Basketball legend Michael Jordan, in partnership with Jordan Brand, announced a $1 million grant program aimed at supporting Black communities across the United States. This initiative is part of a broader, decade-long commitment of $100 million to address social justice, economic empowerment, and educational reform in Black communities The program seeks to empower grassroots organizations that are working tirelessly to create more equitable futures for Black Americans.
The Vision Behind the Grant Program
A Commitment to Action and Impact
The launch of the Community Grants program is a direct response to the social justice movement that gained momentum in 2020. Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand recognized the urgent need to support organizations that are on the front lines of change, addressing systemic racism and inequality at the local level.
Craig Williams, President of Jordan Brand, emphasized the program’s focus on action and impact, stating, “Since announcing our commitment to the Black community in June of 2020, we’ve been focused on two things — action and impact. I’m excited about the impact these grants will have in local communities. We know that when we create positive change for the Black community, it benefits everyone.”
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| @type | GrantProgram |
| name | Michael Jordan Community Grants |
| description | $1M+ grant program supporting Black community organizations |
| sponsor | Michael Jordan & Jordan Brand |
| fundingAmount | $1M per cycle (multiple cycles annually) |
| eligibilityCriteria | U.S. 501(c)(3) orgs, <$3M budget, focus on economic/education/social justice |
| applicationProcess | Advisory committee review, annual cycles |
| impact | Supports 48+ grassroots orgs, $2.3M+ awarded in 2023 |
How the Grant Program Works
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify for the Community Grants, organizations must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with an operating budget of less than $3 million. The program targets organizations whose missions align with one of four key pillars: economic justice, education, narrative change, and social justice.
Applications are reviewed by an advisory committee composed of members from the Jordan Brand and Michael Jordan Family Office teams. The selection process is highly competitive, with hundreds of applications received each year. Successful applicants receive one-year grants that enable them to expand their programs, reach more individuals, and create lasting change in their communities.
Impact and Reach of the Grant Program
Supporting Grassroots Organizations
The Community Grants program has already made a significant impact. In 2023, $2.3 million was awarded to 48 grassroots organizations, including new grantees and reinvestments in previous recipients such as 1Hood Media, Mortar Cincinnati, Love Now Media, Revolution Workshop, and Good Call NYC.
These organizations represent a diverse range of initiatives, from economic empowerment and educational reform to narrative change and social justice advocacy. By focusing on local, community-driven solutions, the program ensures that funding reaches those who are best positioned to create meaningful, sustainable change.
Examples of Funded Organizations
-
Economic Justice: America on Tech, Block Builderz, Village of Love and Resistance
-
Education: Birmingham Education Foundation, CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program, Education Law Center
-
Narrative Change: August Wilson Red Door Project, Community Action League, Girl Be Heard Institute
-
Social Justice: Ad Hoc Group Against Crime, DC Justice Lab, Youth Sentencing Reentry Project
The Broader $100 Million Commitment
A Decade-Long Pledge
The Community Grants program is part of a larger, 10-year, $100 million commitment by Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand to support the Black community. This pledge was announced in June 2020, at the height of the social justice movement, and is being implemented through a combination of national partnerships and local grants.
National partners include the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), the Formerly Incarcerated Convicted People & Families Movement (FICPFM), and Black Voters Matter. These organizations received donations ranging from $500,000 to $1 million to support their transformative work across the country.
The Importance of Local Action
Empowering Community Leaders
One of the core beliefs driving the Community Grants program is that local organizations are not just changemakers, but also dreamers and builders of generational bonds. By investing in these groups, Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand are helping to amplify the voices and efforts of those who understand the unique challenges facing their communities.
Craig Williams, President of Jordan Brand, remarked, “We hold a belief that these community organizations aren’t just local changemakers, but that they are dreamers, makers of generational bonds, and neighborhood leaders with an authentic understanding of how their collectives can create transformative change.”4
The Future of the Grant Program
Ongoing Support and Expansion
The Community Grants program is designed to be ongoing, with new cycles of funding announced each year. The overwhelming response from grassroots organizations has demonstrated the critical need for this type of support, and Jordan Brand has expressed its commitment to continuing the program for the foreseeable future.
As Michael Jordan himself stated, “Action over words is the foundation of our Black Community Commitment. These organizations put action over words every day to make their communities a better place. Each of these groups has demonstrated the courage to make a difference at the local level and I could not be more proud to support the work they are doing.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the purpose of Michael Jordan’s grant program?
A: The grant program aims to support Black communities by funding grassroots organizations working on economic justice, education, narrative change, and social justice.
Q2: Who is eligible to apply for the grants?
A: U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with an operating budget under $3 million that align with the program’s key pillars are eligible.
Q3: How are grant recipients selected?
A: An advisory committee from Jordan Brand and the Michael Jordan Family Office reviews applications and selects organizations that demonstrate a clear path to sustainable change.
Also Read:- SASSA Confirms June 2025 Grants – Check Dates for Old Age, Disability & Child Support