On Oct. 29, Penn Medicine's Assists for Safe Communities program announced that it will be expanding for its second season.
Through the program, the Philadelphia 76ers — in partnership with Penn Medicine — give local organizations dedicated to preventing violence the opportunity to receive funding each time the team scores following an assist of any kind. The program is set to expand to include a cohort of six new grassroots organizations.
“For every pass that leads to a basket, Penn Medicine and the 76ers will join to donate $76,” a Penn Medicine spokesperson wrote in a Wednesday announcement.
In 2024 — according to the National Basketball Association — the Assists for Safe Communities program raised $144,476 after the 76ers earned a total of 1,901 assists. The funding was split among a variety of organizations, including the Young Chances Foundation, New Leash on Life, Power of Paint, the Center for Family Services — Cure4Camden, Shoot Basketballs NOT People, and ACHIEVEability.
76ers vice president for Social Responsibility and Fan Development Mike Goings wrote in an announcement that the Assists for Safe Communities program aims to find community-based organizations to shine light on and donate valuable funds.
“We want to drive awareness, and with the help of our players and Penn Medicine, we are confident that we can make a positive impact throughout this season and beyond,” Goings wrote.
This year, the Assists for Safe Communities program has partnered with a cohort of six new organizations, including Ordinarie Heroes, Free All Minds Academy, The Apologues, Open Door Abuse Awareness Prevention, Design FC, and Level Up Philly.
“While each organization has a unique mission and serves different people, they all have the same goal: Reducing violence and improving prospects for people throughout the Philadelphia region,” the announcement read.
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The funding provided to these organizations will help expand or launch new programs and initiatives.
Last year, Shoot Basketballs NOT People — an organization with the goal of reducing gun violence — used a portion of their donation to take children on educational field trips.
At one event, called “Sixer for a Day,” children were taken on behind-the-scenes facility tours and provided mentorship interactions.
In the announcement, SBNP founder Garry Mills wrote that “this unforgettable experience showed them that with dedication and focus, their dreams are within reach."
