The NBA is issuing a second $ three million grant program for black communities

An empty seat and bench will appear after the scheduled start time in the fifth game of the first round of the Eastern Conference between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena in the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 26th Shown in 2020 is Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

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The National Basketball Association on Monday announced another series of grants for social organizations to help improve economic opportunities in the black community.

As part of its $ 300 million pledge to support underserved areas, the league selected nine organizations including New Heights Youth from New York, City Year, Road to Hire, Big Brothers Big Sisters from Miami, and CodeCrew from Memphis.

More than $ 3 million will be distributed in this grant round. The NBA said the money would help businesses create jobs and support black career advancement.

“The grants will enhance and build upon the vital work of these national and local organizations, consistent with the NBA Foundation’s mission to provide qualification, mentoring, coaching, and pipeline development for high school, college-age, professional and middle-aged careers Individuals in black communities in the United States and Canada, “the league said.

Last year, the NBA and their players union worked together to create the NBA Foundation that promises to help blacks for the next 10 years. All 30 NBA clubs will band together to commit $ 30 million annually for the next decade as the league seeks to improve economic and income inequality.

“The NBA Foundation’s mission to drive the economic empowerment of black communities through employment and career advancement is critical to the mobility and prosperity of future generations,” Greg Taylor, executive director of the NBA Foundation, told CNBC via email . “We look forward to continuing our work and honoring our second round of fellows who have firsthand influence in their communities and individual lives.”

Professional sports leagues increased their interest in helping black communities in 2020 after high-profile police murders made headlines, including the death of George Floyd. Former Minnesota Police Officer Derek Chauvin is on trial for his role in Floyd’s murder last May.

The NBA made its first installment of grants to support educational and employment opportunities last December. Organizations such as the Marcus Graham Project, Operation DREAM and Management Leadership for Tomorrow were selected to receive the funds.

Phoenix Suns co-owner Jahm Najafi added a $ 10 million donation to the foundation last month. The money is on top of the $ 10 million that the suns have already pledged. Najafi is the CEO of Arizona-based venture capital firm Najafi Companies.

Correction: The heading of this story has been updated to reflect that this is the NBA’s second grant distribution.