The NBA Foundation is celebrating its sixth anniversary of fostering economic opportunity for under-resourced youth. Since 2020, the organization has worked in partnership with all 30 teams to focus on deploying grants that provide workforce development opportunities.
The Foundation has continued to take its impact to new heights, investing in its new partner organizations and expanding its reach. The organization has now served more than 1 million youth, has a current portfolio of over 300 nonprofit organizations and has awarded $165 million, a significant milestone marking over half of the initial $300 million commitment.
As the Foundation celebrates six years, those involved are taking time to reflect on its progress while remaining focused on raising the bar for its growth and impact.
“I am incredibly proud to celebrate the impact we’ve made together over the past six years,” said Ruth Jurgensen, Executive Director of the NBA Foundation. “This anniversary is especially meaningful as we surpass one million youth served through our nonprofit partners and signature programs. Reaching this milestone reflects the dedication of our partners, teams and communities, and we remain committed to creating opportunities that empower young people to thrive.”
On Wednesday, the Foundation celebrates its anniversary with its 17th round of grants, awarding $3.3 million to 54 organizations across all NBA markets. The latest round demonstrates its continued impact and commitment to strengthening the communities surrounding NBA teams.
New nonprofit partners are excited to join the NBA Foundation family in the upcoming cycle. Receiving a grant from the Foundation can help them take their missions even further.
“Since 2013, our partnership with the Miami HEAT has expanded opportunities and critical support for thousands of young people ages 14 to 24 experiencing homelessness and residing at one of our two nationally recognized Homeless Assistance Centers,” said a representative of the new grantee Chapman Partnership, INC.
“Elevating this collaboration to include the National Basketball Association Foundation represents a powerful catalyst for change. Together, we have the opportunity not only to support youth, but to transform futures, equipping them to rewrite their stories and redefine what is possible.”
Chapman has placed 2,142 people in permanent housing while helping 715 individuals secure jobs or complete training. The organization prides itself on transparency, and through this new partnership with the Foundation, Chapman can bring its principles to a whole new audience.
Returning grantees have reflected on what they have accomplished during their time with the NBA Foundation and look forward to continuing the work their organizations strive to do.
“With NBA Foundation funding, Lights Camera Discover has been able to provide hands-on training, paid internship opportunities, mentorship, career exploration experiences, and industry-connected learning that prepares young people for success beyond the classroom,” said founder and Executive Director Kema Charles. “Youth have gained practical skills in filmmaking, photography, animation, journalism, digital content creation, editing, and production while developing critical workplace competencies such as communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and professionalism.”
“Perhaps most importantly, the NBA Foundation’s investment has helped young people see themselves differently, not only as students, but as future creators, storytellers, entrepreneurs and leaders. The confidence, skills and career awareness developed through these experiences continue to create lasting impact for youth, their families, and the communities we serve.”
“We are grateful to the NBA Foundation for believing in the potential of the young people we serve. This partnership will expand our capacity to connect more youth with trusted mentors, career exploration and workforce development opportunities, helping them overcome barriers, discover their strengths and create pathways to lifelong success,” Karen Johnson, Ph.D., President & CEO of New Pathways for Youth.
Signature Programs
The Foundation’s signature programs also continue to make an impact by introducing young professionals to the workforce and providing young curators a platform to make their mark on the national stage. The Foundation’s programs include the NBA HBCU Fellowship, All-Star Pitch Competition, and the Tech Challenge.
The NBA Foundation’s HBCU Fellowship has created career opportunities for 335 HBCU undergraduate and graduate students nationwide through a 10-week summer internship.
“It was really ensuring that students from HBCUs could have opportunities and access to work in sports,” said, Lauren Sills, Head of Operations and Strategic Programs. “As an HBCU alum, there’s a lot of pride because I know there’s a lot of talent at any of our HBCUs, but there’s not a lot of opportunity, so the fact that the NBA Foundation is uniquely positioned to provide those opportunities is very special.”
During the internship, fellows gain hands-on experience in departments including communications, data research, video production, marketing and more. So far, over 25% of Fellowship alumni have received full-time jobs within the NBA ecosystem.
Another signature program of the Foundation is the All-Star Pitch Competition.
The annual pitch competition serves as a launching pad for entrepreneurs to refine their startup ideas while networking with like-minded individuals who share their experiences or are at the level they aspire to reach. To date, the pitch competition has awarded $900,000 to entrepreneurs based in All-Star host markets and has worked with partners like American Express and Comcast to help provide additional funding to local businesses.
In 2024, the Foundation launched the inaugural Tech Challenge program, a design thinking challenge where students from local colleges and universities compete to solve real-world business challenges. In addition to the program, participating students received access to AfroTech, one of the largest convenings for professionals in tech.
In addition to grantmaking, these programs help the Foundation enact its mission to provide opportunities that serve as catalysts for economic empowerment across NBA communities. The NBA Foundation is proving that true success extends beyond the court, empowering entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for students and uplifting communities.
To learn more about the Foundation and get involved, visit NBAFoundation.com.
