The NBA Foundation is marking its sixth anniversary by celebrating a major milestone in its mission to create economic opportunities for under-resourced youth.
Key Highlights
- The NBA Foundation has now served more than 1 million youth since its launch in 2020.
- The Foundation has awarded $165 million to over 300 nonprofit organizations, surpassing half of its initial $300 million commitment.
- A new $3.3 million grant round will support 54 organizations across all NBA markets.
- Signature initiatives, including the HBCU Fellowship, All-Star Pitch Competition, and Tech Challenge, continue creating career and business opportunities for young people.
Six Years of Growing Impact
Since launching in 2020 in partnership with all 30 NBA teams, the Foundation has expanded its reach significantly. It has now served more than one million young people, built a portfolio of over 300 nonprofit organizations, and awarded $165 million in grants—more than half of its original $300 million commitment.
Executive Director Ruth Jurgensen said the milestone reflects the dedication of the Foundation's nonprofit partners, NBA teams and local communities, while reaffirming its commitment to helping young people succeed.
Latest Grants Expand Community Support
As part of its anniversary celebrations, the Foundation announced its 17th round of grants, awarding $3.3 million to 54 organizations across every NBA market. The latest funding supports both new and returning nonprofit partners, helping them expand workforce development programs, career training and mentorship opportunities for young people.
Among the new recipients is Chapman Partnership, Inc., which has already helped place 2,142 people into permanent housing while assisting 715 individuals in securing employment or completing workforce training. The organization believes its partnership with the NBA Foundation will further strengthen its efforts to help vulnerable youth build brighter futures.
Returning grantees also highlighted the Foundation's continued impact. Organizations such as Lights Camera Discover credited the funding with expanding hands-on training, paid internships and mentorship opportunities in creative industries, while New Pathways for Youth said the partnership will allow it to connect even more young people with mentors, career exploration and workforce development resources.
Signature Programs Continue to Open Doors
Beyond grant funding, the NBA Foundation continues to invest in career development through several signature programs.
Its NBA HBCU Fellowship has provided 335 undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities with 10-week summer internships across departments including communications, marketing, video production and data research.
More than 25% of fellowship alumni have gone on to secure full-time roles within the NBA ecosystem.
The Foundation has also awarded $900,000 through its All-Star Pitch Competition, helping entrepreneurs in NBA All-Star host cities develop their businesses with additional support from partners such as American Express and Comcast.
Meanwhile, the Tech Challenge, launched in 2024, gives college students the opportunity to solve real-world business problems while gaining access to AfroTech, one of the largest technology conferences for industry professionals.
Creating Opportunities Beyond Basketball
While basketball remains at the heart of the NBA, the Foundation continues to demonstrate that its impact extends well beyond the court.
Through grants, workforce development programs and entrepreneurship initiatives, the NBA Foundation is creating pathways for young people to build careers, grow businesses and strengthen communities—ensuring its influence is felt long after the final buzzer.
