The Bloc
The Bloc cultivates the love of boxing to share transformational resources and opportunities to Chicago's West Side youth.
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Supporting Black-Led Nonprofits
In 2024, the NBA Foundation, Chicago Beyond, and the Chicago Bulls announced a $1 million collaboration to support Black-led nonprofit organizations that are creating opportunities for Black youth and communities in Chicago. The initiative marks the NBA Foundation’s first-ever collaborative grant to deploy resources, leveraging Chicago Beyond’s expertise and trust-based philanthropic model, as well as the Chicago Bulls’ long-standing commitment to addressing critical issues in the city.
To fund the effort, the NBA Foundation, Chicago Beyond, and the Chicago Bulls jointly contributed a total of $1 million, and selected nonprofits will use the funding and prioritize the initiatives they believe will have the most significant impact in their communities. This approach has proven to have a transformational impact on nonprofit leaders, enabling them to efficiently steward resources.
Meet Our Partners
Our nonprofit partners include ten Black-led organizations taking diverse approaches to serving young people and community members in Chicago. Round 1 partners were announced by the NBA Foundation and Chicago Beyond in March of 2024, and Round 2 partners were announced by the NBA Foundation, Chicago Beyond, and Chicago Bulls in October of 2024:
Common Ground Foundation
Subheadline
The Common Ground Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth from high-potential communities to become future leaders.Learn More
Dion’s Chicago Dream
Dion’s Chicago Dream focuses on identifying and combating food insecurity throughout the Chicagoland area, using nutritional philanthropy as a catalyst to build community and transform lives.Learn More
The Firehouse Community Arts Center
The Firehouse Community Arts Center interrupts the cycle of violence among youth and young adults in North Lawndale through the power of the arts and faith.Learn More
Focus Fairies Mentoring
Focus Fairies Mentoring is a community-based organization whose mission is to uplift and support black and brown young women and girls aged 7-21 living on Chicago's West and South sides who have been affected by trauma and violence.Learn More
Hood Heroes
Hood Heroes exists to employ, empower, and equip youth to do great work in Chicago and wherever they may grow to in life.Learn More
Hear From Our Partners
The partnership employed an equitable, trust-based grantmaking approach designed to accelerate impact through streamlined processes and flexible resources, minimizing red tape for grant partners. Learn more about the impact of this approach from our partners.
