As the NFL continues to address the diversity and racial equality front, the league announced on May 31 the renewals of 21 national grant partners.
The grant awards total $6.5 million in donations as part of the NFL’s Inspire Change social justice initiative.
“The NFL is proud to renew its commitment to these 21 organizations as they continue to drive positive change in communities nationwide,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson in a statement.
The Pivot
Amid social unrest after the murder of George Floyd, the NFL launched Inspire Change after players, both current and former, began to voice their opinions about social justice reform, most notably Colin Kaepernick.
The initiative showcases the collaborative efforts of players, clubs, and the league to create positive change in communities. The NFL has reportedly provided more than $244 million to 37 national grant partners and hundreds of grassroots organizations across the country.
The efforts fulfill a 10-year, $250 million commitment for social justice efforts, including more than 1,800 Inspire Change matching grants provided by the NFL Foundation. Those grants were given to current NFL players and former legends for the nonprofit organizations of their choice to reduce and ultimately eliminate the barriers to opportunity.
When Players And Owners Meet
“The greater societal needs that these organizations serve represent the core tenets behind Inspire Change, and their meaningful work and measurable impact continue to inspire the NFL in its ongoing quest for social justice,” Isaacson continued.
Recently, the 21 grants were approved by the Player-Owner Social Justice Working Group, a 10-member panel of current players, NFL legends, and team owners. The grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations meeting the four pillars of Inspire Change: education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform.
The receiving organizations are Alabama Appleseed, Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), Association for Enterprise Opportunity, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), Breakthrough Miami, Center for Policing Equity, City Year, Community Justice Exchange, Covenant House, Just City, Ladies of Hope Ministries (LOHM), MENTOR, Metropolitan Family Services, National Urban League, The Oregon Justice Resource Center (OJRC), Operation HOPE, Per Scholas, Texas Appleseed, US Dream Academy, and the Vera Institute of Justice.
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