Scott Pioli & Family Fund

The Scott Pioli & Family Fund for Women Football Coaches and Scouts, operated by the Women’s Sports Foundation, aims to counter the decline in women’s representation in football coaching and scouting since Title IX. Established in 2018 through the generosity of Scott Pioli and his family, the fund supports the development and advancement of women pursuing careers in collegiate and professional football. Pioli, a highly respected NFL executive and advocate for education and equality, has made significant contributions to organizations dedicated to social equity, particularly those supporting underserved and first-generation college students. His involvement with the Women’s Sports Foundation reinforces the fund’s mission to empower women to rise in male-dominated fields. The program offers direct financial support to women working as football coaches or scouts in colleges or professional teams, including those in part-time roles or serving as graduate assistants. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to the objectives of the fund. The fund supports career advancement through education, professional development, and related job expenses, such as housing. Funding ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 per recipient and may be used for expenses that are not already covered by traditional financial support systems. Applications are assessed on four primary criteria: the applicant's financial need, potential for career growth, lack of existing support, and the potential impact of funding on their trajectory in the football industry. All applicants are responsible for ensuring their funding request aligns with the compliance requirements of their respective institutions or governing bodies. The fund does not accept applications for religious programming, equipment purchases made before the award period, or retroactive reimbursement. For the 2026 cycle, applications open on January 14 and close on May 1. The evaluation concludes by June 5, with notifications and grant agreements sent shortly thereafter. Funding begins on July 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted via Foundant GLM, the foundation's grant management platform. Each individual must register or update their user profile, with one profile allowed per person or email. Email confirmations are issued upon successful submission. Incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be reviewed. Previous grant recipients include women in roles ranging from assistant coaches to player personnel coordinators across the NFL and collegiate programs. Notable past recipients include Jennifer King, Hannah Burnett, and Lori Locust, reflecting the fund’s commitment to supporting a diverse and growing community of female leaders in football. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Morgan Powell at MPowell@WomensSportsFoundation.org or 516.307.3971.

Ensure organizational compliance with funding rules; grants cannot be used for retroactive expenses or unapproved uses like land or building purchases.