NBA Foundation Awards New Grants to Empower Young Leaders for the Future

The NBA Foundation proudly announces its 13th round of grants, with a commitment of over $5 million to 31 nonprofit organizations within NBA team markets. This latest round reinforces the Foundation's mission to create economic and career advancement opportunities for Black youth. Since its inception in 2020, the NBA Foundation has awarded nearly $125 million in grants, supporting thousands of underserved young individuals with vital resources, mentorship, and skills for a successful future.

Renewing partnerships and expanding impact

More than $5 million in grants is split between 12 renewal grants and 19 new organizations. These grants will continue supporting critical programs focused on leadership development, financial literacy and career readiness, ensuring that youth in underserved communities have the tools and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“Providing grants to organizations in communities that need it most is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the NBA Foundation’s mission to create economic opportunity for Black youth,” said Ruth Jurgensen, Executive Director of the NBA Foundation.

“We are excited that 31 organizations, featuring 12 renewals and 19 new organizations who are receiving grants for the first time, will use these funds to provide the resources needed to positively impact youth across the United States and Canada.”

Preparing the next generation of leaders

Among the standout new grantees is

, a financial literacy program based in Central Florida. The organization is dedicated to empowering underserved youth by teaching them essential money management skills and wealth-building strategies to break free from the cycle of generational poverty. 

Starting from the age of 8, students are equipped with the tools to save money, acquire assets, and avoid common financial pitfalls. Through a combination of financial education, hands-on learning, and career readiness programs, 8 Cents in a Jar helps young people gain the knowledge to accumulate wealth early in life, ultimately setting them on a path toward economic mobility.

“We are honored to partner with the NBA Foundation to empower underserved youth through financial education and career-building opportunities,” said Lashea C. Reaves, executive Director of 8 Cents in a Jar. “

This collaboration will create a pipeline of economic succession in our communities, equipping students with the tools and knowledge to achieve economic mobility and build lasting wealth for future generations.”

Lead2Change

, a Milwaukee-based organization that partners with the Milwaukee Bucks to provide leadership development and career exploration for young people, particularly in the fields of sports, business, and technology. Lead2Change works to equip youth with the skills and confidence to excel as future leaders, helping them to transition from the classroom to successful careers. The program focuses on providing mentorship and exposure to various career paths while building leadership skills. By offering real-world experiences and supporting the personal and professional growth of young people, Lead2Change is paving the way for future leaders in industries that have historically lacked representation from underserved communities.

DivInc

in Houston is committed to supporting entrepreneurs of color, particularly those in technology and business. The organization, in partnership with the Houston Rockets, offers a variety of programs designed to foster innovation, leadership, and business development skills. Through mentorship, networking opportunities, and specialized training, DivInc helps entrepreneurs develop their businesses and scale operations. They focus on empowering individuals with the skills and resources needed to succeed in competitive industries, creating a more inclusive ecosystem for entrepreneurs of color. 

Black Girl Film School,

partnered with the Los Angeles Lakers, provides a vital program for young women of color aspiring to break into the entertainment industry. Focused on giving girls the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of film production, screenwriting, and storytelling, Black Girl Film School offers hands-on training, mentorship, and networking to equip these young women with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive entertainment field. The program empowers its participants to become filmmakers and storytellers, ensuring their voices are heard within an industry that often lacks diversity. With the support of the NBA Foundation, Black Girl Film School can continue to create opportunities for young women to enter and thrive in the world of film, broadening representation and encouraging creativity in a traditionally underrepresented field.

Renewal grants: strengthening established programs

The NBA Foundation’s continued support for 12 renewal grantees ensures the expansion and sustainability of programs that have already shown significant success in supporting underserved youth. One such program is

TEAM Inc.

, based in Oakland, CA, which focuses on providing career pathways in sports and technology.

Anwar McQueen, co-Founder and CEO of TEAM Inc., says the NBA Foundation has helped amplify the organization’s impact.

“The NBA Foundation has been instrumental in amplifying TEAM Inc.’s impact by establishing pathways for youth to secure meaningful jobs in sports and technology. Through its support, students have gained valuable real-world experience, such as internships at the NBA Summer League and USA Basketball,” McQueen said.

“These internships have led to transitions into roles like Basketball Operations Assistant and video coordinator positions with NBA and G League teams. These opportunities exemplify the foundation’s role in bridging the gap between its programs and tangible career outcomes.”

Long-term impact: driving systemic change

The NBA Foundation’s ongoing investment in youth empowerment aims to address systemic barriers to success for underserved communities. By focusing on financial literacy, career readiness, and leadership development, the Foundation is helping create lasting change. These grants provide young people with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world, paving the way for them to become leaders in their communities.

To see full list of NBA Foundation’s grantees, visit the

official website

.