The Philadelphia Eagles have announced a new initiative, “A Fan of Change,” to recognize and encourage community members and players who are working to bring about positive change in the region. The campaign aims to inspire fans to contribute through donations or volunteering.
The Eagles Social Justice Fund, created in 2018 as a joint effort between players and the organization, supports efforts such as improving education, fostering better community-police relations, addressing poverty, promoting racial equality, reforming the criminal justice system, and supporting workforce development. Over $2.6 million has been donated so far to organizations working on these issues.
In response to rising gun violence in Philadelphia, the team has intensified its focus on this problem by launching initiatives like A Fan of Change and EndPhillyGunViolence.com. The campaign focuses on four main areas: youth sports, violence prevention, mental health, and mentoring.
As part of its commitment to youth sports—particularly for girls—the Eagles helped launch Pennsylvania’s first girls flag football league in 2022. Since then, girls flag football has become a state-sanctioned high school sport with over 130 teams in the Philadelphia area and South Jersey. The team also provides necessary equipment for female athletes through programs like FLY:FWD and partnerships with organizations such as Operation Warm and Leveling the Playing Field.
“Just go for it. You never know how far it could take you. You never know who’s watching. You never know how good you could be at something until you really put yourself in that position to do well and actually play whatever sport or whatever you want to do,” said Maya Johnson of Abington High School, who was recognized by the Eagles for her achievements in girls flag football.
On violence prevention, the Eagles partner with groups like the Center for Violence Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), which works with families affected by violence since 2013.
“We have a robust gun safety program which encourages our clinical staff to have non-judgmental conversations with families about guns, either in their home or in homes where their children may visit. And we offer education as well as free gun locking devices, so gun locks and gun safes, completely free of charge, just to promote the safest home for a child as a home without a gun,” said Lindsey Mitros from CHOP.
“Our whole center is built on the principle of community-based, participatory research. We’re bringing in the voices of the community and working alongside them to make sure everything we’re doing is going to be well received.”
Mitros emphasized that violence is now considered a public health issue: “At CHOP, the goal of pediatrics is to raise kids to be healthy adults… Gun violence is the number one cause of death for children in this country… It is a huge concern… It will take a community effort to see positive change.”
Mental health support forms another pillar of A Fan of Change. Reuben Jones from Frontline Dads noted: “The one thing that gives me hope is that many organizations are out here doing the work… I think we got to work hard to get people the help they need. I’m talking specifically about mental health treatment…”
Jones highlighted challenges faced by Black communities regarding mental health support: “Meanwhile you’re struggling with all these demons; you’re struggling with self-esteem issues; you’re suffering from all these psychological impacts…”
He added: “I think we have to stand collectively as a community and as a city… figure out what will work in this neighborhood… because it isn’t a new phenomenon for Philadelphia.”
Mentoring is also central to this initiative. Garry Mills founded Shoot Basketball NOT People (SBNP), which recently received an Eagles Social Justice grant.
“Not many leaders are coming back and grabbing these children… I wanted to make sure that I was one of those leaders with old-school values but just a new-school outlook,” Mills said.
Mills credited continued support from the Eagles beyond financial contributions: SBNP saw increases in volunteer interest (42%), youth retention (35%), newsletter engagement (36% open rate increase), event sign-ups (18% click-through rate increase), web traffic (43%), and Instagram followers (27%). More than 2,500 youth have participated in SBNP programming.
“Just the way that the Eagles nurtured this relationship, again, I’m forever grateful for that,” Mills said.
The team calls on fans and residents alike—regardless of who they support—to participate as “A Fan of Change” alongside these ongoing efforts.
