Jrue and Lauren Holiday have impacted the world through sports. Whether it be as an NBA champion (Milwaukee Bucks) or an Olympic gold medalist, this dynamic duo just naturally has what it takes to leave a mark, but it’s what they’re doing with that status to give back that is even more legendary.
Today, according to Afro Tech, the couple has announced that they will provide up to $1 million to Black-owned businesses and nonprofits through the Jrue and Lauren Social Impact Fund.
“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. “Our commitment to doing our part only grows stronger after seeing the life changing impact the JLH Fund has on people’s lives.”
In this third round of grant funding, the athletic superstar couple will continue Jrue’s 2019-2020 season commitment, where he pledged to donate a portion of his salary to the couple’s organization.
Grants will be provided to organizations and small businesses that are located in the Greater Milwaukee, New Orleans, Indianapolis and Los Angeles areas with priority given to those with a focus on social impact and creating a more equitable landscape for underserved communities.
“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.”
Along with the announcement of the third round, the JLH Fund has announced a new partnership with both Motorola and Lenovo. The Lenovo Foundation has donated $50,000 and Motorola will contribute in the form of 300 Moto G Stylus phones “to help JLH Fund grantees incentivize their crowdfunding campaigns and implement a ‘pay it forward’ initiative.”
