The NFL announced that over $300 million was donated to social justice causes by the league's Inspire Change initiative.
In addition to the donations, 15 grant partnerships were renewed by the NFL and the Players Coalition that focus on police-community relations, criminal justice reform, education and economic advancement.
The Player-Owner Social Justice Committee that approved the 15 renewal grants is a 10-person committee that includes legendary former players, current players and team owners.
Per the press release, Anquan Boldin, a former Pro Bowler and co-founder of Players Coalition, expressed his gratitude for partnering with the NFL on the initiative.
"Players Coalition and the NFL have collaborated over the past five years through Inspire Change grants to help drive direct impact by supporting organizations at the frontlines of social justice and racial equity work," Boldin said. "While the work is far from over, we look forward to advancing aligned partnerships with grant recipients and building on our continued partnership with the NFL to address priority social justice issues."
"The NFL Family is proud to have contributed more than $300 million to support social justice efforts in communities across the country, but our work is far from over," Anna Isaacson, NFL Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility added. "The positive impact of this work is being felt every day, and we are committed to continuing our efforts with players, club, and our Inspire Change grant partners to break down barriers to opportunity and end systemic racism."
One organization, the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, used the grant funds to free 13 over-sentenced individuals.
"There was no reason for the NFL to care about what was happening in Alabama except that they legitimately wanted to help solve problems," said Carla Crowder, Executive Director of Alabama Appleseed. "The NFL gave us not only resources to hire more people, but a national platform to lift up the crisis around prisons, excessive punishment and the human rights of incarcerated Alabamians."
Established in 2017 as a response to the Black Lives Matter movement, Inspire Change "aims to combat systemic racism and inequality in America."
Below is the full list of the organizations that were renewed for grants:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA)
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)
Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop
Ladies of Hope Ministries (LOHM)
Metropolitan Family Services
The Vera Institute of Justice (Vera)
