The NBA announced it will give out $2 million in grants to organizations that support the Black community, ESPN reported. The $2 million in inaugural grants is the first donation in the NBA’s pledge.
The NBA in early August announced a $30 million initial contribution over the next 10 year to establish the NBA Foundation which will be dedicated to “creating greater economic empowerment in the Black community”, according to The Bleacher Report.
A total of $2 million in inaugural grants for employment and career advancement were announced Thursday.
The Seven organizations selected as recipients are Exalt (New York), Management Leadership for Tomorrow (Washington), Marcus Graham Project (Dallas), Operation DREAM (Milwaukee), TEAM Inc. (Oakland, California), The Knowledge House (New York) and the Youth Empowerment Project (New Orleans).
ESPN wrote the organizations “align with the NBA Foundation’s mission to provide skills training, mentorship, coaching and development for high school, college and midcareer Black men and women in communities across the United States and Canada.”
The newly created NBA foundation will be led by Greg Taylor, who is the NBA senior vice president of player development.
“During my time at the league, I have been inspired by the efforts of NBA players, teams and governors to advocate for change and I look forward to using my experience working with non-profits to further our investment in the next generation of Black leaders,” Taylor said in a statement.