Month of Giving Donations Aid Causes Backed by the Cleveland Browns

As the holiday season unfolds, the Cleveland Browns have turned their focus beyond the football field, launching their annual “Month of Giving” campaign—a initiative that channels donations, volunteer hours, and community support into causes the team has long championed. What began as a small food drive a decade ago has grown into a month-long effort that impacts thousands of Cleveland residents, addressing critical needs like food insecurity, youth development, and housing stability. This year, the campaign has raised over $500,000 in cash donations and collected 25,000 pounds of non-perishable goods, with players, coaches, and front-office staff leading by example through hands-on volunteer work. Month of Giving Donations Aid Causes Backed by the Cleveland Browns explores how this campaign strengthens the bond between the team and its community, turns fan support into tangible change, and reinforces the Browns’ commitment to being more than just a sports franchise.

The Month of Giving campaign is rooted in the Browns’ mission to support causes that align with their players’ passions and the community’s most pressing needs—ensuring donations have a direct, local impact. This year, the team focused on three core areas: fighting hunger, empowering youth, and supporting families experiencing homelessness. To address hunger, the Browns partnered with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, hosting drive-thru donation events at FirstEnergy Stadium where fans could drop off canned goods and receive a free team poster. The campaign also included a “Dollar for Dollar” match, where the Browns organization matched every fan donation to the food bank up to \(100,000—doubling the impact of fan generosity. For youth development, the team donated \)75,000 to local Boys & Girls Clubs, funding after-school programs focused on STEM education and sports mentorship. Players like quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive end Myles Garrett visited clubs to lead workshops, sharing stories of their own childhoods and encouraging kids to pursue their goals. “This campaign isn’t about checking a box,” said Browns community relations director Jenner Tekancic. “It’s about showing up for the people who support us every Sunday—especially those who need it most.” Month of Giving Donations Aid Causes Backed by the Cleveland Browns notes that this targeted approach ensures donations don’t just go to “charity” in general, but to programs that have a proven track record of improving lives in Cleveland.

A highlight of the Month of Giving campaign is the active participation of Browns players, who turn their platform into action by volunteering alongside fans and community members. In early December, a group of 20 players—including tight end David Njoku and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah—spent a morning packing meal kits at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, laughing and chatting with volunteers as they assembled 1,500 boxes of non-perishables for families in need. Njoku, who grew up in nearby Cedar Grove, New Jersey, spoke about the importance of giving back to communities like Cleveland that support athletes. “When I was a kid, there were times my family relied on food banks,” he said. “To be here now, helping other families, means everything.” Later in the month, head coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff joined volunteers at a local homeless shelter, serving hot meals and handing out winter coats collected during a team-wide drive. The Browns also invited fans to join these efforts: a “Volunteer Day” at the stadium drew over 300 fans, who sorted donations and helped wrap holiday gifts for kids in foster care. These moments of connection—players and fans working side by side—turn the campaign into more than just a donation drive; they create shared experiences that strengthen the Browns’ relationship with the community. Month of Giving Donations Aid Causes Backed by the Cleveland Browns emphasizes that player involvement isn’t just for show—it’s a way to humanize the team and inspire others to give back.

For the Cleveland Browns, the Month of Giving campaign is more than a seasonal tradition; it’s a strategic investment in the community that strengthens fan loyalty and builds a positive team identity. In a league where teams often struggle to connect with their local communities beyond game days, the Browns’ consistent focus on giving has made them a beloved fixture in Cleveland. A 2024 survey by the Cleveland Sports Commission found that 78% of Browns fans cite the team’s community work as a reason they feel “proud to support the franchise”—up from 52ecadeago. The campaign also boosts the team’s brand off the field: local businesses eager to align with the Browns’ mission have sponsored events, with a regional grocery chain donating $50,000 to the food drive and printing campaign logos on their shopping bags. For the Cleveland Browns, this support creates a cycle of positivity: fan donations fund community programs, those programs improve lives, and grateful residents become even more dedicated fans—showing up to games, buying merchandise, and cheering the team on through wins and losses. Month of Giving Donations Aid Causes Backed by the Cleveland Browns notes that this symbiotic relationship is rare in professional sports, and it’s a key reason the Browns have maintained a loyal fanbase even during rebuilding seasons.

The Cleveland Browns’ Month of Giving campaign also has a long-term impact on the causes it supports, helping nonprofits expand their reach and create sustainable change. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, for example, used the \(200,000 raised through the Browns’ campaign (including the team’s match) to launch a new mobile food pantry that serves rural communities outside Cleveland—areas that previously had no access to free food distribution. The Boys & Girls Clubs used their \)75,000 donation to hire a full-time STEM coordinator, allowing them to offer daily science and tech workshops instead of monthly sessions. “The Browns’ support doesn’t just help us get through the holiday season—it helps us grow,” said Karen Pritchard, CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. “That mobile pantry will feed families for years, not just a month.” For the Cleveland Browns, this long-term impact is a key goal of the campaign. Instead of one-time donations that provide temporary relief, the team works with nonprofits to identify projects that will have lasting benefits—ensuring their giving creates real, meaningful change. Players often stay connected to these causes year-round: Owusu-Koramoah, for instance, has continued to volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club he visited during the campaign, hosting monthly football drills for kids. Month of Giving Donations Aid Causes Backed by the Cleveland Browns explores how this ongoing commitment turns a seasonal campaign into a catalyst for long-term community improvement.

Looking ahead, the Cleveland Browns plan to expand the Month of Giving campaign in 2025, adding new initiatives that address emerging community needs while building on existing successes. The team is exploring a “Mentorship Matching” program that would pair Browns players with at-risk youth, providing ongoing guidance throughout the year—not just during the holidays. They also plan to partner with local housing organizations to fund home repair projects for low-income families, a need identified by community surveys as a top priority. “Every year, we ask the community what they need—and we listen,” Tekancic said. “Next year’s campaign will be even more focused on their input, ensuring we’re addressing the issues that matter most to Cleveland residents.” For the Cleveland Browns, the Month of Giving campaign is a reflection of their identity: a team that doesn’t just play for Cleveland, but plays with Cleveland. As the campaign grows, it continues to reinforce the idea that football is more than a game—it’s a way to bring people together, lift each other up, and build a stronger community. Month of Giving Donations Aid Causes Backed by the Cleveland Browns concludes that in a world where sports franchises are often criticized for being out of touch, the Browns’ Month of Giving stands as a model for how teams can use their platform, resources, and passion to make a real difference. For Cleveland residents, the campaign is a reminder that when the Browns say “For The Land,” they mean it—both on and off the field.