local youth football programs with the opportunity to secure the proper equipment and resources they need to play the game safely. To date, we have award $112,000 in grants to 31 youth programs across Northeast Ohio.

Grants will only be awarded to 501(c)(3) non-profit youth organizations or school districts fielding middle/junior high and/or high school programs. This includes any program fielding a boys and/or girls tackle and/or flag football team(s). Grant funds must be used to make improvements to program’s equipment and/or facilities and to help improve the safety and overall quality of that program. Eligible expenses are listed within this guide for reference.

This application guide below contains tips to direct applicants through the CTCC Leo Murphy Memorial Field & Equipment Grant application process. Please read this guide carefully and consider all requirements before beginning this year's Leo Murphy Memorial Field & Equipment Grant application.

Applications will be available starting October 5, 2026, and must be post marked by January 8, 2027. Grant determination will be made by January 22. 2027, with winner notification by January 29, 2027. A public announcement of all recipients will be made the week of February 15, 2027.

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Who is eligible?

  • Only 501(c)(3) non-profit youth programs and school districts fielding middle/junior high and/or high school boys and/or girls tackle and/or flag football team(s) are eligible to apply.
  • In order for a youth football organization to be eligible for CTCC grant funding, it must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization at the time of application submission. If 501(c)(3) status is in the processing stage, the organization is not eligible to receive a grant. If paperwork is not available or is pending, then the organization is not eligible to receive a grant.
  • Middle/junior high or high school programs do not need to provide proof of non-profit status.
  • Applicants must be located in the Greater Cleveland area. This is defined by programs in the following counties: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit.

What are the requirements?

  • All grant proposals must include:
    • A copy of your organization’s 501(c)(3) determination letter
      • Required for youth football programs; not required for middle/junior high and/or high school programs.
    • A completed grant application form including the program budget.
    • A completed W9.
  • Incomplete applications will be disqualified for consideration.
  • Grants will only be paid directly to 501(c)(3) non-profit youth or school districts fielding middle/junior high and/or high school programs – not to individuals.
  • Grants must be used for non-salary or non-staff related costs (i.e.: purchase of new football helmets and equipment, helmet and equipment reconditioning, football field refurbishments, etc.). 
  • Grant funds may be used to provide a stipend for a certified athletic trainer, whose defined role is to assist in the prevention and treatment of injuries during play, and to be present on the field during practices and games.
  • Recipient organizations (the youth football and/or high school programs) are required to report back to the CTCC board on the use of grant funds, which must coincide with the approved proposal.
  • Funds may be used to cover purchases made before receipt of the grant if purchase is made on or after October 5, 2026. Please note in application if your organization intends to use this grant for a purchase made before receipt of funds.