The Ross Initiative In Sports for Equity (RISE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that seeks to end alleged racial discrimination within the sports community through partnerships and interactive learning programs.
Background
The Ross Initiative In Sports for Equity was founded in 2015 by Miami Dolphins owner and real estate developer Stephen M. Ross. The group was founded with the goals of “ending racism” and to “champion social justice.” The group has since expanded operation to 40 states and amassed nearly 500 sponsors across the field of sports. Notable partners listed on their website include the National Football League, NASCAR, Verizon, Amazon, ESPN, the National Basketball Association, NBC, the National Hockey League and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The Ross Initiative In Sports for Equity uses sports-based programs to promote racial equity and inclusion. Through an interactive curriculum focused on topics like identity, bias, and leadership, RISE engages youth, coaches, college athletes, and professionals in their training courses. Programs are delivered in schools, colleges, and communities, often in partnership with professional sports teams and law enforcement. RISE also offers leadership training for coaches and custom DEI workshops for organizations.
Stephen M. Ross noted that he “was inspired to establish RISE because the sports community is uniquely positioned and empowered to spark dialogue and drive action that advances race relations now and for the next generation.” In 2022, Ross stepped down from the board of RISE for undisclosed reasons.
RISE is listed as a partner on the Election Protection Coalition’s website. The Election Protection Coalition is a left-of-center election policy organization that is described as a “national election monitoring program.”
Leadership
Diahann Billings-Burford is the chief executive officer of RISE. Billings-Burford has also served positions in the New York City Mayor’s office, as well as Time Warner, and serves on the board of buildOn, Philanthropy New York, the Robert and Sterling Clark Foundation, and the Success Academy.
Lauren Givner is Chief of Staff at RISE. Givner has also worked high-level positions at Impact for Education, America Achieves, and Education Prospects.
Board of Directors
Notable members of RISE’s board of directors include:
Jocelyn Benson – Michigan Secretary of State
George Casey, Jr. – Retired U.S. Army General
Rick Cordella – President of NBC Sports Programming & Peacock Sports
Jon Diament – Executive Vice President of Turner Sports Ad Sales
Don Garber – Commissioner of Major League Soccer
Roger Goodell – Commissioner of the National Football League
Rob Manfred – Commissioner of Major League Baseball
Gabrielle Raymond McGee – former chief operating officer of the Tory Burch Foundation
Steve Phelps – president of NASCAR
Financials
Stephen M. Ross started the Ross Initiative In Sports for Equity with a $30 million contribution.
According to RISE’s 2023 form 990, the group saw revenue of $2,674,904, nearly all of which came from contributions and grants, expenses of $6,522,273, and net assets of $4,571,479.
RISE has received funding from various left-of-center groups, including Democracy Fund Voice, Asian American Federation, American Online Giving Foundation, Schwab Charitable Fund, and Charities Aid Foundation of America.
