Our Mission
Our mission is to drive 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 will accomplish its mission by investing in programs and partnerships with and making grants to local and national organizations that promote school-to-career employment opportunities, including job readiness, skill training, job placement, and career advancement.
Get Involved
At the NBA Foundation, we are dedicated to inspiring change by creating pathways for economic advancement across NBA markets through the power of basketball. We are proud to advance this mission through our signature programs and by supporting Nonprofits that focus on education, employment, and career readiness opportunities to foster lasting change. Join us in shaping lasting impact. Explore how you can be part of the change below.
Where It All Began — and Where We’re Going
Our History
From vision to action — Explore our journey of making an impact since 2020.
Timeline
Game-Changing Moments: The Foundation’s Path to Impact
Founded in 2020, as the NBA’s first ever 501c3, the NBA Foundation is committed to unlocking economic opportunity for youth across NBA communities.
We’re proud of the impact we’ve made — and even more excited about the future we’re building together.
August 2020
The NBA Foundation is created with a 10-year, $300 million commitment to drive economic opportunity and empowerment for under-resourced youth and their communities.
2021
The Foundation awards 118 grants totaling $33 million to nonprofits increasing pathways to career development, education, and entrepreneurship.
2022
The Foundation hosted the inaugural NBA HBCU Fellowship cohort and first ever All-Star Pitch Competition.
2023
The Foundation surpasses $100 million in total grants awarded and continues the second year of programming of the HBCU Fellowhip and All-Star Pitch Competition.
2024
The NBA Foundation expands its impact with the launch of the Tech Challenge at AfroTech, adding a new signature program to its portfolio.
2025
The Foundation celebrates its 5th anniversary, marking $141M awarded to over 300 nonprofit partners, impacting over 800K youth.
Since partnering with the NBA Foundation, we’ve placed over 40 alumni in analytics, video, coaching, and support roles with NBA teams and sports tech companies. These aren’t just internships, they’re career-launching experiences.
Anwar McQueen, TEAM Inc.
Nonprofit Partner