Memphis is receiving national recognition—and meaningful investment—for the work happening on the ground to prepare young people for the future.
The NBA Foundation has announced its 2026 Local Grantees, awarding funding to organizations across the country that are strengthening school-to-career pathways. Among this year’s recipients are several Memphis-based organizations, underscoring the city’s growing role as a leader in workforce development, education, and youth empowerment.
The Memphis organizations selected include City Leadership, Junior Achievement of Memphis & the Mid-South, the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, Man Up Teacher Fellowship, and Crosstown Arts. Together, these groups represent a broad ecosystem working to ensure young Memphians have access to opportunity—whether through education, job training, leadership development, or creative exploration.
A Collective Investment in Memphis’ Future
The NBA Foundation’s support reflects a belief in Memphis’ young people and the local organizations building pathways for them to thrive. Rather than focusing on a single solution, the investment spans multiple sectors that shape long-term economic and community health.
From classrooms to creative spaces, and from workforce pipelines to leadership development, these organizations are addressing critical gaps while helping young people see viable futures for themselves right here in Memphis.
Memphis Organizations Receiving Support
- City Leadership works to recruit, develop, and retain talent in Memphis through initiatives like Choose901, Teach901, Serve901, and Give901, helping young people connect to careers, community, and purpose in the city.
- Junior Achievement of Memphis & the Mid-South provides K–12 students with hands-on education in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy, equipping them with practical skills for life beyond the classroom.
- Memphis Medical District Collaborative connects residents in surrounding neighborhoods to education, training, and employment opportunities through its Hire Local initiative, strengthening access to jobs within one of the city’s largest employment hubs.
- Man Up Teacher Fellowship recruits and supports men of color educators through a long-term fellowship that removes financial barriers to licensure, advanced education, and leadership training, strengthening classrooms across Memphis.
- Crosstown Arts offers project-based arts education and mentorship for students citywide, demonstrating that creative development can be a powerful pathway to confidence, skill-building, and career readiness.
Why This Matters for Memphis
The NBA Foundation’s investment is more than financial support—it’s a signal of confidence in Memphis’ vision and capacity to grow its next generation of leaders.
By supporting organizations that address education, workforce readiness, creativity, and representation, this funding helps strengthen the city’s talent pipeline and build a more inclusive, opportunity-rich future for Memphis.
When national partners invest in local leadership, the impact reaches far beyond individual programs. It helps ensure that Memphis continues to be a city where young people can learn, lead, and build lives they’re proud of—right at home.
