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Program Description:
In its eighth year, the Detroit Lions Touchdown in Your Town program, is accepting applications to provide support for Michigan high school football and cheer (spirit) programs in need. Football programs may apply for resources like helmets, practice equipment and uniforms, as well as grant funding to support things like renovations and field amenities. Cheer (spirit) programs may apply for resources like uniforms, warm-ups, poms, equipment, as well as support for camps and competitions.

Below is the application form that should be completed by a coach, athletic director, member of football/cheer staff, or trainer, etc. Only one application should be submitted per school. Please see the FAQ at the bottom of this page for more information.

Questions marked with an asterisk are required.

The last day to submit applications is Friday, April 17 @ 9am EST

Important Dates & Deadlines

  • Application Opens: Friday, March 27, 2026
  • Submission Deadline: Friday, April 17, 2026
  • Selected Schools Notified: Late April

Eligibility

Michigan high schools with active football and cheer (spirit) programs are eligible to apply. Priority will be placed on schools with a demonstrated need.

FAQ's

Who is eligible to nominate a school?
Applications may be submitted by coaching and administrative staff (i.e. a coach, athletic director, member of football/cheer staff, or trainer, etc.) and should be limited to one per program.

How will nominations be assessed?
Nominations will be assessed based on demonstrated need, merit, the inclusion of a compelling narrative and projected impact.

Who should I contact with questions about my application?
Please email DetroitLionsFoundation@lions.nfl.net and include "Touchdown in Your Town" in the subject line with any questions.

Can I fill out a portion of the application then return to complete it?
Unfortunately, there is not a way to save a portion of the application and return to it. We recommend pasting the questions into a word document and typing your responses there, then inputting your responses into the form when you have finished all questions.

Can I submit a nomination for a school that has received support in past years from the Touchdown in Your Town program?
Nominations for the 2026 Touchdown in Your Town program are limited to Michigan high school football and cheer programs that have not received support in previous years from this program.

When will I be notified if my nomination is selected?
There is not a set date for notifications, but we anticipate that selected schools should be notified in late April 2026.

If selected when will equipment and/or resources be delivered?
We cannot guarantee a specific date for delivery of equipment and resources but will work diligently to get resources in the hands of teams and athletes as soon as possible following the selection of recipients.

Can more than one person nominate a program?
No. We ask that only one person per school/program complete the form.

Can I apply for a camp or tournament?
Applications are limited to Michigan high school football and cheer programs.

What is the deadline for nominating a program?
Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 17 at 9am EST

How many schools will be selected?
There is not a predetermined number of schools to be selected. This determination is contingent on the nominations received.

Can I nominate a football and cheer program from the same school?
Yes, you are able to apply for both football and cheer (spirt) programs from the same school.

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