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The Detroit Pistons Community & Social Responsibility mission is to use the game of basketball as a vehicle for change that will inspire and impact the community. The four pillars of focus are education, health & fitness, mentoring and equality, with the flagship program of Basketball for All serving as the primary community initiative. The Detroit Pistons foundation administers funds for charitable purposes in the metro Detroit region.

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    PISTONS STEAM

    PISTONS STEAM

    The Pistons focus on a year – round community platform that uses the game of basketball as a vehicle to provide children STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) programming events and activities to promote learning experiences that allow children to explore, question, research, discover and exercise innovative building skills.

    MATH HOOPS PRESENTED BY MICHIGAN FIRST CREDIT UNION

    MATH HOOPS PRESENTED BY MICHIGAN FIRST CREDIT UNION

    The Pistons implement the Math Hoops board game into local classrooms and after school programs, making math fun and interactive while improving math scores. The Pistons provide incentives throughout the program and host a regional tournament, an event that brings the game to life using Pistons players as pawns in the game.

    FARM BUREAU INSURANCE GAME CHANGERS

    FARM BUREAU INSURANCE GAME CHANGERS

    The Game Changers program recognizes and rewards educators in Southeast Michigan that are making a positive impact in their classroom and in the lives of their students. Educators are chosen based on nominations by students, fellow educators, and family members. Winners are invited to a home game and presented a $750 check donation for them to use in their classroom and an additional $500 to provide hunger relief within their school as part of Farm Bureau’s mission to end childhood hunger in Michigan.

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    PISTONS CITY COURTS

    PISTONS CITY COURTS

    Tom Gores and the Detroit Pistons made an investment of $2.5 million over six years in the construction, renovation, and refurbishment of 60 basketball courts in 44 parks throughout the City of Detroit in partnership with the City of Detroit’s Recreation department. The final phase of the court renovations was completed in September 2023, fulfilling the commitment the organization made as a part of its return downtown. The Pistons run community clinics on the courts as a part of their Basketball for All Neighbors Program.

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    AUTISM ACCEPTANCE

    AUTISM ACCEPTANCE

    The Pistons participate in Autism Awareness Month by hosting affected families at home games and partnering with organizations that assist autistic youth and adults.

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    JR. PISTONS

    JR. PISTONS

    The Pistons work to increase awareness and involvement in youth basketball through community clinics, an online newsletter, Pistons Academy camps, and partnerships with basketball leagues across the state. During Jr. NBA Week, Pistons host clinics with Special Olympics and other community groups.

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    PISTONS FIT PRESENTED BY HENRY FORD HEALTH

    PISTONS FIT PRESENTED BY HENRY FORD HEALTH

    In partnership with Henry Ford Health, the Pistons promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle through clinics, cooking classes and mental health programming. Through mental health platforms the Pistons strive to engage, educate, and position mental health as an essential element of wellness excellence.

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    PISTONS MENTOR

    PISTONS MENTOR

    The Pistons focus on driving positive change amongst metro Detroit youth by helping foster the mentor/mentee relationship. PSAs are created with Pistons players sharing their stories about their mentors and how they have been affected by these role models, as well as encouraging others to become mentors. The Pistons also partner with local mentoring organizations to provide events and programs for mentors and their mentees. As a part of National Mentoring Month, the Pistons donate tickets to non-profit mentoring programs for mentors and mentees to utilize such as City Year Detroit, BINGO, Building Better Men, Real Gems, The Manhood Project, Caught Up, Boys Hope Girls Hope and many others.

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    BEYOND THE BASELINE

    BEYOND THE BASELINE

    Beyond The Baseline is catered toward exposing Detroit Public School Community District (DPSCD) students to career opportunities in sports. Students participate in monthly sessions at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center as well as 1 on 1 mentoring with participating Pistons employees. Students have the opportunity to engage with departments across various disciplines, job shadow at games and in the Pistons front office.

    PISTONS YOUTH COUNCIL

    PISTONS YOUTH COUNCIL

    The Detroit Pistons Youth Council is a leadership development program consisting of youth from the metro Detroit area. These youth are selected, by application, to provide counsel, feedback, and support to the Detroit Pistons organization and to create/participate in a variety of projects and community initiatives.

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    BLACK EXCELLENCE

    BLACK EXCELLENCE

    The NBA and the Detroit Pistons support the national dialogue on race and equality through league-wide efforts that bring people together, amplify the voices of fans and players and takes collective action toward concrete change. The Detroit Pistons are focused on bringing Together the world of sports, entertainment, fashion, and the arts to show through different forms that all voices should be heard to create change.

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    SOCIAL CHANGE

    SOCIAL CHANGE

    As part of the social change platform, the Detroit Pistons organization launched a voter campaign to encourage nonpartisan voter participation amongst fans, employees and the greater Detroit and SE Michigan community. Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities that U.S. citizens have. The Detroit Pistons hosts several events, convert their practice facility into a receiving board, release PSA’s and incentivize the local community to exercise their fundamental right to vote.

    PRIDE

    PRIDE

    The Pistons work with Athlete Ally and local community groups to support the LGBTQ community through panels, PSAs, pride parade and Pride Game Night presented by Allegiant Air.

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    WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT MONTH

    WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT MONTH

    Through the Pistons She-One-Three program the Pistons have women’s empowerment programming and messaging throughout the month of March in support of International Women’s Day and equality for women.

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    HOOPS FOR TROOPS

    HOOPS FOR TROOPS

    The Pistons are proud to celebrate and honor veterans and active-duty military through a special Veterans Day Game, Commitment to Service opportunities, as well as host a a special Rally Point event dedicated to providing jobs and resources to metro Detroit veterans.

    SEASON OF GIVING PRESENTED BY KROGER

    SEASON OF GIVING PRESENTED BY KROGER

    During the winter holidays, the Detroit Pistons have teamed up with Kroger to provide basic needs to deserving members of the community and provide holiday cheer in the spirit of giving to the community.

    PLAYER INITIATIVES

    PLAYER INITIATIVES

    The Pistons Community Relations and Social Responsibility team aids players in personal initiatives and events they wish to participate in throughout the season.

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