In an effort to uplift Black youth, the NBA Foundation recently celebrated a significant milestone, surpassing $100 million in grants since its inception in August 2020, NBA.com reported. The Foundation, dedicated to supporting youth-serving organizations across NBA markets, continues its mission to create economic empowerment in Black communities, with a commitment to invest $300 million.
With the announcement of the 11th round of grants, the NBA Foundation reinforced its commitment to fostering opportunities for young people and providing resources to organizations that often face challenges in
securing support. Greg Taylor, the executive director of the NBA Foundation, emphasized the significance of the $100 million milestone, stating, “It really is about fostering opportunity and extending resources to young people and organizations that oftentimes don’t receive those resources.”The 11th round of grants, totaling $8.66 million, will benefit 46 grantees, showcasing the Foundation’s commitment to diverse causes. From supporting The American Cancer Society to the Dallas Black Dance Theater, the grants aim to prepare young people for various industries, aligning with the Foundation’s key goals.
Taylor highlighted the distinctive aspect of this grant round, stating, “Probably more than any other grant round, this round speaks to the diversity of employment fields. What this says to us is that young people have broad interests, and what they need is mentors and resources to participate.”
Through 337 grants to 227 non-profits, the NBA Foundation has positively impacted the lives of over 240,000 Black youth. The grants not only offer opportunities in various fields but also focus on mentorship, skill training, and preparation to ensure long-term success.
The NBA Foundation’s journey began with a 10-year, $300 million commitment from each of the 30 team governors. The commitment, now a third of the way through, reflects a strong pace and a dedication to leaving a lasting impact on the ground.
“The 10-year commitment was to send a message to the world,” Taylor emphasized. “We want a lasting impact on the ground in where we are.”
Beyond financial support, the NBA Foundation actively engages with interested groups through bi-monthly webinars, simplifying the application process, answering questions, and ensuring transparency. The Foundation envisions co-creating opportunities with Black youth, building a national network of employers, and connecting them to meaningful jobs.
“The express mission was to connect Black youth to jobs,” Taylor stated. “We knew that jobs were a way to promote economic opportunity.”
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