NIKE, Inc. and Goalsetter Partner to Increase Financial Literacy Among America’s Youth

As part of its combined $140 million investment in addressing racial inequality, NIKE, Inc. is granting $1 million to Goalsetter, the only youth financial literacy platform in the United States that is led by a Black female entrepreneur. Founded by Tanya Van Court, Goalsetter uses digital platforms to engage youth and help them better understand financial well-being, while saving for their future — all through fun games and support from celebrities, musicians and athletes. 

Nike’s $1 million investment, which is Goalsetter’s largest corporate donation to date, will help the organization seed 10,000 kids’ savings accounts, with a focus on Black youth, through the Goalsetter app. The investment will help kids jumpstart their financial wellness journey.

“Nike is propelling a historic moment by helping to change the way America educates a whole generation of kids — using culturally-relevant, game-based content to excite and engage them, and start them on a path to financial freedom,” says Tanya Van Court, CEO of Goalsetter.

Goalsetter hopes to help create a savings account for every child in America and to instill in them sound financial habits through a novel combination of education, play and gamification. On average, kids who own savings accounts are more likely to go to college and own stocks in the future. The goal is to reverse the generational wealth gap that statistically crosses ethnic lines. By 2053, Black Americans are projected to have a negative net worth, while Latinos are projected to have a negative net worth by 2073.

“At Nike Inc, we have a long history of speaking up for causes that reflect our values, and encouraging people to help shape a brighter future," says Craig Williams, President of Jordan Brand. 

"What moves us is the belief that change is possible.

"As part of Nike, Inc.’s Black Community Commitment, we are proud to announce our newest partner, Goalsetter. Their purpose to build financial literacy for Black families aligns with our goals – specifically focusing on economic empowerment to address racial inequality for Black Americans. Our partnership with Goalsetter is one way Nike, Jordan and Converse seek to transform how U.S. families, and in particular Black youth, access financial education and in turn, feel empowered to reach their goals.”

NIKE, Inc. is proud to support Goalsetter’s efforts, along with the work led by its other strategic partnerships with Black Girls CODE, NAACP Empowerment Programs, LDF in 2020 and Black Girl Ventures, announced in January 2021.

Local Grants Announcement - Portland

The announcement coincides with the rollout of $2.75 million in Black Community Commitment investments to local organizations that fuel social justice, education and economic empowerment on behalf of Black communities in seven U.S. cities.

Each city will receive $250,000 in grants each year for four years. This year, Nike is investing an additional $1 million in Portland, home to Nike’s World Headquarters bringing the total investment in Portland’s Black community to over $1.25 million this year. These grantees are driving change for the Black community through programs and services that focus on economic empowerment, education and social justice.

In Portland, Nike will partner with the following organizations:

• Airway Science for Kids: ($75,000) supports STEM education and aerospace industry exposure and career development for Black youth.
• Built Oregon: ($250,000) creates broad-based and inclusive entrepreneurial opportunities for Black business owners.
• Constructing Hope: ($250,000) focuses on rebuilding the lives of people in Portland's Black community by encouraging self-sufficiency through skills training, education and job placement in the construction industry.
• KairosPDX:($250,000) works to eliminate the prolific racial achievement and opportunity gaps for Black children ages 0-10.
• Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon: ($50,000) provides economic opportunities for Black business owners and entrepreneurs through empowerment, education and supportive services.
• POIC + Rosemary Anderson High School: ($250,000) supports the success of at-risk youth and adults by supporting the highest quality services in education, mentoring, family outreach, employment training and placement to continue the work of past Nike investments.
• The Rosewood Initiative: ($75,000) supports the building of safe, healthy and vibrant neighborhoods through a broad array of programs and services focused on economic development and supportive social services.
• Word Is Bond: ($50,000) works toward a truth and reconciliation process between young Black men and law enforcement through leadership development, critical dialogue and engagement.

NIKE, Inc. is proud to support Goalsetter’s efforts, along with the work led by its other strategic partnerships with Black Girls CODE, NAACP Empowerment Programs, LDF in 2020 and Black Girl Ventures, announced in January 2021.

Local Grants Announcement - Portland & New York

The announcement coincides with the rollout of $2.75 million in Black Community Commitment investments to local organizations that fuel social justice, education and economic empowerment on behalf of Black communities in seven U.S. cities. The first grantees in Portland and New York City are scheduled to be announced later this week, with additional grantees in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis and Saint Louis to be announced later in February and throughout March.