Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Commits $6.5 Million To Refurbish Fields at Four Historically Black Colleges and Universities

With support from the NFL Foundation, LISC oversaw the field preparations for the upcoming 2024 football season.

On August 20, 2024, it was announced that four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will unveil newly refurbished football fields this fall, thanks to grants exceeding $6.5 million from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

The HBCU Invitational Field Refurbishment Program, an invitational grant initiative, was established to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of football fields for students and local community youth groups. Funded by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and supported by the NFL Foundation, this program targeted select HBCUs in Georgia and Alabama. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the nation’s leading community development support organization, managed the program. LISC, in partnership with the NFL, has refurbished hundreds of community football fields across the country over the past 25 years.

The grants were allocated as follows:

• Albany State University (Albany, Georgia): Conversion of the natural grass football and soccer field at Albany State University Coliseum to turf.
• Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, Georgia): Replacement of the current turf at Panther Stadium.
• Miles College (Fairfield, Alabama): Conversion of the natural grass at the practice facility to turf.
• Savannah State University (Savannah, Georgia): Replacement of the turf at Ted Wright Stadium’s football and soccer field.

The grant awards followed a competitive request for proposals process. Construction was managed by The Land Tek Group, Inc., a company with over 40 years of experience in sports facility development, in collaboration with local contractors engaged by the universities.

“The positive impact of athletics is a driving force across our business portfolio,” said Rich McKay, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment. “Arthur Blank and his Family Foundation prioritize community impact through sport, and supporting these historic institutions aligns with our values. We’re proud to partner with LISC, the NFL Foundation, and these universities to enhance their playing surfaces, with the shared goal of creating more opportunities for students and the surrounding communities.”

“This program is one of many ways the NFL is deepening its commitment to HBCUs,” said Alexia Gallagher, NFL VP of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. “We are thrilled to provide resources that allow student-athletes at these institutions to excel on the football field while fostering equal opportunities for all.”

“Thanks to the Arthur M. Blank Foundation and the NFL Foundation, we can provide capital and technical expertise to institutions that offer immense value to students but may not have the same financial resources as larger universities,” said Michael T. Pugh, LISC President and CEO. “With access to these flexible resources, the schools can make critical updates that benefit not only the institutions but also improve the health and well-being of students and community members.”

About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, established by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, in 1995, focuses on transforming lives and communities by bringing people together across differences to find common cause. The foundation has granted over $1 billion to various charitable causes, with collective giving areas including Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health and Well-Being, and Youth Development. For more information, visit www.blankfoundation.org.

About LISC

LISC is one of the largest community development organizations in the U.S., dedicated to creating vibrant, resilient communities. Since 1979, LISC has invested $32 billion to develop affordable homes, community spaces, and employment opportunities, all while working to close systemic gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity and advance racial equity.

About the NFL Foundation

The NFL Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through football, supporting athletes at all levels and the communities that embrace the sport. The foundation, backed by the 32 NFL clubs, focuses on health, safety, and wellness, and has become a leading philanthropic entity, contributing to various causes across the U.S. and beyond. For more information, visit NFLFoundation.org.