The National Football League's New York Jets have announced grants totaling $1 million as part of the team's social justice, inclusion, and diversity efforts.

The team awarded grants of $250,000 to four national nonprofit organizations and will also provide the organizations with volunteer support from players, coaches, and staff. Recipients include the All Stars Project, a national organization that works to transform the lives of youth in poor communities using the power of performance; the Innocence Project, which works to exonerate the wrongly convicted through DNA testing and reform the systems that are responsible for unjust imprisonment; the New York Urban League, which is focused on inspiring African Americans to achieve their highest potential; and Year Up, which works to close the opportunity divide by ensuring that young adults gain the skills, experiences, and support they need.

"We wanted to contribute to these organizations and help push our community forward," said Jets president Hymie Elhai. "It is our hope through these partnerships that we can positively affect the access, equity, and rights of those in need."

(Photo credit: Unsplash/New York Urban League)