In the realm of professional sports, the Philadelphia Eagles aim to win championships on the field. Off the field, they are champions of change, committed to ending gun violence and fostering a safer community in Philadelphia. This weekend, as the nation commemorates Wear Orange Weekend to honor gun violence victims, the Eagles highlight their ongoing efforts to support nonprofits making a significant impact in the community.
Celebrating Small Wins: The Eagles’ Commitment to Change
The Eagles’ “A Fan of Change” campaign, part of their End Philly Gun Violence initiative, recognizes that while there’s much work to be done, many nonprofits achieve small but meaningful victories every day. This effort is bolstered by the Eagles Social Justice Fund, which awarded $290,250 in grants to nine Philadelphia-area nonprofits in November.
ACHIEVEability: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Violence
One of the beneficiaries is ACHIEVEability, a West Philadelphia nonprofit dedicated to breaking the generational cycle of poverty through education, affordable housing, and supportive services. Their 60th Street Strong Coalition, launched in 2021, focuses on reducing gun violence by offering young adults employment training, skills, and mentorship.
Jamila Harris-Morrison, Executive Director of ACHIEVEability, grew up in the very neighborhood she now serves. “I think everyone activated in 2020 and 2021 when gun violence really started to soar,” she says. “There’s no shortage of people. The more we can work collaboratively, the more we can connect the dots. This is the first time there’s been a sustained effort with dedicated resources and strategy.”
Recognized for her impactful work, Harris-Morrison received the NFL Changemaker Award in December. The Eagles honored her with an additional $10,000 donation to ACHIEVEability and a trip to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
PAR-Recycle Works: Providing Second Chances
Another nonprofit supported by the Eagles Social Justice Fund is PAR-Recycle Works, an organization that offers transitional employment to individuals returning from prison by recycling electronics. By providing immediate paid jobs, training, and mentoring, PAR-Recycle Works aims to reduce recidivism and build safer communities.
Maurice Jones, General Manager of PAR-Recycle Works, expressed gratitude for the support. “We provide meaningful training and mentoring on a pathway to full-time, permanent employment,” he says. “Our partnership with the Eagles has been a win-win opportunity, supporting both environmental and social justice missions.”
Building Stronger Communities Together
The partnership between the Eagles and these nonprofits goes beyond financial support. It fosters collaboration and shared goals, addressing issues ranging from gun violence to environmental sustainability. The Eagles’ Go Green initiative, for instance, collaborates with PAR-Recycle Works to promote electronic recycling, engaging fans in environmental stewardship while supporting the nonprofit’s mission.
Apply for the 2024 Eagles Social Justice Fund
Applications for the 2024 Eagles Social Justice Fund are now open. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations or have a qualifying fiscal sponsor, be located in the Eagles market (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware), and have a nondiscrimination policy. Grants typically do not exceed $50,000, and the number of grants awarded will depend on the available funds.
Nonprofits meeting these criteria are encouraged to apply and join the Eagles in their mission to create lasting, positive change in the community. For more information and to complete the online application form, visit the Eagles’ official website.
The Eagles’ commitment to social justice extends beyond the football field, demonstrating that true victory lies in the ability to uplift and support the communities they serve. Through partnerships with dedicated nonprofits like ACHIEVEability and PAR-Recycle Works, the Eagles continue to champion a safer, more equitable Philadelphia.