Degree & KDCF are working with LaureusOpens in new window to identify the organizations most in need.
Laureus is a grant-making, nonprofit organization that believes, in the words of its founding patron Nelson Mandela, “sport has the power to change the world.”
Sport bridges divides to bring communities together, it improves physical and mental health, and it teaches valuable life skills including confidence and leadership.
To better serve youth in underserved communities, Laureus supports the growth of organizations that are using sport as a tool for social change.
Our grant recipients are:
Dancing Grounds – New Orleans
Dancing Grounds (DG) is a multigenerational arts space that brings inclusive and accessible dance programs to New Orleans residents of all ages. With youth dance companies, summer camps, and the annual Dance for Social Change Festival, DG creates safe and celebratory spaces in which the lived experiences of youth are truly valued and their unique creative talents are recognized, developed, and celebrated.
Girls in the Game – Chicago, IL
Girls in the Game believes all girls can be gamechangers. Their mission is to help every girl find her voice, discover her strength, and lead with confidence through fun and active sports & health and leadership programs.
Harlem Lacrosse LA – Los Angeles, CA
Harlem Lacrosse’s mission is to empower the children who are most at risk for academic decline and dropout to rise above their challenges and reach their full potential. Harlem Lacrosse inspires children to dream about tomorrow while working hard on the field and in the classroom today.
Kids in the Game – New York, NY
Kids in the Game wants to help kids play today to change tomorrow. The organization aims to develop emotional intelligence in kids, connect people of all backgrounds, foster a positive sense of self in kids, form long-term impactful relationships, and provide a better way to play. In 2017, the leadership team established The Kids in the Game Foundation, with the purpose of addressing the opportunity gap caused by income inequality in New York City.
L.E.A.D. – Atlanta, GA
L.E.A.D.’s mission is to empower Black boys to overcome crime, poverty, and racism through the sport of baseball and develop them into civically engaged ambassadors who can lead and transform their city.
Milwaukee Kickers – Milwaukee, WI
The mission of the Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club is to be the best at providing people of all ages (with an emphasis on youth), genders, physical abilities and backgrounds the opportunity to participate in soccer. We enrich the lives of the people we serve we offer organized leagues and tournaments, educational programs and administrative services through quality facilities, professional staff and dedicated volunteers.
New Heights Youth – New York, NY
New Heights’ mission is to educate and empower promising inner-city youth to be leaders, champions and student-athletes by developing the skills necessary for success in high school, college and life. New Heights uses basketball as a “hook” to engage young men and women in the program, help them access high quality educational opportunities, and instill in them the values and life skills that will prepare them for success in life beyond sports.
PeacePlayers – Detroit, MI
PeacePlayers unites divided communities through the sport of basketball. In the U.S., historical divides driven by race and geography have created an inequitable society. PeacePlayers Detroit is currently working in the primarily African American community of Cody Rouge and the primarily Latino community of Southwest Detroit, with the goal of reaching all seven districts by 2021.
Row New York – New York, NY
Row New York was founded on the premise that the discipline of competitive rowing combined with rigorous academic support yields powerful returns. Rowing instills in athletes a strong work ethic, persistence, and grit. This is particularly evident in the classroom, where focus and determination produce higher grades and college acceptance rates. In addition, delayed gratification and the emphasis on endurance that rowing demands means our rowers don’t just build strong resolves––they learn that collaboration and cooperation are critical to success.
Seat Pleasant Activity Center – Seat Pleasant, MD
Seat Pleasant Activity Center is known as “the home of Kevin Durant.” Kevin grew up playing basketball at Seat Pleasant and has supported the center for years in its efforts to provide developing youth with access to recreational, educational, and social programs.
