National Council on Problem Gambling Announces Spring 2023 Grant Recipients

Washington, DC – The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is pleased to announce the Spring 2023 Agility Grant program recipients. A total of $193,000 in funding will be awarded to five organizations in support of problem gambling prevention programs.

A strategic NCPG initiative, Agility Grants provide funding to nonprofit organizations for problem gambling prevention programs. The goal of these grants is to fill in gaps for areas that currently have no such services, as well as bolster promising efforts in existing programs. The Agility Grant program will award more than $1 million over three years to establish and expand problem gambling prevention efforts nationwide.

The Agility Grant program is made possible by a multimillion-dollar, multi-year commitment to NCPG from the NFL via the NFL Foundation as part of the League’s public awareness program designed to educate fans to engage in sports betting responsibly. FanDuel provides additional support for Agility Grants.

“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.”

“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, 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.”

A record-breaking number of applications were received for the Spring 2023 Grant Program by the NCPG, with a highly competitive selection process. Each grant recipient prioritized prevention innovation, collaboration, amplification, and community impact in their proposals.

Spring 2023 Agility Grant funding will support the following Prevention Innovation programs: 

Hispanic Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program (UMADAOP) will present an education and awareness campaign for Hispanic youth in Cleveland, Ohio. The program aims to raise awareness of problem gambling behaviors in middle and high school students. Culturally competent positive education and awareness messaging will be made available via social media and other venues to the peers, community, and families of the identified Youth Leaders in the program.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness – Maryland Chapter (NAMI-MD) will collaborate with three Maryland nonprofits to present Smart Choices for Athletes, a four-part project for college athletes. NAMI-MD, Alston for Athletes, the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, and The Hidden Opponent’s Campus Captains Program at Johns Hopkins University will work together to develop, test and implement a one-hour virtual presentation on problem gambling and mental health for athletes. Once finalized, the presentation will be executed more widely in the state through NAMI-MD affiliates and be made available on demand.

The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling will implement a Student-Athlete Gambling Awareness (SAGA) program in several Las Vegas area high schools with prevalent high-risk populations during the 2023-2024 academic year. The program will provide a framework for primary and secondary prevention of problem gambling for student-athletes. SAGA will provide baseline knowledge for athletics staff and students about problem gambling, how it may manifest, and specific impacts student-athletes may face if they engage in gambling activities. SAGA will also develop and train student mentors to assist with program delivery and sustainability for the future.

Spring 2023 Agility Grant funding will support the following Prevention Amplification programs: 

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services will receive its second Agility Grant to facilitate the continuation of a Teen Problem Gambling Group. Since its establishment in March 2021, the group has grown to 24 teen volunteers representing diverse ethnicities and various high schools throughout northern Illinois. The group meets regularly to develop content, educational materials, and activities to educate other teens on the signs, symptoms, and risks associated with youth problem gambling and where to seek help. The Agility Grant funding will enable the group to expand its work and reach more communities of color, youth athletes, and the community with educational messaging to improve awareness and prevent teens from experiencing gambling-related harm as adults.

Student Assistance Services (SAS) of Tarrytown, NY, will implement The Hidden Hazards of Youth Gambling project for at-risk youth ages 12-17, a messaging campaign aimed at adolescents and adults who influence youth in the Westchester County community. The program will provide information about gambling fallacies and misconceptions and encourage protective factors for youth, such as good decision-making, positive coping skills and problem-solving. SAS will collaborate with community leaders and key sector partners to support policies that sustainably institutionalize consistent education and prevention measures on gambling prevention for minors throughout Westchester County.

Agility Grants are awarded through two funding rounds each year. The Fall 2023 funding round will be open for applications from July 11 to August 22, 2023, with awards announced in early October 2023. More information about Agility Grants can be found at ncpgambling.org/agility.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.

CONTACT:
Cait Huble
CaitH@ncpgambling.org
202-470-1815