Community Outreach Programs from the Tennessee Titans Foundation

The Tennessee Titans Foundation isn’t just an extension of the NFL team—it’s a vital force for good across Tennessee, dedicated to lifting up communities through targeted outreach programs. Since its founding in 1999, the foundation has invested over $25 million in local initiatives, focusing on four core pillars: education, youth sports, food security, and health and wellness. These programs aren’t one-off donations; they’re sustained partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, and organizations, designed to create long-term change for Tennesseans of all ages. Community Outreach Programs from the Tennessee Titans Foundation explores how these initiatives work, the lives they touch, and how the foundation embodies the Titans’ commitment to being more than a football team.

Community Outreach Programs from the Tennessee Titans Foundation begins with education-focused initiatives—efforts to close achievement gaps and empower Tennessee students to reach their full potential. The foundation’s flagship education program, “Titans Reading Challenge,” partners with 120 elementary schools across the state, encouraging students in grades 1–5 to read 20 books per semester. Students who meet the challenge receive rewards like Titans-themed bookmarks, tickets to a practice, or a visit from Titans players or mascot T-Rac. In 2024, over 35,000 students participated, with 22,000 completing the challenge—boosting reading proficiency rates by an average of 15% in partner schools. The foundation also funds college scholarships: each year, it awards $5,000 scholarships to 10 high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need. Recipients are often first-generation college students, like 2024 winner Maria Gonzalez from Nashville’s Overton High School, who plans to study nursing. “Education is the key to breaking cycles of poverty,” said Titans Foundation executive director Beth Brock. “We want to show students that their dreams are within reach—and we’re here to help them get there.”

A cornerstone of the foundation’s outreach is youth sports programs—designed to make athletics accessible to all kids, regardless of income, and teach valuable life skills through team play. Each year, the foundation awards \(200,000 in grants to local youth sports leagues, covering costs like equipment, field rentals, and registration fees for low-income families. For example, in 2024, the foundation gave a \)15,000 grant to the Memphis Youth Football League, allowing 300 kids to play for free and receive new helmets and pads. The foundation also hosts annual “Titans Youth Football Camps” in rural areas like Jackson and Knoxville, where access to sports programs is limited. Led by Titans alumni and youth coaches, the camps teach basic football skills but also emphasize teamwork, respect, and perseverance. “When I was a kid, I couldn’t afford to play football,” said former Titans linebacker and camp volunteer Keith Bulluck. “These camps give kids a chance to learn, play, and feel like part of a team—and that’s something that stays with them forever.” The foundation also supports girls’ sports, partnering with the Tennessee Girls’ Soccer Association to fund clinics and tournaments, helping close the gap in access to female athletics.

A defining aspect of Community Outreach Programs from the Tennessee Titans Foundation is food security initiatives—efforts to combat hunger, a pressing issue affecting 1 in 7 Tennesseans, including 1 in 5 children. The foundation’s primary food program, “Titans Fight Hunger,” partners with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and Feeding America to distribute meals and fund food pantries across the state. Each November, the foundation hosts a “Turkey Drive” at Nissan Stadium, where fans donate frozen turkeys and nonperishable food items. In 2024, the drive collected over 5,000 turkeys and 30,000 pounds of food, providing meals for 25,000 families during Thanksgiving. The foundation also funds “Backpack Programs” in 50 schools, sending home backpacks filled with snacks and meals for students who might not have enough to eat on weekends. For the Tennessee Titans, these programs are personal: many players, like quarterback Will Levis, volunteer at food banks during the season, packing meals and talking with families. “Hunger shouldn’t be a barrier to learning or growing,” Levis said. “Every kid deserves to go to bed full—and we’re proud to help make that happen.”

Another critical program from the Tennessee Titans Foundation is health and wellness outreach—focused on improving physical and mental health outcomes for Tennesseans, especially in underserved communities. The foundation partners with Vanderbilt Health and local clinics to host free health fairs in cities like Chattanooga and Clarksville. These fairs offer blood pressure screenings, diabetes risk assessments, mental health resources, and flu shots—services that many residents might not otherwise access. In 2024, the foundation hosted 8 health fairs, serving over 4,000 people. It also supports mental health initiatives, funding “Mindful Schools” programs that teach stress management and emotional regulation to students and teachers. During Mental Health Awareness Month, the foundation hosts a “Stigma-Free Zone” event at Nissan Stadium, bringing together mental health experts and survivors to share stories and resources. “Health isn’t just about being physically strong—it’s about being mentally strong too,” Brock said. For the Tennessee Titans, these programs reflect a commitment to holistic well-being, ensuring that communities have the tools they need to thrive.

Wrapping up Community Outreach Programs from the Tennessee Titans Foundation is the impact of these initiatives—and how they strengthen the bond between the Titans and the people of Tennessee. The foundation’s work isn’t just about writing checks; it’s about building relationships. Titans players, coaches, and staff volunteer over 5,000 hours each year with foundation programs, showing up to read to kids, pack meals, and coach youth sports. This hands-on engagement turns the foundation’s outreach into something personal—for both the volunteers and the communities they serve. For example, when Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins visited a Nashville elementary school to celebrate the Reading Challenge winners, he spent an hour reading to a class and signing autographs—creating memories that students will never forget. “Our foundation is the heart of the Titans organization,” said Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk. “It’s how we give back to the fans who support us, and how we show that we care about Tennessee beyond game days.” Ultimately, Community Outreach Programs from the Tennessee Titans Foundation shows that the Titans are more than a football team—they’re neighbors, partners, and advocates, dedicated to making Tennessee a better place for everyone.