NBA Foundation's $300 Million Grant Fuels New Opportunities for New Orleans Nonprofits
In New Orleans, nonprofits are experiencing a transformative shift thanks to a significant boost from the NBA Foundation. The National Basketball Association’s newly established $300 million grantmaking arm has been instrumental in supporting organizations dedicated to enhancing economic opportunities for Black youth.
One of the most notable impacts has been at the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), which recently expanded into a new facility in New Orleans East—a historically underserved, majority-Black area. The additional $500,000 in staffing costs previously out of reach was made possible through the NBA Foundation’s support. This funding enabled YEP to offer critical out-of-school programs and host summer camps, including a lively indoor kickball game that would have been unthinkable just two years ago.
The NBA Foundation, which formalized its philanthropic efforts four years ago, focuses on providing flexible funding to nonprofits serving Black youth. This approach stands out in a landscape where funding for Black-focused initiatives has historically been limited. The Foundation’s model has been praised for its minimal restrictions and comprehensive application process, setting a new standard for philanthropy.
Established in response to the heightened awareness of racial inequality following the 2020 killing of George Floyd, the NBA Foundation has garnered significant support from all 30 NBA teams, each contributing $10 million over ten years. Despite the NBA’s revenue exceeding $10 billion annually, critics argue that the Foundation’s contribution is a small fraction of the league’s overall earnings.
Local leaders, such as New Orleans City Councilman Oliver Thomas, stress the importance of investing in underserved communities, especially when professional sports teams benefit from public funding for their facilities. The NBA Foundation’s efforts are seen as a positive step toward addressing these disparities.
Individual teams and players have long engaged in charitable activities, but the Foundation’s approach aims for a unified impact across the league. Proposals for funding are reviewed by a grants team and approved by a board of NBA governors, athletes, and officials, ensuring that the support aligns with the league’s values of diversity and inclusion.
Organizations like Boys Town Louisiana have highlighted the NBA Foundation’s supportive and personable approach, which includes flexible reporting requirements and opportunities for grant recipients to share their stories beyond standard metrics. This has proven especially valuable for nonprofits serving vulnerable populations, where success can be challenging to quantify.
In New Orleans, where large-scale philanthropy is rare and local nonprofits compete for limited resources, the NBA Foundation’s $5 million contribution to 18 local grantees has provided critical stability and allowed for innovative programs. The funding has been instrumental in staffing and expanding programs at YEP, such as career readiness classes that have already impacted 31 participants.
Ke’Daryl Sentmore, a 17-year-old from New Orleans East, exemplifies the program’s success. Recently graduating high school and securing two internships through YEP, Sentmore’s opportunities are a testament to the positive changes driven by the NBA Foundation’s investment. He views the Pelicans’ support as a beacon of hope for those in his community.
As the summer camp activities continue, the support from the NBA Foundation remains a vital force in driving change and providing new opportunities for the youth of New Orleans East.