The Nike North America Logistics Campus in Memphis presented $80,000 in grants in $5,000 to $10,000 increments to nine local organizations focused on helping kids become more physically active. A committee of Memphis Nike employees selected the recipients from more than 70 applications, according to the Memphis Business Journal.
“One of the things that we firmly believe in is that if you are in a place, then you should be a part of that place,” said Willie Gregory, senior director of community and business relations for Nike operations in Memphis. “Nike is a part of Memphis. We are not just in Memphis. We are absolutely thrilled to be able to give resources, not only financial, but employee volunteer time.”
The nine grant recipients were:
- Building People Building Communities Inc.
- Frayser Community Schools
- Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School Inc.
- Memphis Youth Athletics
- Oakhaven Elementary School
- New Ballet Ensemble
- Special Olympics Tennessee Inc.
- Uplift Inc.
- Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis
The grants are administered in partnership with the Charities Aid Foundation of America.
“The real focus was on organizations that had kids doing activities, whether it is basketball, football, soccer, rugby, running—we wanted to make sure our kids were being active,” Gregory said. “We believe that a sharp mind should have a strong body.”
