FanDuel Group and the Washington Football Team on Wednesday said they have made a $1m contribution to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
The two parties launched a mobile sports betting market access partnership in Virginia in January. They described the donation as an extension of their legal sports betting partnership in the state, and a celebration of Black History Month.
The donation, known as the FanDuel/Washington Football Team Emergency Student Aid Fund, will be used to support students currently enrolled in Virginia’s five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
The fund will provide aid grants for students who seek emergency assistance for technology, housing, food security, tuition and other education-related expenses.
“Supporting these institutions and these hard-working students, amidst enormous challenges related to COVID, is the right thing to do,” Matt King, CEO of FanDuel Group, said in a statement. “As we celebrate Black History Month and recognize the critical role HBCUs play in developing the next generation of leaders in business, academia, and civic participation, our hope is that this investment in students keeps them on the path to realize their academic and personal goals while enrolled at these universities.”
“HBCUs have produced some of the most accomplished and successful individuals across countless professions making an incredible impact on our organization along with numerous others in the DMV. This important investment is a way to continue to foster the talent at these great institutions and give the scholars of today a chance to achieve their goals and career aspirations,” added Dan and Tanya Snyder, Owners of the Washington Football Team.
“For decades, UNCF and the HBCUs they support have been driving Black socio-economic elevation in unparalleled fashion and I am proud that our team and FanDuel are able to support them at an important moment in history,” said Washington Football Team President Jason Wright.
“The United Negro College Fund is pleased to see FanDuel and the Washington Football Team support Virginia's HBCU students throughout the state, and this investment cannot come at a more critical time as students confront harsh realities resulting from a disrupted and disjointed academic year,” noted Dr. Michael Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF.
