Once a 49er, you're family for life
You’re no different.
Made for players.
Led by players.
100% Free & Confidential.
Regardless of when or how long you played, the transitions in life after football are constant and complicated. Many players experience significant stress after leaving the NFL and fellow alumni understand these challenges.
Think of The Golden Heart Fund as your extended family — your go-to teammates to walk with you as you navigate this next phase of your life.
Services & Partnerships
Help Identifying & Collecting NFL Benefits
Most former players have access to a wide range of benefits and resources through organizations across the NFL network. Our Benefit Concierge Service helps you understand exactly what you’ve earned based on your time in the league.
Our goal is to make the process simple—so you know what’s available to you and your family. We’ll help you connect with the right providers to access your benefits easily, reducing confusion and hassle—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence every step of the way.
Navigating Life Outside Football
We help problem-solve around the complex situations our alumni and their families face. We take great pride in addressing a wide range of post competitive needs that extend beyond football, such as:
- Navigating non-NFL related benefits and resources
- Post-competitive career transition
- Physical and mental health resources
- Financial guidance
Family & Caregiving Services with Cariloop
Providing family & caregiving support for our alumni is vital to help manage long-term physical challenges, promote independence, and improve quality of life in retirement. That is why GHF has partnered with Cariloop to provide free and confidential family & caregiver support services.
Receive comprehensive support from a Cariloop provided Licensed/Certified Care Coach and GHF's dedicated Social Worker on areas such as:
- Securing and transitioning health care
- Identifying and vetting local benefits & resources outside of the NFL network
- Navigating Medicare and other government benefits
- Finding reliable legal and tax support
- Caregiving support for you, your parents, your children, or in-laws
Brain Health Support with Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF)
Concussions and other brain health challenges remain a serious concern for many former players. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) to offer a dedicated Helpline for our alumni—providing personalized resources, guidance, and connections.
Since 2007, CLF has been a leader in advancing brain health through research, education, prevention, and direct support for those affected. 49ers legend Randy Cross, a longtime CLF supporter and member of the California Advisory Board, has shared his enthusiasm for this important partnership and is eager to help connect our alumni with this invaluable resource.
Key resources and services offered through the CLF Helpline include:
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A dedicated CLF member providing personalized support to alumni and caregivers
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Peer support network
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CTE education and comprehensive brain health resources
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Opportunities for research participation and brain bank donations
Emergency Financial Assistance
We offer Dire Need Grants that provide immediate and discreet financial support to alumni and immediate family members facing urgent crises, including but not limited to:
- Access to health care and medical resources
- Assistance with securing housing and household bills
- Other basic essentials, such as food, toiletries, and transportation
- Support with job or education readiness, such as supplies, attire,
Our goal is to provide swift, compassionate relief when it’s needed most.
Grant Qualifications:
- Must be 49ers Alumni, or the partner/spouse/widow or child of a former player
- Alumni must have at least 1 full accredited season with the 49ers
- Provide a complete picture of current finances:
- Proof of income - pay stub, social security statement, SSI, etc
- List of monthly bills and expenses
- Current debt
- Current savings and assets
- Other applicable financial resources or support
Request Support
Get the support you deserve.
If you’re a former player—or an immediate family member of one—who could use some support, we’re here to help. Just fill out the form on this page, and our team will reach out to you shortly.
All requests are free and 100% confidential!