When a family is made up of champions, it only makes sense to maintain the winning tradition by giving back to the community!
Through athletics, Jrue and Lauren Holiday have made a difference in the world. This dynamic combo naturally has what it takes to leave a mark, whether it’s as an NBA champion or an Olympic gold medalist, but it’s what they’re doing with that status to give back that’s even more legendary.
Through the Jrue and Lauren Social Impact Fund, the couple has announced that they will give up to $1 million to Black-owned businesses and NGOs.
“In an effort to assist marginalized and underrepresented communities with the funding, mentorship and resources needed to survive; we saw then and continue to witness the immediate ways small business owners and community change agents need to be supported,” said Jrue and Lauren Holiday in an official press release shared with AfroTech. “Our commitment to doing our part only grows stronger after seeing the life changing impact the JLH Fund has on people’s lives.”
The athletic superstar couple will continue Jrue’s 2019-2020 season commitment, which was previously reported by AfroTech, where he vowed to donate a portion of his pay to the couple’s organization, in this third round of grant money.
Those with a focus on social impact and creating a more equitable landscape for underserved communities will receive priority. Grants will be awarded to organizations and small businesses in the Greater Milwaukee, New Orleans, Indianapolis, and Los Angeles areas.
“The grantees in the JLH Social Impact Fund are immediately welcomed into this larger ecosystem, this community of support that we’ve built,” said the founder of The Kinship Advisors and manager of the JLH Social Impact Fund, Alexys Feaster. “Beyond the funding and mentorship, we have intentional partners and organizations that recognize our 360-degree model of providing funds, programming, and services. Major brands are now looking to us, a leader in this space, to collaborate with and build stronger communities focused on economic development.”
The JLH Fund has announced a new partnership with both Motorola and Lenovo in conjunction with the announcement of the third round. A total of $50,000 has been provided by the Lenovo Foundation, with Motorola contributing 300 Moto G Stylus phones “to assist JLH Fund grantees in incentivizing their crowd fundraising campaigns and implementing a ‘pay it forward’ effort.”
Grantees will be given advice and training to assist them increase their funding options. They will also be able to help with the design of crowdfunding campaigns to help enhance community participation.
