Deion Sanders brings grassroots grants to Dallas
Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has joined forces with a conservative billionaire to bring hope to the inner city.
The program is called Prime 5, and it aims to give a hand-up to community groups fighting social ills like poverty, joblessness and addiction.
The media campaign invites local Dallas groups to apply for $25,000 grants. The program is called ‘Prime 5,’ a partner to the national initiative 'Stand Together.'
Sanders says it’s about tackling poverty, joblessness, family issues and more.
"It's a darn shame when you're rooting for the Cowboys more than you're rooting for your child,” he said. “I don't like that. So it's up to us to bring this to fruition and tackle it and challenge people to do better."
"Most importantly we're able to bring some of the top business minds in the country, some of the best business philosophy to bear to help these groups realize their hopes and dreams,” said Evan Feinberg, the executive director of Stand Together.
The local group, ‘Urban Specialists' will play a part. Bishop Omar Jahwar believes the potential for change is monumental.
"I've been doing this 20-something years. I know how to deal with gangs,” Jahwar said. “But I don't necessarily know how to deal with business. So bring in a group that says let me show you how the business practice works."
The umbrella nonprofit for Prime 5 belongs to billionaire Charles Koch, who's known for his philanthropy and political influence with Republicans.
Sanders downplays any aspect other than helping the disadvantaged.
"We're so busy fighting about politics, we're forgetting the people,” he said. “Who is there to care for them? There's no gimmick."
Sanders' goal is to raise $21 million over three years, award $25,000 grants to grassroots groups and train the groups to impact the community.