Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality is a public charity based in New York, New York. Founded in 2015, it uses sports to improve race relations and promote social progress, with work focused on racial equality, social justice, and education in the sports community.
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality at a glance
In short: Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality gave $150K across 10 grants in 2024 (avg $15K), top state Minnesota. 20% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $150,000
- -20.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 10
- -37.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $15,000
- +27.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $4,360,523
- -7.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 20% first-time grantees (2 of 10, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Minnesota (10% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality
- Contact
Mailing address: 423 West 55Th Street 12 Fl, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (646) 582-2350
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Phyllis Wheatley ($15K). Together the top 10 received $150K.
Grant Size Distribution
47 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 47 grants of 47 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
RISE is based in New York, New York. Its 2024 grants went to organizations in Minnesota, Georgia, California, Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, New York, and Ohio.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 10 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality open to new grantees?
20%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 2 of 10 grantees (20%) were first-time recipients. With only 10 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 10 points. First grants averaged $15K; repeat grants $15K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $15K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $33K (2020) to $188K (2023). In 2024 it made 10 grants totaling $150K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Phyllis Wheatley Minneapolis, MN | Women's sports foundation - general operating support to support mission aligned organization | $15,000 |
| Atlanta Police Athletic LeagueInc Atlanta, GA | Support Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program | $15,000 |
| Project Blue Los Angeles, CA | Support Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program | $15,000 |
| Like Nother Indiannopolis, IN | Support Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program | $15,000 |
| United African Basketball League Hyattsville, MD | Support Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program | $15,000 |
| Philadelphia PAL Philadelphia, PA | Support Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program | $15,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Boston Boston, MA | Support Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program | $15,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Broward County Fort Lauderdale, FL | Support Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program | $15,000 |
| NYC National Sports Zone Foundation Bronx, NY | Support Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program | $15,000 |
| YMCA of Greater Cleveland Avon, OH | Support Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program | $15,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4,360,523 | $5,656,027 | $6,053,441 | $150,000 | 10 | — | $618 |
| 2023 | $4,721,631 | $2,674,904 | $6,522,273 | $188,000 | 16 | $6,347,141 | $610 |
| 2022 | $8,474,253 | $2,148,538 | $5,655,381 | $178,138 | 14 | $5,478,404 | $589 |
| 2021 | $12,039,535 | $12,088,666 | $4,095,888 | $35,000 | 3 | $3,925,420 | $507 |
| 2020 | $3,987,076 | $6,350,911 | $3,870,885 | $33,000 | 4 | — | — |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
RISE’s stated mission is to use the power of sports to improve race relations and promote social progress. The organization says it works with professional sports leagues, athletes, educators, and media to foster understanding, respect, and equality. Its website describes education on racism, prejudice, diversity, and inclusion, as well as leadership programs addressing identity, implicit bias, racial ideology, athlete activism, empathy, and conflict resolution.
The 2024 filing describes its programs as racial equality public awareness campaigns and educational programming, including high school, collegiate, and community athlete education and leadership programs. Its 2024 grants included support for the Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program and general operating support for a women’s sports foundation.
Among the 2024 grantees, Phyllis Wheatley Community Center described its mission as creating pathways for people to discover their strengths and take control of their futures. The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia said it provides free athletic, educational, and cultural after-school and summer programming, with a mission of “Cops Helping Kids.” Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County described youth development programs through after-school and summer activities, while Atlanta Police Athletic League said it provides a positive environment for children to grow, learn, and succeed.
Grantmaking
In 2024, RISE reported 10 grants totaling $150,000. Each grant was $15,000. The grants supported organizations in multiple states, with the listed purposes including the Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program.
Notable 2024 grants included $15,000 each to Phyllis Wheatley in Minneapolis for general operating support and to Atlanta Police Athletic League, Project Blue, Like Nother, United African Basketball League, Philadelphia PAL, Boys and Girls Club of Boston, Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, NYC National Sports Zone Foundation, and YMCA of Greater Cleveland for the Building Bridges Through Basketball Youth Multi-Week program.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Paul Tagliabue and Peter Bevacqua as co-chairmen and Stephen M Ross as chairman. Directors listed are Adam Silver, Daniel Towriss, Danny Sillman, Don Garber, Gary Bettman, George Casey Jr, Jocelyn Benson, and Stephen M Ross.
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality is led by Diahann Billings-Burford, CEO on every filing since 2020; 7 of 33 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Diahann Billings-Burford
CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$360K (2020) → $468K (2024)
Paul Tagliabue
Co-Chairman
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Peter Bevacqua
Co-Chairman
Director → Co-Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephen M Ross
Chairman
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott Koenning
Senior Director, Programs & Strategic Comms
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$119K (2024)
Will Greszes
Senior Director & Data
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$114K (2024)
Adam Silver
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Daniel Towriss
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Don Garber
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gary Bettman
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
George Casey Jr.
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jocelyn Benson
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jon Diament
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Martinez
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lee Reed
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Maverick Carter
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Max Siegel
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rob Manfred
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Roger Goodell
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott Pioli
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sean McManus
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Seth Waugh
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stacy Tessler Lindau
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steve Phelps
Director
On filings since 2021
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lew Sheer
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rick Cordella
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Troy Vincent Sr.
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Danny Sillman
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sandy Cross
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andrew MacIntosh
Chief Program Officer
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$202K (2024)
Jerrell Price
Partnerships
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$165K (2024)
Lauren Givner
Chief of Staff
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$204K (2024)
Zoe Henriquez
Development Fundraising
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$197K (2024)
Former officers (6)
- Former: Larry Jones (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Donald Sun (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Katrina Adams (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Mark Emmert (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Mike McNulty (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Matthew Higgins (2020–2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $468K, to Diahann Billings-Burford (CEO). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality
How much does Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality give each year?
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality gave $150K across 10 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $188K across 16 grants.
What is Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality's typical grant size?
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $15,000, across 10 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality that year got $15K on average.
Where does Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality give grants?
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality's top state is Minnesota, with 10% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Georgia (10%) and California (10%).
Does Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality give general operating support?
Yes: 10% of Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 10) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality's largest grantees?
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality's largest 2024 grantees include Phyllis Wheatley ($15,000), Atlanta Police Athletic LeagueInc ($15,000) and Project Blue ($15,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality?
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality reported $4.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.7M.
What does Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality fund?
RISE’s stated mission is to use the power of sports to improve race relations and promote social progress. The organization says it works with professional sports leagues, athletes, educators, and media to foster understanding, respect, and equality. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality?
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality's EIN?
Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 47-4225769. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS December 19, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/ross-initiative-in-sports-for-equality-morg_d207a43637f64491abe7c43eb22eed39
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_474225769_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/ross-initiative-in-sports-for-equality-morg_d207a43637f64491abe7c43eb22eed39},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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