City Leadership Scores a Grant from the NBA Foundation for Memphis Youth
When national organizations invest locally, it’s a big deal. It’s not just because of the funding (though let’s be honest, that helps tremendously), but because it means they see what we’ve always believed: Memphis is full of talent, heart, and young people who are ready to lead.
The NBA Foundation just announced its 2026 Local Grantees, and Memphis showed up strong. Several incredible organizations in our city received funding to support school-to-career pathways and yep, City Leadership is one of them.
This isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about investing in the next generation of Memphians with intention, with strategy, and with real resources. And it’s already making a difference right here in the 901.
✨ City Leadership: Building Pipelines, Not Just Programs
If you’ve been around for a while, you know this: City Leadership is all about people. We’re here to recruit, develop, and launch leaders who love Memphis and want to help it grow.
That shows up in our Choose901 Alumni Program, which is quickly becoming one of our most important pipelines. Every student who graduates from a Choose901 partner school becomes an alum with access to:
Mentors who know the way and want to walk with them
Career exposure and coaching
Professional development resources
And a whole crew of people in their corner, cheering them on
Our goal isn’t just to help young people find jobs but also to help them build lives they’re excited about, right here in the city they call home.
This grant isn’t just a win for the Alumni Program. It’s helping connect more dots across all our work.
We’ve always believed that talent, education, service, and generosity are stronger when they move together. Whether it’s helping students discover careers, supporting teachers who shape those journeys, or mobilizing the community to invest in the next generation. It’s all part of the same story.
The NBA Foundation’s support is helping us bring those pieces even closer, making sure young Memphians don’t just get resources in one area, but a more connected network of support, from the classroom to their first job and beyond.
More Memphis Orgs, More Momentum for Young People
The NBA Foundation didn’t just invest in City Leadership. They saw the strength of the broader ecosystem here in Memphis and chose to invest in several of our city’s incredible organizations, all working to open doors for the next generation. Learn more about other NBA Grant winners here.
🏆 Why It Matters
Here’s the truth: Memphis is full of potential and potential deserves support.
The NBA Foundation’s investment is more than a donation. It’s a statement: Memphis youth are worth betting on.
Whether it’s through workforce training, mentorship, education, or creative development, these organizations are walking with the next generation. Giving them tools, relationships, and space to grow.
This is what it looks like when national resources meet local vision. And honestly, we’re just getting started.
Let’s Keep This Going
We’ve got momentum, and we’ve got room at the table. If you want to join in, support the work, or just learn more, we’d love to connect. Email me at john@cityleadership.org, and I'd love to get you plugged in!
