The NBA Foundation has announced a second round to distribute funds from its $3 million grant program to help generate more career and employment opportunities in Black communities as well as use its influence to drive economic empowerment.

“The grants will enhance and build upon the important work of these national and local organizations that align with the NBA Foundation’s mission to provide skills training, mentorship, coaching and pipeline development for high school, college-aged, job-ready and mid-career individuals in Black communities across the United States and Canada,” the league told CNBC.

According to an announcement from the NBA, nine organizations have been selected to join the foundation’s second grant round — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, Braven, Center for Leadership Development, City Year, CodeCrew, The Collective Blueprint, NAF, New Heights Youth and Road to Hire.

Following the high-profile murders of individuals like George Floyd last year, teams from sports leagues all over took a larger interest in helping Black communities with campaigns that aimed to disrupt and encourage the country to make some much-needed changes.

 

Back in December, the NBA Foundation — which was formed through a collaboration between the NBA and its players’ union — released the first installment of its grant program to aid in education and employment opportunities. Organizations including the Marcus Graham Project, Operation DREAM, and Management Leadership for Tomorrow were selected to receive the funds.

As part of its commitment, The NBA Foundation also pledged to help Black communities over the next 10 years with all 30 NBA clubs uniting to commit $30 million annually to improve economic and income inequality.

“The NBA Foundation’s mission to drive economic empowerment for Black communities through employment and career advancement is essential to the mobility and prosperity of future generations,” NBA Foundation executive director Greg Taylor told CNBC via email. “We’re excited to continue our work and honor our second round of grant recipients that are making firsthand impact in their communities and on individual lives.”

For more information about the NBA Foundation’s grant program, click here.