In a united effort to address the urgent issue of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in youth, the 49ers Foundation and the NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition partnered with the Kyle J. Taylor Foundation (KJTF) to support local schools and community organizations. In its first year, this powerful collaboration resulted in the donation of 20 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to high schools and youth-serving nonprofits across the Bay Area and Northern California. In March 2025, the 49ers Foundation, the NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition, and KJTF continued their mission by providing an additional 20 AEDs. This year, the grant program expanded its reach, including not only schools but Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, youth sports leagues, and other nonprofit organizations throughout the Bay Area, further strengthening the safety net for young athletes and the communities that support them.
"The 49ers Foundation is committed to creating a safer environment for youth both on and off the playing field," said 49ers Vice President of Philanthropy Justin Prettyman. "This grant allows us to expand access to AEDs throughout the community, ensuring life-saving resources are available when they're needed most."
At the heart of this initiative is the **Kyle J. Taylor Foundation (KJTF),** a nonprofit based in San Jose, California, dedicated to raising awareness about SCA in young individuals, educating communities on preventive measures, and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.
KJTF was founded in March 2018 by Kyle's family in honor of their son, who passed away from Sudden Cardiac Arrest on February 24, 2018, at just 18 years old. Remembered for his kindness and willingness to help others, Kyle's family sought to honor his spirit by giving back to their community and working to prevent other families from experiencing similar loss.
"Every second counts when a person goes into Sudden Cardiac Arrest. CPR and AEDs are essential tools which increase SCA survival rates. One of our goals is to educate the community on the use and importance of these tools." Jennifer Sarmento, Executive Director of the Kyle J. Taylor Foundation, and Kyle's mom.
The NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition was established in March 2023 following a life-saving response to Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin's SCA incident on January 2, 2023. Inspired by this event, the coalition, comprising major sports organizations, medical institutions, and advocacy groups, advocates for the implementation of three key policies to reduce SCA-related fatalities:
1. Emergency Action Plans
2. Accessibility of AEDs
3. Training for Coaches
Since 2024, the 49ers Foundation and the Kyle J. Taylor Foundation have invited schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA facilities, youth sports leagues, and other youth-serving nonprofit organizations to apply for support. As a result, 40 organizations have been awarded an AED, along with the opportunity to collaborate with KJTF on coach training and the development of an Emergency Action Plan.
Each application was carefully evaluated based on its alignment with the missions of the 49ers Foundation and KJTF. The distribution of AEDs serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, equipping communities with life-saving resources and empowering individuals with critical emergency response skills. KJTF also offers youth heart screenings, CPR/AED certification courses, and response planning services.
This Grant selection process embodied a shared vision of proactive intervention and collaboration driven by the unwavering commitment to protect and preserve the health of youth, both on and off the field.
Lists of organizations awarded an AED since 2024:
1. Making Waves Academy
2. OB Whaley Elementary
3. Windmill Springs Elementary School
4. Rolling Hills Middle School
5. El Roble Elementary
6. Sakamoto Elementary
7. Laurel Wood Elementary School
8. Oakland Unified School District
9. Lowell High School
10. Concord High School
11. Castro Valley High School
12. Pinnacles High School
13. Hayward School District
14. Francisco Middle School
15. Patten Academy of Christian Education
16. Community Child Care Council (4Cs) of Alameda County
17. Elk Grove Soccer
18. San Jose Police Activities League
19. Santa Clara Lions Football and Cheer
20. Castro Valley Girls Softball League
21. Gunderson High School
22. KIPP San Francisco College Preparatory
23. Westbrook Elementary PTC (Parent Teacher Club)
24. Overfelt High School
25. Anzar High School
26. Alisal High School
27. Campbell Union High School District
28. Castro Valley High School Football
29. Everett Alvarez High School
30. Hollister High School
31. Pajaro Valley High School
32. Salinas High School Athletics
33. Watsonville High School
34. Westmont High School
35. Willow Glen High School
36. Turlock youth cheer
37. San Jose Rush Soccer Club
38. South Siskiyou Flag Football
39. Sierra Mountain Little League
40. Piedmont Hills High School Football