INVEST

One of UNCF’s newer partnerships flows from the premiere mobile gaming company in North America—FanDuel. True to its slogan, “Make Every Moment More,” FanDuel Group, Inc. (FanDuel) is enriching the experiences of students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in Virginia, Maryland and Ohio. FanDuel, a leading UNCF corporate partner, is significantly bolstering the UNCF Emergency Aid Program. This initiative provides crucial financial support to students in need, covering a wide range of expenses, including technology, housing, food security, tuition and other education-related costs.

FanDuel launched its partnership with UNCF in 2021 with a $1 million grant establishing the FanDuel/Washington Football Team Emergency Student Aid Fund for students enrolled in Virginia’s five HBCUs.

In December 2022, FanDuel expanded its partnership with UNCF with a $1,150,000 Emergency Student Aid grant for students enrolled in the four Maryland HBCUs—Morgan State University, Bowie State University, Coppin State University and University of Maryland-Eastern Shore. As part of this grant, FanDuel also created a track for students from these four schools to join its annual summer internship program at FanDuel headquarters in New York.

In February 2024, FanDuel reaffirmed its commitment to the HBCU community with a second $1,150,000 grant for the Emergency Student Aid Fund. This grant supports students at 10 HBCUs across Ohio. FanDuel is also working with UNCF to recruit students from the 10 Ohio HBCUs to join FanDuel’s internship program at one of the company’s U.S. offices. At the time of the donation, FanDuel President Christian Genetski noted, “We’re always looking for ways to make a positive impact in the communities in which we operate our sportsbook. As we reflect on our first year of operation in Ohio, we’re proud to continue our partnership with UNCF to support the HBCU community in the state and look forward to supporting hard-working students at institutions across Ohio.”

FanDuel’s Emergency Student Aid grant impact is significant. Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer, UNCF, lauded FanDuel’s contributions. “The commitment of FanDuel provides crucial financial assistance, igniting students’ aspirations to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. This support truly changes lives of the students we serve.”

By offering emergency funding, FanDuel empowers students to concentrate on and persist in their academic endeavors. Their investments in HBCU students also bolster the colleges and universities they attend, enhancing their capacity to continue delivering quality educations and student support services that instill a sense of pride, hope and possibility in their students and their communities. “Being able to complete a college degree, despite the financial hurdles that many of our students face, is the goal of our Emergency Student Aid Program. FanDuel’s support enables our students to focus on being successful in college and beyond without financial distractions,” Jenkins added.

FanDuel’s commitment to some of the nation’s HBCU students goes beyond financial support. The company’s involvement in mentoring programs, internships and career development initiatives provides those same students with invaluable real-world experience and professional networks, setting them up for success in their future careers.

The UNCF/FanDuel partnership is a true testament to the power of collaboration by addressing societal challenges like the cost to attend and complete a college degree. This growing alliance is paving the way for achievement and success for HBCU students.

Together, FanDuel and UNCF are empowering these students to excel academically and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the United States. That’s an impact that helps ensure better futures for us all.