Members of the inaugural Flight 000 ABLOH AIR program. Photo: Bogdan “Chilldays” Plakov/ Courtesy of Virgil Abloh Foundation
The NBA Foundation has announced its 15th round of grant funding, supporting 25 nonprofit organizations across the country that are dedicated to advancing economic opportunity for youth. This latest round continues the Foundation’s mission to drive meaningful change by investing in programs that center career readiness, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.
“Every grant round supports amazing new opportunities to empower young people across NBA markets. We are extremely proud to partner with these 25 organizations and are excited for the work we will do together,” said Ruth Jurgensen, Executive Director of the NBA Foundation.
NBA Legend Muggsy Bogues connects with a student during an event hosted by the Muggsy Bogues Foundation in Charlotte.
Championing Youth Empowerment and Community Excellence
Grantees from this round are leading impactful initiatives in NBA and WNBA markets, providing transformative opportunities through sports, education, and entrepreneurship. From court to classroom to boardroom, these organizations are building systems of support for youth to excel in all areas of life.
One standout grantee this round is Catch the Stars Foundation in Indianapolis, founded by WNBA legend and Olympic gold medalist Tamika Catchings. The organization empowers youth through fitness, literacy, and character development programs, including its Shoot for the Stars initiative, a six-session experience focused on life skills, decision-making, and financial literacy. The Foundation has already impacted over 1,300 youth and helped facilitate 43 college enrollments, with plans to reach hundreds more through continued support from the NBA Foundation.
In Oklahoma City, Met Cares Foundation is working to transform the academic and career outcomes of North Tulsa students through its North Tulsa Innovation Institute. The organization’s 8-week entrepreneurship program introduces high school students to career pathways and business development skills, encouraging them to pitch their own ventures while gaining mentorship and internship opportunities.
Meanwhile, Aspiring Youth Academy in Phoenix is helping ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of students through a partnership with Arizona State University. Their 12-week curriculum culminates in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition and connects youth to industry leaders and mentors. The program primarily serves students from Title I schools and aims to equip them with the confidence and tools to build financial independence.
These grants do more than fund programs, they fuel hope, open doors, and build pipelines to opportunity in communities that have historically been overlooked.
Highlights from the 15th Grant Round Include:
From neighborhood gyms to innovation hubs, the organizations selected in this round are expanding to critical resources that support personal growth, skill building, and long-term success. Whether through sports-based mentorship, entrepreneurial training, or college and career readiness, each grantee is helping shape more confident, capable and connected youth across NBA and WNBA communities.
Participants of Janie’s Angels gain real-world experience.
- Career Development & Sports Workforce Programs
Organizations in Dallas, New York, Boston, and Indiana are offering hands-on training in media, operations and business, preparing youth for careers in the sports industry and beyond. - Entrepreneurship & Innovation Pathways
Grantees in Oklahoma City and Phoenix are equipping students with real-world business skills and startup experience to promote long-term financial empowerment. - Community-Based Mentorship & Leadership Development
Mentorship-focused programs are providing youth with trusted adult guidance, life skills development, and access to college and career planning resources. - Academic Support & Literacy Programs
Several grantees are tackling educational equity by delivering tutoring, enrichment, and college access resources in communities that need it most. - Tech, STEM, and Digital Access
Youth-focused tech and innovation programs are helping bridge the digital divide through coding camps, design thinking workshops, and exposure to STEM fields.
The NBA Foundation continues to work alongside teams, players, and community partners to elevate youth-focused programming with lasting impact. With each grant round, the Foundation reaffirms its belief that when young people are given opportunity, access and support, the possibilities are endless.
To learn more about the NBA Foundation’s work and future grant opportunities, visit NBAFoundation.com.
