Basketball's GOAT, Michael Jordan, turned 60 last week on Feb. 17. To celebrate, his Jordan Brand gave out $2.3 million in grants through its Jordan Community Grants program to 48 different nonprofits nationwide.

CHAMPS, a Chicago-based male mentoring program, was one of the recipients of a Jordan Community Grant. The program is part of the Black Community Commitment (BCC) initiative — a joint, 10-year commitment launched in 2020 with a fund of $100 million.

Celebrating 60 years of Michael Jordan

Jordan Community Grants are awarded once a year to grassroots nonprofit organizations that drive action and pioneer sustainable solutions to improve the lives of African Americans in their neighborhoods.

In 2023, coinciding with superstar Michael Jordan's 60th birthday celebration, $2.3 million in grant funds went to 48 organizations, including the CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program.

“Michael Jordan is the greatest athlete of all time, and as a kid born on the Southside of Chicago, it was always a dream to be connected to him. Anytime anyone is tied to Michael Jordan it is correlated as pure excellence. We are proud to be selected by Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand Family for the work we do everyday mentoring Boys and Young Men of Color,” said Vondale E. Singleton, CHAMPS founder.

Michael Jordan is celebrating his 60th birthday in epic fashion — by donating $10 million to @MakeAWish, the largest individual donation in its history.

Jordan is one of the organization’s all-time most-requested celebrities. pic.twitter.com/9ErvjrDZ6k

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) February 15, 2023

Empowering communities of color

Highlighting its commitment to the BCC, the CHAMPS Men's Mentoring Program will use the grant funds to further the dreams and goals of boys and young men of color beyond school.

The organization, which works in favor of economic justice and seeks a change in the social narrative, operates through the following axes:

• Education
• Empowerment
• Exposure

“Creating more equitable futures for Black people starts with an intentional journey. So, as our Jordan Brand family celebrates Michael’s 60th birthday, we are thrilled to welcome these organizations committed to accelerating progress in their communities,” said Craig Williams, Jordan Brand president.

This is the third cycle of Jordan Brand's Community Grant Program.