April 18, 2025 — In a landmark partnership aimed at transforming lives across the globe, the Ja Morant Foundation has announced a powerful alliance with the international nonprofit organization Save the Children. Together, they are committing more than $5.6 million to combat global hunger and provide safe shelter to vulnerable children and families facing crises.
NBA All-Star and Memphis Grizzlies phenom Ja Morant, known not only for his explosive playmaking on the court but also for his growing impact off it, is expanding his philanthropic reach in a big way. This joint effort will directly support underserved communities in regions most affected by poverty, conflict, and natural disasters — spanning multiple continents from sub-Saharan Africa to Southeast Asia, as well as underserved communities in the United States.
“This is Bigger Than Basketball”
In a statement released by the Ja Morant Foundation, the 25-year-old guard expressed deep commitment to using his platform for meaningful change.
“This is bigger than basketball. Every child deserves a fair shot at life, and that starts with having enough food to eat and a safe place to sleep. I’ve been blessed, and it’s my responsibility to pay that forward,” Morant said. “Partnering with Save the Children allows us to scale that impact and reach kids in places where help is needed most.”
A Global Mission With Local Roots
Founded in 2022, the Ja Morant Foundation has focused primarily on youth empowerment and education, particularly in Morant’s home state of South Carolina and his adopted city of Memphis. With this new collaboration, the Foundation is going global, responding to some of the most urgent humanitarian challenges of our time.
The $5.6 million commitment will be allocated over the next three years and will fund a wide array of services, including:
- Emergency food distribution programs in famine-stricken areas
- Construction and repair of temporary shelters for families displaced by war or natural disasters
- Long-term development programs aimed at increasing food security
- Child-focused nutrition and wellness education
- Psychosocial support for children experiencing trauma
Save the Children: A Legacy of Lifesaving Work
Save the Children, founded over a century ago, operates in more than 100 countries. The organization has long been a leader in child advocacy, disaster response, and sustainable development. The new funding will support its ongoing mission to ensure that no child dies from preventable causes and that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children US, praised the partnership as a beacon of what can be achieved when public figures step into their roles as global changemakers.
“We are thrilled and honored to join forces with the Ja Morant Foundation. Ja is not only a phenomenal athlete, but he’s someone who genuinely cares about uplifting others. His generosity will help us expand our programs and touch even more lives in the toughest conditions,” Soeripto said.
From Courtside to Crisis Zones
The partnership will launch with a high-profile awareness campaign titled “Play For Every Child,” aiming to mobilize public support and raise additional funds. Morant will appear in a series of PSA videos and international spotlights, sharing personal stories and urging fans and fellow athletes to take action.
In addition, Morant has committed to visiting several of the initiative’s project sites during the NBA offseason to personally engage with local communities, aid distribution efforts, and amplify voices from the field.
A Ripple Effect Across Sports and Philanthropy
This landmark donation is expected to have a ripple effect across both the sports and philanthropic worlds. Fellow NBA players and sports figures have already taken to social media to applaud the initiative, with some hinting at potential collaborations.
Philanthropy analysts note that the move reflects a broader trend of athlete-led foundations transitioning from local efforts to international impact.
“Ja Morant’s initiative sets a new benchmark,” said Dr. Leah Ramirez, director of the Global Sports & Philanthropy Institute. “This isn’t just charity — it’s strategy. He’s aligning with proven institutions and targeting the world’s most urgent problems. That’s how real change happens.”
Looking Ahead
The Ja Morant Foundation and Save the Children plan to provide regular updates on the progress of the funded initiatives, with transparency and accountability at the forefront. An independent advisory board will help oversee the use of funds, ensuring maximum impact.
As Morant continues to light up the NBA with his athletic brilliance, his work off the court is beginning to shine just as brightly. In a world where millions of children still go to bed hungry or without a roof over their heads, this partnership is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when purpose meets platform.