The National Council on Problem Gambling has announced that it will be awarding $193k in funding to five organizations in the Spring 2023 edition of its Agility Grants initiative.
Funded by the NFL Foundation and FanDuel, the Agility Program offers national grants to support those with problem gambling and will award over $1m across three years to expand problem gambling prevention measures across the US. The $193k eclipses the $120k pledged last Fall.
“Prevention is the most cost-effective, common-sense way to mitigate gambling-related harm,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “The prevention programs supported by this round of Agility Grants demonstrate innovative models designed to reach priority populations and elevate new voices within the problem gambling prevention community.
“We proudly support these initiatives and hope they will serve as models for future prevention efforts.”
For the Spring 2023 edition of the scheme, the NCPG noted that there was a record number of applicants, with five organizations chosen from a “highly competitive selection process”.
Three organizations were chosen from the Prevention Innovation programs, whilst two organizations were chosen from the Prevention Amplification programs.
The Hispanic Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program will receive funding for its education and awareness initiatives in Ohio following the sports betting market launch back in January.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Maryland Chapter will receive funding to collaborate with nonprofits to present a four-part project for college athletes to raise awareness on problem gambling.
Meanwhile, the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling will create a student-athlete gambling awareness program for students at schools in Las Vegas and high-risk populations.
“We’re proud to support the innovative work the NCPG is doing through their Agility Grant program to address problem gambling in a multitude of ways,” said Clare Graff, NFL Vice President of Social Responsibility.
“The funding for these Agility Grants through the NFL Foundation will provide critical resources to nonprofit organizations across the country who are on the front lines of problem gambling prevention.”
Over in the Prevention Amplification program section, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services will receive its second Agility Grant to facilitate the continuation of a Teen Problem Gambling Group, which began in 2021 and now has 24 student volunteers.
Finally, Student Assistance Services in Tarrytown, NY, will gain funding for its The Hidden Hazards of Youth Gambling project aimed at children aged 12-17.