The Philadelphia Eagles announced that the Eagles Social Justice Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation has awarded grants totaling $290,250 to the following Philadelphia-area nonprofits working on solutions to end gun violence in Philadelphia:
| Social Justice Nonprofit Recipient | Area of Concentration2 | Grant Funding |
|---|---|---|
| ACHIEVEability | Workforce Development | $32,250 |
| Drexel Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice | Anti-Violence | $32,250 |
| Hopeworks | Workforce Development | $32,250 |
| The Liberation Foundation | Anti-Violence | $32,250 |
| Mothers In Charge | Anti-Violence | $32,250 |
| Northwest Victim Services | Anti-Violence | $32,250 |
| PAR Recycle Works | Workforce Development | $32,250 |
| Philadelphia Financial Scholars | Financial Education | $32,250 |
| Year Up | Workforce Development | $32,250 |
The Eagles Social Justice Leadership Council, comprised of players and club executives, chose to support social justice issues aimed at reducing gun violence in Philadelphia for the third year in a row. These donations included a focus on violence interruption, workforce development, and breaking the cycle of poverty through financial education.
"On behalf of the Eagles, I would like to congratulate this year's social justice grant recipients and thank them for the work they do to cultivate strong neighborhoods," said Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO. "I would also like to recognize our players for being so thoughtful in selecting these organizations. Their ongoing commitment to our extended Philadelphia family in the community continues to have a positive impact on the lives of so many in Philadelphia and beyond."
In celebration of Giving Tuesday, all nine organizations participated in a My Cause My Cleats inspired sneaker-designing event alongside Eagles players where each of their logos was carefully hand-painted on Nike Air Force 1's. The custom sneakers, which have been all signed by Eagles center Jason Kelce, will go up for bid on NFL Auction with proceeds benefiting each nonprofit.
"It is an honor to be part of the Eagles Social Justice Leadership Council and have opportunities like this to award local organizations that are working to enact positive change," said Eagles center Jason Kelce. "Each of the non-profits receiving grant funding this year has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a brighter future for our youth through financial education, workforce development, and economic opportunities. We appreciate their dedication and hope that it inspires others to join in and use their resources to give back in a similar way."
Established in 2018, the Eagles Social Justice Fund was formed to provide grants to organizations that work to reduce barriers to equal opportunity in the Greater Philadelphia area. Through the first six years, the program has provided area-based organizations with more than $2.3 million in funding.
As part of the team's ongoing effort to combat gun violence in the City of Philadelphia, the website EndPhillyGunViolence.com has been designed to serve as a helpful resource for the community and steer young people to proven and effective help.
The team's social justice grant initiative is part of the National Football League's Inspire Change platform, a year-round campaign that highlights the social justice work done by NFL players, clubs, the league office, and grant recipients aimed at creating positive change and ensuring that equal opportunity becomes a reality for all.
