Minneapolis/St. Paul – The NBA Foundation recently awarded three local organizations with grants supporting their work to drive economic opportunity for under-resourced youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the Saint Paul Parks & Recreation Conservancy's Right Track Program and V3 Sports are among 91 new NBA Foundation grant recipients in the foundation’s latest round of funding.
Over the past five years, within Minnesota and the surrounding area, 27 local and national nonprofit partners have been awarded more than $6.8 million in funding.
"The NBA Foundation's investment in Big Brothers Big Sisters of America represents a powerful commitment to changing the trajectory of young lives in communities across America through the power of mentorship. Our partnership opens doors and creates access for young people to see themselves in professional environments, connect with mentors who empower them, and build the skills that employers value. Together, we're teaming up to ensure that youth have access to the mentorship, exposure, and pathways they need to build big futures—and we're grateful to have a partner in the NBA Foundation who shares our belief that mentorship allows young people to not only imagine what’s possible but have the support they need to achieve it,” said President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Artis Stevens.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the NBA for this $100,000 investment in Right Track and in the young people of Saint Paul,” said Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez. “This grant provides critical operational support that allows us to continue connecting youth from cost-burdened households to meaningful internships, mentorship, and career pathways. Our long-standing partnership with the NBA reflects a shared commitment to equity, opportunity, and building the next generation of talent. Together, we’re helping young people gain the skills, confidence, and experience they need to succeed while strengthening Saint Paul’s workforce for the future.”
"We're thrilled that the NBA Foundation is investing in Saint Paul's next generation workforce with Right Track internships, job training and wealth equity financial education," said Saint Paul Parks Conservancy President and Chief Parks Champion Michael-jon Pease. "The Timberwolves are in community with our youth - from offering free skills camps, to renovating the gym at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. They know that Saint Paul kids have got real game when they're given the opportunity to succeed.”
"The partnership with the NBA Foundation represents an investment in what’s possible through community-led solutions. It reflects a shared belief in building pathways forward and backing ideas that come from the community. This investment allows V3 Sports to stay rooted, responsive, and focused on long-term, generational impact," said Executive Director of V3 Sports Malik Rucker.
“We are proud to partner with the NBA Foundation and the diverse communities we serve to amplify the impact of nonprofits across the places we live, work and play,” said Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Senior Director of Community Impact Sondra Ciesielski.
The NBA Foundation’s mission is focused on driving economic opportunity for under-resourced youth, ages 14-24, by funding programs that generate successful transitions from school to meaningful employment with priority being given to organizations operating in NBA team markets. The NBA Foundation invests in programs through partnerships and grants to local and national organizations that promote school-to-career employment opportunities, including job readiness, skill training, job placement and career advancement.
The full list of NBA Foundation grantees can be viewed here.
About the NBA Foundation
The NBA Foundation is the league’s first-ever charitable foundation dedicated to driving economic opportunity for under-resourced youth, ages 14-24. The Foundation invests in local and national organizations that promote school-to-career and workforce development opportunities.
