Athletic fields are the heart of Chicago’s neighborhoods, and now local groups have a chance to win the funds it takes to rebuild their neighborhood fields and reenergize their communities. The NFL Youth Football Fund and LISC are once again partnering nationally to fund projects that improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields. The partnership is looking for non-profit, neighborhood-based organizations, middle schools and high schools to support in the metro Chicago area – through the next round of NFL Grassroots Program grants. Proposals for the grants are due on December 16. A thriving community is a healthy community – one that offers youngsters the chance to play safely, supports the civic spirit of sportsmanship, and embraces elders and neighborhood residents as coaches, mentors and allies. For more information, visit www.nflyff.org.