Michael Jordan, Jordan Brand Announce $1M in Grants to Fight Systemic Racism

Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand have announced $1 million in community grants as part of their $100 million pledge to fight systemic racism against Black people. Applications for the grants open Wednesday.

"Since announcing our commitment to the Black community in June of 2020, we've been focused on two things—action and impact," said Craig Williams, president of Jordan Brand. "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."

Applications will be open through April 30. According to the press release, "All U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working to improve outcomes for the Black community, with an annual budget of $3 million per year or less, are encouraged to apply."

Last June, Jordan and Jordan Brand announced a 10-year, $100 million initiative to fight systemic racism amid nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd in police custody and other acts of police violence against Black people.

A joint statement to announce the initiative read: "Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country's institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people."

Last July, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People and Families Movement each received a $1 million donation as part of the pledge. Black Voters Matter received $500,000.