MICHAEL JORDAN & JORDAN BRAND ANNOUNCE GRANT TO CITY STARTUP LABS

At the heart of the Black Community Commitment, announced by Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand in 2020, is a desire to take action where it is needed most. This vision has been supported by a robust partnership strategy, with grants contributing to the areas of social justice, economic empowerment and education and awareness. Today, Jordan Brand is extending the impact of its Black Community Commitment through a total of $1 million in local community grants to 18 grassroots organizations on the front lines of change.

For generations, the cumulative impact of systemic racism has had a defining impact on the opportunities available to Black communities. Through its annual Community Grants program, Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will champion the work of small organizations delivering locally-relevant solutions designed to reduce inequity, and meet the diverse needs of the Black community in cities large and small across the country.

“Action over words is the foundation of our Black Community Commitment,” says Michael Jordan. “These 18 organizations put action over words every day to make their communities a better place. Each of these groups has demonstrated the courage to make a difference at the local level and I could not be more proud to support the work they are doing.”

“We received hundreds of applications for Community Grants, and every single one of them was a reminder of the unique impact and powerful personal connections local community efforts can make happen. Making a decision on the first cycle of 18 organizations selected was certainly not easy,” said Craig Williams, President, Jordan Brand. “We are thrilled to not only stand behind them, but based on the volume of applications received, we look forward to continuing to offer this program each year in support of local grassroots efforts that create real, meaningful change for people and communities.”

To qualify for Jordan Brand’s Community Grant, a nonprofit must have a total operating budget of less than $3 million and a track record of success in demonstrating a path to sustainable change. The 18 organizations receiving funding are uniquely positioned to build racial equity in neighborhoods including Oakland, Calif., Cedar Falls, Iowa, Hartford, Conn. and Atlanta.