Check Out the Program Recap Here

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 9, 2019) - The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation in collaboration with The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Extension held their inaugural “Business of Giving” certificate program earlier this week. The Business of Giving was an intensive two-day course that educated participants on the evolving business of philanthropy. The certificate program was held from May 6-8 at the Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center, located on the UCLA campus.

The program introduced participants to the challenges and opportunities that are presented by thinking strategically about charitable giving. Participants received expert advice from UCLA professors and industry professionals while working through various case-studies of how others have organized their giving successfully. Participants also received the opportunity to attend various panel discussions and breakout sessions involving current and retired athletes. Discussion topics ranged from foundation building to taking a public stand on social justice issues. 

“The Business of Giving fulfills the Foundation’s vision of engaging the power of education to support our players in transforming lives, businesses and communities globally. We are proud to offer players and their business partners strategies that will help players increase their impact and build lasting legacies,” said NBPA Foundation Executive Director Sherrie Deans. “For this inaugural event, our partnership with UCLA Extension and key influential leaders was paramount to our success and we look forward to continuing the program in the future.”

Panel  moderators and speakers included top leaders from Roc Nation, RMG Global, The Black House, Edward Charles Foundation and the Pop Culture Collab. Guest speakers featured Deloris Jordan and Mahmoud Abdul Rauf among others. A total of 50 players were represented in person or by representatives from their foundations. Kevin Love, Jose Calderon and Langston Galloway were a few players who participated in the two-day course. 

“I've greatly enjoyed being back on the UCLA campus for the NBPA Foundation and UCLA Extension's Business of Giving course. The two-day program will help me and the Kevin Love Fund team navigate the world of philanthropy. The room was filled with a contagious passion for giving, and we received valuable guidance that will help grow our efforts around mental health awareness,” said Kevin Love.

Upon completion of the program, participants received an accredited certificate from UCLA Extension and the NBPA Foundation. The program was tuition-free for players and their representatives.   

Media inquiries should be directed to communications@nbpa.com.   

About the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation:

Established in 1997, The National Basketball Players Association Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members and providing support and assistance to persons, communities and organizations throughout the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need.  Through grants that match players’ philanthropy and charitable giving, the Foundation highlights and accelerates the real and collaborative work that basketball players do worldwide to build their communities and create meaningful change.

About UCLA Extension:

UCLA Extension is the continuing education division of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). We offer evening and weekend courses in Westwood, Woodland Hills, and Downtown LA, plus online classes accessible around the globe. Professional conferences and courses range from business, arts, engineering, and digital technology to entertainment, public policy, health, humanities and more. Explore UCLA Extension at uclaextension.edu.

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