U.S. Bank and the Minnesota Vikings are teaming up to invest $1 million over the next three years with U.S. Bank Places to Play, an effort to make Minnesota an even greater place to live, raise a family and create lifelong memories.

U.S. Bank encourages community-based nonprofit organizations and local schools across the state to nominate projects that need funding to be created or improved, such as parks, playgrounds or youth sports facilities. The request for proposals is available at usbank.com/placestoplay through February 18, 2016. The first grants will be announced next spring in anticipation of the Vikings kicking off at their new place to play: U.S. Bank Stadium.

“U.S. Bank Stadium is a big place to play, but the smaller ones are important too,” said Richard Davis, chairman, president and chief executive officer for U.S. Bank. “Having a place to play can have a lasting impact on someone’s life. In my case, I think of the endless hours I was privileged to have spent at local soccer fields coaching my three kids when they were young. Just think of all of the great life lessons that are taught and learned on soccer fields and playgrounds.”

Minnesotans are encouraged to share their own story about the impact a place to play has had on their life on Twitter and Instagram using #MyPlaceToPlay. Each time the #MyPlaceToPlay is shared, U.S. Bank will donate an additional dollar to the program up to $10,000.

Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs talked about what having a place to play meant to him: “We had a playground next to my grandma’s house that I went to pretty much every day because I was an outdoorsy kid. I wanted to be outside, running around…. This initiative will create big memories for a lot of young kids.”

“From a playground to a running trail to a football field, places to play come in many shapes and sizes,” said Mark Wilf, owner and president of the Minnesota Vikings. “We’re excited to kick off this initiative, and we look forward to hearing Minnesotans’ diverse stories and helping

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