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Joe Montana kneels at the field's edge to coordinate with the team's coach.

Once a 49er, you're family for life

There’s something special about every player who has worn the red and gold.
You’re no different.

The Golden Heart Fund is here to give you and your immediate family the free, comprehensive, and personalized support you deserve after dedicating yourself to playing at the highest level in the NFL.

Our free services are 100% confidential and available to those who’ve played at least one full accredited season with the San Francisco 49ers.

Our Programs

Help Identifying & Collecting Benefits

Many players have access to a wide range of resources through organizations within the NFL ecosystem. The Golden Heart Fund is here to build a bridge between where a player is at retirement and their ability to access those resources.

We provide a clear, comprehensive understanding of the benefits and support available to former players, helping them navigate this next chapter with confidence and clarity.

Navigating Life After 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. 

  • Non-NFL related benefits and resources
  • Post-competitive career transitions
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Caregiving Services

Providing caregiving support for alumni is vital to help manage long-term physical challenges, promote independence, and improve quality of life after their playing careers.

  • Understanding NFL benefits for spouses
  • Transitioning to Medicare
  • In home care

Emergency Financial Assistance

We offer dire need grants that provide immediate financial support to individuals and families facing urgent crises, including but not limited to:

  • Access to health care
  • Assistance with day-to-day challenges
  • Essential needs such as food, shelter, and transportation

Our goal is to provide swift, compassionate relief when it’s needed most.

Do I qualify? - All alumni who wish to request a grant mush have the following:

  • 1 full accredited season with the San Francisco 49ers
  • Provide a complete picture of current finances:
    (income/pay stub, list of monthly expenses, any additional financial support)

Request Support

Get the support you need.

If you're a player or former player who'd like to request support from The Golden Heart Fund, please fill out the adjacent form and we'll reach out to you as soon as we can.

All requests are free and 100% confidential.
Email
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Alumni Game Day Brunch

This event is a chance to reconnect, recharge, and find support beyond the field. More than just a meal, it’s a space to build community and access valuable resources. Spouses are welcome, as they often help navigate benefits, ask key questions, and encourage alumni to stay engaged.

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Led by players. Made for players.

100% 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.

Show your support.

The power of The Golden Heart Fund is that it’s led by former players who have overcome their own challenges after hanging up their uniforms.

Service and a pay-it-forward mindset are essential to living well with purpose. Give back to your brothers and support our mission.