United States Soccer Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• EIN: 36-3976313
• Annual Giving: $1,571,567 (2023)
• Number of Grants: 30 grants (2023)
• Grant Range: Varies by program - Safe Places to Play grants typically range from ~$10,000 to $50,000+
• Decision Time: 1-4 months (typical for private foundations)
• Geographic Focus: National (all 50 states)
• Total Impact: Over $57 million awarded since inception
• Current Infrastructure: 800+ mini-pitches built nationwide

Contact Details

Address: 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036

Phone: 202-872-9277

Email:

• General inquiries: info@ussoccerfoundation.org
• Development/Grants: development@ussoccerfoundation.org

Website: www.ussoccerfoundation.org

Grant Application Portal: The Soccer Fund - https://ussoccerfoundation.tfaforms.net/4871632

Overview

The U.S. Soccer Foundation was founded with the mission to enhance, assist and grow the sport of soccer in the United States, with a special emphasis on underserved communities. The organization has evolved into a leading national nonprofit that uses soccer as a vehicle for youth development and social change. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $57 million in financial support to soccer organizations and field-building initiatives nationwide, building soccer fields in all 50 states.

The Foundation currently operates two flagship programs: Safe Places to Play (focused on building and enhancing soccer facilities) and Soccer for Success (an evidence-based youth development program). With over 800 mini-pitches built and currently engaging 1 million children annually in their programs, the Foundation is working toward an ambitious 2026 goal: to create 1,000 mini-pitches and engage 1 million children in their evidence-based programming. The organization has earned a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator with a perfect score of 100%.

Under the leadership of President & CEO Ed Foster-Simeon since 2008, the Foundation has formed strategic partnerships with corporate leaders including Target (which pledged $7 million to create 100 mini-pitches), The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation ($5 million), and Musco Lighting ($5 million investment during the pandemic and beyond).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Safe Places to Play Grants The Foundation awards grants in three cycles throughout the year to help organizations build or enhance field spaces in underserved communities. Grant types include:

• Synthetic Turf Funding: Applications accepted on a rolling basis for full field installations
• Lighting Grants: Funding for new lighting systems through partnership with Musco Lighting
• Mini-Pitch System Grants: Support for small, customized hard-court surfaces ideal for urban areas (mini-pitches typically cost $44,000-$125,000 to install)
• Sport Court Grants: Funding for surfacing enhancements
• Irrigation Grants: Support for field irrigation systems

Recent grant awards include:

• September 2025: Nine grants totaling $159,376 to organizations in eight states
• 2024: Seven grants totaling $151,805 to organizations in six states
• 2023: Five grants totaling $86,797 to organizations in five states
• Additional cycle: $309,318 in grant funding awarded

Soccer for Success Partnership Program While not a traditional grant program, the Foundation partners with organizations to implement their evidence-based after-school soccer program. The program serves children ages 6-14 at little or no cost to participants. Partner organizations typically support the majority of program costs, though some may fall into funding streams supported by the U.S. Soccer Foundation. The program has grown to serve 30,000 kids in over 30 cities across the country, with an average year-over-year growth rate of 39%.

Priority Areas

Geographic Focus:

• Underserved and under-resourced communities nationwide
• Urban areas where space is at a premium
• Communities with limited access to safe places to play

Target Populations:

• Children ages 6-14 (Soccer for Success program)
• Youth and families in low-income communities
• Communities with limited recreational infrastructure

Program Focus:

• Soccer field development and enhancement in underserved areas
• Youth development through evidence-based soccer programming
• Health and wellness outcomes for children
• Creating safe spaces for physical activity
• Community development through sports infrastructure

Outcomes Emphasis: Organizations that can demonstrate impact in:

• Improving children's physical and mental health
• Increasing access to safe recreational spaces
• Fostering community engagement and safety
• Promoting healthy behaviors and educational success

What They Don't Fund

While the Foundation's website does not provide an explicit list of exclusions, their funding is clearly focused on:

• Soccer-related initiatives (not other sports)
• Projects serving underserved communities (not affluent areas)
• Youth-focused programs (not adult-only programming)

Based on their mission, they likely do not fund:

• General operating expenses for established soccer clubs in affluent areas
• Competitive travel team expenses
• Individual athlete sponsorships
• Non-soccer sports facilities or programs
• Projects without a clear focus on underserved communities

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO

Ed Foster-Simeon - Named President & CEO in May 2008, Foster-Simeon has more than three decades of experience at the local, state, and national level of soccer and was an active member of the U.S. Soccer Foundation's Board of Directors since 2004 before becoming CEO.

Key Quotes:

• "Soccer is a powerful vehicle for youth development and social change"
• On the Foundation's approach: "We're engaged in low-income communities around this country. How do we double-down to help more kids?"
• On the 2026 FIFA World Cup: The Foundation is "committed to working with host cities to expand access to the game — especially in underserved communities where access and opportunity to play are often limited"

Board of Directors

The U.S. Soccer Foundation's Board comprises more than 20 leaders and executives from various sectors.

Chairman: Charles Stimson

Recent Appointees (announced in recent years):

• Kyra Tirana Barry - President of Beat the Streets New York
• Jason E. Fox - Chief Executive Officer of W.P. Carey Inc.
• Cobi Jones - Former LA Galaxy player and U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame inductee

The full Board of Directors roster is available at: https://ussoccerfoundation.org/board-of-directors/

Senior Team

The Foundation maintains a dedicated team working to advance its mission, with staff page available at: https://ussoccerfoundation.org/team/

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Safe Places to Play Grants:

1. Review Requirements: Organizations should be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, or municipalities seeking to build or enhance soccer field spaces in underserved communities.

2. Submit Application: Apply through The Soccer Fund at https://ussoccerfoundation.tfaforms.net/4871632

3. Application Cycles: The Foundation reviews applications three times per year for lighting, irrigation, and Sport Court grants. Synthetic turf funding applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

4. Quarterly Deadlines: Applications are typically reviewed quarterly (March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 30), though specific deadlines should be confirmed with the Foundation.

For Soccer for Success Partnership:

1. Review Partnership Requirements:

   • Must be a 501(c)(3) or municipality (exceptions exist)
   • Proper insurance required
   • All coach-mentors must complete background checks

2. Download Sample Documents: Review the sample Soccer for Success Memorandum of Understanding and sample Certificate of Liability Insurance

3. Connect with the Team: Schedule a virtual meeting at https://bit.ly/MySfSCalendar to discuss partnership opportunities

4. Submit Documentation: Send signed Memorandum of Understanding and Certificate of Liability Insurance to Bruno Marchesi, Soccer for Success Director, at BMarchesi@ussoccerfoundation.org

5. Timeline: Typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for season kick-off, though the Foundation can work to develop quicker timelines on a case-by-case basis

Decision Timeline

Based on general private foundation practices and the Foundation's structure:

• Typical timeframe: 1-4 months from application submission to decision
• Review process: Applications are evaluated by Foundation staff and potentially reviewed by board committees
• Notification: Applicants are notified of decisions following each review cycle

Specific timelines may vary by grant program and application cycle.

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publicly disclose overall success rates for their grant programs. However, the Foundation awarded 30 grants totaling $1,571,567 in 2023, demonstrating they support multiple organizations annually.

In recent cycles:

• September 2025: 9 grants awarded from the Safe Places to Play program
• 2024: 7 grants awarded
• 2023: Multiple cycles with 5-11 grants per cycle

The competitive nature of the grants suggests applicants should present strong cases demonstrating community need, organizational capacity, and alignment with the Foundation's mission.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation's website does not specify a formal reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations interested in reapplying should:

• Contact the Foundation directly at development@ussoccerfoundation.org
• Request feedback on their previous application
• Consider applying in a subsequent grant cycle with a strengthened application

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's mission, funded projects, and leadership priorities, successful applications should:

1. Demonstrate Clear Focus on Underserved Communities

The Foundation's mission explicitly emphasizes underserved communities. Successful applicants should:

• Provide demographic data showing community need
• Demonstrate limited existing recreational infrastructure
• Show how the project addresses barriers to sports participation (economic, geographic, or social)
• Include statistics about youth populations with limited access to safe play spaces

Example: Recent grant recipients include organizations serving communities in Detroit, MI, Sultana, CA, and St. Paul, MN - areas with documented need for recreational infrastructure.

2. Show Strong Community Impact Potential

Ed Foster-Simeon's question "How do we double-down to help more kids?" reflects the Foundation's focus on scale and impact. Applications should:

• Quantify the number of children who will benefit (be specific)
• Explain how the project will increase physical activity and improve health outcomes
• Demonstrate community engagement and local support
• Show sustainability beyond the grant period

Foundation's Impact Data to Reference: Their mini-pitches have shown that 99% of communities report being more active after installation, and 98% say their community feels safer.

3. Align with Evidence-Based Outcomes

The Foundation commissions independent evaluations and values data-driven results. Strong applications should:

• Reference measurable outcomes (health metrics, participation rates, educational outcomes)
• Explain how the project will be evaluated
• Cite relevant research or past program results
• Connect to the Foundation's documented impact areas: healthy eating, increased exercise, improved BMI, and educational engagement

Key Statistics to Know: The Foundation's programs have shown 87% of participants report healthy eating changes, 84% exercise more, and 86% of kids show positive behaviors like staying in school.

4. Emphasize Soccer as a Vehicle for Change

Align language with the Foundation's philosophy that "soccer is a powerful vehicle for social change":

• Explain how soccer specifically serves your community
• Show understanding that the Foundation uses soccer for broader youth development (not just athletic skill development)
• Connect the project to social outcomes: safety, health, education, community cohesion

5. Demonstrate Organizational Capacity and Partnerships

The Foundation invests in organizations that can successfully implement projects:

• Show experience managing similar projects or programs
• Highlight partnerships with schools, municipalities, or community organizations
• Provide clear project timelines and budgets
• Demonstrate ability to maintain facilities or programs long-term
• For Soccer for Success partnerships, show capacity for insurance, background checks, and program implementation

6. Leverage Corporate Partnership Opportunities

The Foundation works closely with corporate partners (Musco Lighting, Hunter Industries, Sport Court). Applications may be strengthened by:

• Identifying which Foundation partner resources align with your project (lighting, irrigation, surfacing)
• Showing how corporate partner products would be utilized
• Demonstrating community visibility for Foundation and partner branding

7. Connect to the Foundation's 2026 Goal

The Foundation is working toward 1,000 mini-pitches and engaging 1 million children by 2026:

• Position your project as contributing to this goal
• If seeking mini-pitch funding, note that the Foundation recently reached 700+ installations
• Show how your organization can help the Foundation reach more children

8. Be Specific About the "Safe Places to Play" Concept

Successful Safe Places to Play grant applications should:

• Identify a specific underutilized space that can be transformed
• Explain current safety concerns or access barriers
• Show how the enhanced space will be safe, accessible, and regularly used
• Demonstrate community ownership and programming plans

Recent Recipients: Organizations that received grants in 2025 include The Sanneh Foundation (St. Paul, MN), Give Merit Inc. (Detroit, MI), and Manchester Parks and Recreation Department (Manchester, TN) - review their projects if publicly available for insights into successful proposals.

9. Understand the Soccer for Success Partnership Model

For organizations interested in the Soccer for Success program:

• Recognize this is typically not a grant but a partnership
• Be prepared to cover majority of program costs (though some funding streams exist)
• Show capacity to implement evidence-based curriculum
• Demonstrate ability to serve children ages 6-14 in after-school settings
• Highlight nutrition education and mentorship components alongside soccer

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Mission Alignment is Critical: The Foundation is laser-focused on underserved communities and using soccer for social change. Applications from affluent areas or without a clear community development angle will not succeed.

2. Data and Evidence Matter: With commissioned independent evaluations and documented impact metrics, the Foundation values organizations that can measure and report outcomes. Include specific metrics in your application.

3. Think Infrastructure + Programming: Safe Places to Play grants are most valuable when combined with plans for ongoing programming. Show how the physical space will be activated and maintained.

4. Build Relationships Before Applying: For Soccer for Success partnerships, the Foundation encourages scheduling calls to discuss opportunities. Use the pre-application relationship-building opportunity (https://bit.ly/MySfSCalendar).

5. Multiple Funding Opportunities Exist: Don't limit yourself to one grant type. Organizations might qualify for lighting grants, surfacing grants, and synthetic turf support across different application cycles.

6. Corporate Partnerships Strengthen Applications: Understanding the Foundation's corporate partners (Musco Lighting, Hunter Industries, Sport Court) and how their resources align with your project can strengthen applications.

7. Long-term Sustainability is Essential: The Foundation has invested $70 million in communities and built 800+ mini-pitches. They want to ensure their investments last. Demonstrate maintenance plans, community ownership, and programming sustainability.

8. Connect to Broader Goals: Position your project as contributing to the Foundation's goal of 1,000 mini-pitches and 1 million children served by 2026. Show how you're part of a national movement.

9. Be Patient but Persistent: With multiple grant cycles per year and various program opportunities, if one application isn't successful, consider reapplying in subsequent cycles with a strengthened proposal.

10. Leverage Their Research and Tools: The Foundation has extensive documentation of program impacts, independent evaluations, and success stories. Reference these in your application to show you understand their model and evidence base.

References

1. U.S. Soccer Foundation Official Website - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/ (Accessed February 2026)
2. U.S. Soccer Foundation Safe Places to Play Program - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/programs/safe-places-to-play/ (Accessed February 2026)
3. U.S. Soccer Foundation Soccer for Success Program - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/programs/soccer-for-success/ (Accessed February 2026)
4. The Soccer Fund Application Portal - https://ussoccerfoundation.tfaforms.net/4871632 (Accessed February 2026)
5. U.S. Soccer Foundation Board of Directors - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/board-of-directors/ (Accessed February 2026)
6. Ed Foster-Simeon Profile - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/people/ed-foster-simeon/ (Accessed February 2026)
7. "Ed Foster-Simeon: Soccer is a powerful vehicle for social change" - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/stories/ed-foster-simeon-soccer-is-a-powerful-vehicle-for-social-change/ (Accessed February 2026)
8. U.S. Soccer Foundation Our Impact - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/our-impact/ (Accessed February 2026)
9. U.S. Soccer Foundation Independent Evaluations - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/independent-evaluations/ (Accessed February 2026)
10. U.S. Soccer Foundation Reports & Financials - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/reports-financials/ (Accessed February 2026)
11. Press Release: "U.S. Soccer Foundation Awards $159K in Grants" (September 2025) - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/press/u-s-soccer-foundation-awards-159376-in-grant-funding-for-soccer-field-building-and-enhancement-projects-to-increase-access-to-the-game-for-more-than-12000-youth-and-adults/ (Accessed February 2026)
12. Press Release: "Foundation's 700th Mini-Pitch Opened" (April 2025) - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/press/u-s-soccer-foundation-opens-700th-mini-pitch/ (Accessed February 2026)
13. Press Release: "U.S. Soccer Foundation Appoints Kyra Tirana Barry, Jason Fox, and Cobi Jones to Board of Directors" - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/press/u-s-soccer-foundation-appoints-kyra-tirana-barry-jason-fox-and-cobi-jones-to-board-of-directors/ (Accessed February 2026)
14. Charity Navigator Profile - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/363976313 (Accessed February 2026)
15. Cause IQ Organization Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/united-states-soccer-foundation,363976313/ (Accessed February 2026)
16. Foundation Directory/Candid Profile - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=USSO001 (Accessed February 2026)
17. Medium Article: "Purpose Before Profit: Ed Foster-Simeon Of US Soccer Foundation" - https://medium.com/authority-magazine/purpose-before-profit-ed-foster-simeon-of-us-soccer-foundation-on-the-benefits-of-running-a-e06ebda60e70 (Accessed February 2026)
18. U.S. Soccer Foundation Contact Page - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/contact/ (Accessed February 2026)
19. Soccer for Success After-School Program - https://ussoccerfoundation.org/after-school-program/ (Accessed February 2026)
20. Musco Sports Lighting US Soccer Partnership - https://www.musco.com/partners/ussoccer/ (Accessed February 2026)