San Francisco 49ers Community

Through the excitement of football, the 49ers hope to provide an uplifting day of distraction and excitement to those facing health and life challenges through our Champions Program.

The 49ers are committed to conversations and actions that move us towards a more equal and just tomorrow. The NFL's Inspire Change initiative works to ensure access to opportunity is a reality for all and to create progress in police-community relations, criminal justice reform, education and economic advancement.

The 49ers cultivate the team's legacy off the field through hands-on service projects, outreach to those who serve our communities and creating uplifting experiences for those who need hope the most.

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field. The award was established in 1970. It was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back, Walter Payton. Each team nominates one player who has had a significant positive impact on his community.

NFL players reveal their passions beyond the game and wear their hearts on their feet through My Cause My Cleats. Players have the opportunity to pick a cause that is important to them and represent their chosen organization on custom-designed cleats. During one game each season, NFL players wear customized cleats in honor of the causes they have chosen to support through My Cause My Cleats.

The NFL's Crucial Catch mission is to fight cancer through early detection and risk reduction. Each year, every NFL team raises awareness during their Crucial Catch game, which features on-field and in-stadium Crucial Catch elements. Crucial Catch games also present a special opportunity to honor cancer survivors and those currently battling cancer.

Salute to Service represents the NFL's unwavering dedication to honoring, empowering and connecting with our nation's service members, veterans and their families.

The San Francisco 49ers have committed $5 million in grants over the next 10 years to local and national social justice organizations working to create societal change in the Bay Area. This grant initiative extends the $1 million awarded by the team to 10 social justice organizations in September 2020 that resulted in measurable positive change for individuals in the Bay Area and throughout California.

In partnership with organizations like Make-A-Wish and Okizu, the 49ers goal is to enrich the lives of individuals with life threatening medical conditions through the Wish fulfillment program.