The National Council on Problem Gambling on Wednesday announced Agility Grants of $192,000 awarded to five organizations as part of the spring 2025 cycle. The grants, made possible with funding from the NFL Foundation and FanDuel, support the development and expansion of problem gambling prevention initiatives tailored to meet the specific needs of diverse communities.
“Investing in community-driven programs is key to effective prevention,” NCPG Director of Programs Jaime Costello said in a statement. “The projects supported by Agility Grant funding reflect a commitment to building practical, scalable solutions that resonate with the people they serve.”
Now in its seventh funding round since launching in 2022, a release stated the Agility Grants program is the first and only national initiative exclusively dedicated to funding problem gambling prevention. Since its inception, the program has awarded grants to organizations in 21 states, reaching more than 450,000 people in three years.
Designed to encourage innovation, Agility Grants provide seed funding for pilot projects and new ideas that promote early intervention, especially among youth ages 12–17 and young adults 18–24, where prevention efforts have the most significant long-term effect.
Spring 2025 Agility Grant funding will support the following programs:
Artreach, Inc: In partnership with Connecticut State Community College campuses, Artreach will present Beyond the Bet, a multimedia theatrical performance that shares the gambling stories of four people from diverse backgrounds, life stages, and experiences. The program uses live performance and facilitated discussion to raise awareness, explore the complexities of gambling harm, and engage audiences in meaningful conversations about problem gambling prevention.
Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota: The Lao Assistance Center will expand its community education efforts by delivering six culturally grounded training sessions on mental health, addiction, and problem gambling in the Twin Cities’ Lao community.
NICOS Chinese Health Coalition: NICOS will expand its youth gambling prevention initiative for Asian American middle school students in San Francisco. The program will introduce a youth leadership component by training students as peer educators, equipping them to help implement a curriculum focused on gambling risks, financial literacy, and prevention strategies.
Ohio State University Foundation for the benefit of The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery: The program will lead a national effort to expand problem gambling prevention across college campuses. The initiative will train campus leaders using a comprehensive, evidence-informed curriculum designed to reduce gambling harm among college students.
University of Nebraska: The university will expand its campus-based problem gambling prevention initiative to increase reach and effect across the university community. The program will integrate educational messaging into intramural sports through data-informed strategies, engaging culturally based student organizations with tailored lunch-and-learn sessions and relevant programming.
The NCPG Agility Grants Program is supported by major partners, including a multi-year commitment from the NFL via the NFL Foundation. Additional funding from FanDuel enhances the program’s reach and sustainability.
“The NFL is proud to continue supporting the NCPG and the Agility Grants program, which provides critical funding to organizations leading innovative efforts aimed at preventing problem gambling,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. “We are pleased to see both new and returning grantees advancing creative approaches to education and early intervention, particularly for youth and young adults.”
Agility Grants are awarded twice annually. Applications for fall 2025 funding will open July 9. For more information, visit NCPGambling.org/agility.
