NBA All-Star Jrue Holiday and his wife, two-time Olympic gold medalist Lauren Holiday, recently announced the recipients of the second round of grants from the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund (JLH Fund).
Last year, Jrue boldly pledged the remainder of his 2020 NBA salary as a progressive step toward combating systemic racism by creating the JLH Fund. In this second round of funding, the JLH Fund is distributing $1 million in unrestricted grant funding to 25 Black-led nonprofit organizations and 25 Black-owned businesses.
The primary focus cities of the 2021 grants are in the Milwaukee, New Orleans, Indianapolis, and Los Angeles areas, with priority given to organizations focused on social impact and creating a more equitable future for underserved communities.
“We are so excited to announce the 2021 JLH Fund round two grantees and provide much-needed funding to the businesses and nonprofits that need our support,” said the Holidays. “With the addition of coaching and training cohorts provided to the recipients, we also extend the extra resources needed to help them thrive. We look at all JLH Fund recipients as part of our extended family and we could not be more thrilled to be working with these businesses and nonprofits,”
LA Area Black-led nonprofits granted funds include: Boys 2 Gentlemen Leadership Inc.; The Confess Project; The Connective; ESP Education and Leadership Institute; and The Menternship.
Local Black-owned business recipients include: Cross Fitness; Maddy Bear Cakes; Ova Media Group/Step 1 TV Studios; Plus One; and Prosperity Market.
Lemel Durrah, a first-round grant recipient and founder of Compton Vegan, an affordable and healthy alternative to everyday foods, was able to use the JLH Fund grant during the pandemic to secure a food truck to remain in business. He served Compton and surrounding cities labeled as food deserts and swamps with plant-based dishes.
“When we first decided to start this fund, it was at an inflection point of two pandemics – the disproportionate effects that COVID-19 had on the Black community and businesses, and equally as devastating, the murders of George Floyd and many other unarmed Black people – resulting in an overwhelming feeling of helplessness,” said the Holidays. “We are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to help people through the JLH Fund and will continue to do this work and make the greatest impact possible,”
Visit www.jlhfund.org/grantees for more detailed information on the businesses and nonprofits.
