Big things are happening in the heart of Phoenix. At Elevate Phoenix, our mission has always been to build long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth. Today, that mission received a powerful national endorsement. We are thrilled to announce that Elevate Phoenix has been selected as a 2026 NBA Foundation Grant Recipient.
This isn’t just a win for our organization; it’s a win for the 5,500+ students we serve annually across the Valley. Being chosen as one of the few Phoenix-based nonprofits for this honor is a testament to the “heart and hustle” of our students and the relentless dedication of our teacher-mentors.
Why the NBA Foundation?
Launched in 2020, the
The Foundation’s core pillars—workforce development, mentorship, and career readiness—aren’t just concepts to us; they are the daily bread of what we do at Elevate Phoenix.
Perfect Alignment: Education to Employment
The NBA Foundation seeks partners that create “school-to-career” pipelines. This is exactly where Elevate Phoenix shines, specifically through our College & Career Program (including our R.I.S.E. initiative).
Our alignment with the Foundation’s mission is seen in three key areas:
1. 24/7 Mentorship: The NBA Foundation recognizes that economic mobility requires more than just a job lead; it requires a support system. Our full-time, salaried teacher-mentors provide 24/7/365 “wraparound” support, ensuring that when life gets hard, our students have a stable bridge to cross over.
2. Closing the Opportunity Gap: 100% of our R.I.S.E. program graduates leave with a concrete post-secondary plan—whether that’s college, a trade certificate, or a direct path into the workforce. This investment allows us to scale those efforts, providing students with the high-tech skills and certifications needed for Arizona’s booming industries.
3. Building the Pipeline: From healthcare and STEM to business and the arts, we are helping students transition from the classroom to the boardroom. This grant will be a game-changer for our ability to provide career-connected learning and internship opportunities.
Scaling Our Impact
With this new partnership, the impact is scaling fast. We are currently supporting over 100 students in our high-intensity career tracks, and this funding ensures that every one of them has the resources to thrive. We aren’t just helping kids graduate high school (though our 98% graduation rate is something we’re incredibly proud of); we are ensuring they have a seat at the table in the future Phoenix workforce.
We’re Just Getting Started
To our community, partners, and the supporters who have been with us since 2009: Your belief in our mission paved the way for this moment. This grant from the NBA Foundation is fuel for the fire.
We are honored to join a roster of incredible organizations across the country dedicated to racial equity and economic empowerment. To the NBA Foundation: Thank you for investing in the potential of Phoenix youth.
The momentum is building, the energy is high, and we are ready to get to work. Let’s keep elevating!
Join Us in Making a Difference
It is not too late to donate and receive a tax credit for your end of year giving. If you are interested in supporting Elevate Phoenix or make a difference in the lives of young people by monthly donor, we encourage you to becoming part of our Elevate family!
Together, we can continue to “elevate” lives and create a brighter future for generations to come.
