Significant Milestone Reached in Uplifting Initiatives
The NBA Foundation has reached a significant milestone, surpassing $100 million in grants distributed since its inception in August 2020.
Dedicated to supporting youth-serving organizations across NBA team markets, the Foundation continues its mission to create economic empowerment in Black communities through a $300 million commitment.
With the announcement of the 11th round of grants totaling $8.66 million for 46 grantees, the NBA Foundation reinforces its focus on fostering opportunities and providing resources to organizations that often face challenges securing support.
“It really is about fostering opportunity and extending resources to young people and organizations that oftentimes don’t receive those resources,” said Greg Taylor, Executive Director of the NBA Foundation.
Diverse Grant Recipients Prepare Youth for Various Career Paths
This latest grant round showcases the Foundation’s diverse support, spanning from The American Cancer Society to the Dallas Black Dance Theater. The aim is to prepare young people for careers across multiple industries.
“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,” Taylor explained.
Through 337 total grants to 227 non-profits so far, the NBA Foundation has impacted over 240,000 Black youth by offering opportunities, mentorship, skill training, and preparation for long-term success.
10-Year $300M Commitment Showing Strong Pace
The NBA Foundation’s journey began with a pioneering 10-year, $300 million commitment from the NBA’s 30 team governors. Now one-third through that period, the distribution of grants reflects a robust pace in pursuing lasting community impact.
“The 10-year commitment was to send a message to the world. We want a lasting impact on the ground in where we are,” Taylor emphasized.
Beyond funding, the Foundation engages groups through webinars, simplifying the application process and ensuring transparency. Looking ahead, it envisions co-creating opportunities, building a national employer network, and connecting Black youth 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.”
