Every crisp pass that leads to a bucket inside the Wells Fargo Center this season will mean more than points on the scoreboard—it will also mean dollars for local groups fighting to end violence in Philadelphia.
Through a new initiative called Assists for Safe Communities, the Philadelphia 76ers and Penn Medicine have teamed up to donate $76 for every assist the Sixers record this year. The funds will be split among six grassroots organizations working on violence prevention across the city.
For Ajeenah Amir, director of Civic Engagement & Community Partnerships at Penn Medicine, the partnership bridges the gap between sports and public health.
“Partnering with the 76ers to translate on-court success into on-the-ground impact is not only meaningful, but also aligned with Penn Medicine’s priorities to address community violence as a health issue,” Amir said.
The Beneficiaries
The six organizations selected to receive funds represent a wide range of approaches to violence prevention:
- Young Chances Foundation
- New Leash on Life
- Power of Paint
- Center for Family Services – Cure4Camden
- Shoot Basketballs Not People
- ACHIEVEability
“These groups are doing powerful work,” said Mike Goings, 76ers vice president for Social Responsibility and Fan Development. “Our goal is to shine a light on their stories, elevate their importance, and give them valuable resources through every assist we collect this season.”
Assists on the Court, Impact Off the Court
Last year, the Sixers racked up 2,041 assists as a team. Under the new program, that number would have generated more than $150,000 in donations. With playmakers like Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George in the lineup, the team is poised for another season of high totals—and high impact.
Gun violence in Philadelphia remains a sobering reality. Although incidents have declined 40 percent since 2023, nearly 900 people have been victims so far this year, with over 180 losing their lives. The ripple effects extend far beyond the immediate loss—survivors often struggle with PTSD and depression, and children exposed to community violence face higher risks of long-term health issues.
Penn Medicine and the 76ers believe this initiative can help slow those ripples. “Grassroots organizations are vital to driving community-level change,” Amir said. “Supporting them is especially important when it comes to an issue as critical as gun violence.”
More Than a Game
The program officially tips off on November 12, when the 76ers host the New York Knicks. Representatives from all six organizations will be honored on court before the game, celebrating a partnership that is about much more than basketball.
This initiative is just the latest collaboration between Penn Medicine and the 76ers. Over the past two years, the partnership has refurbished neighborhood courts, sponsored community screenings for more than 1,000 residents, and highlighted health initiatives across Philadelphia.
Now, with every no-look dime, alley-oop, and corner kick-out, the Sixers are making sure their assists count for more than just stats—they’re helping build safer, stronger communities across the city.
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