The Jonathan Bender Foundation, is a nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) corporation established by its founder, Jonathan Bender a former veteran of the NBA Indiana Pacers Professional Basketball Team.

The mission of the Foundation is to empower children in the community by providing them the tools to obtain life skills that address their educational, health and social needs.  Our goal is to assure and enhance the quality of life for children in the community, striving to achieve equal opportunity for all. The Jonathan Bender Foundation Program aims to improve self-esteem and self-confidence of youth through a variety of sports and non-sports related activities. To that end, the Foundation implements programs and activities that will enhance and enlighten the minds and bodies of youth in the community.

We conduct training and educational programs designed to improve children’s academic skills. Literacy is clearly a high priority. It is paramount to ones success as a student and eventually as a productive citizen. We offer health-related screenings and educational sessions to promote and encourage children’s healthy lifestyles. We empower children by teaching and promoting good decision-making and problem-solving skills. We teach children the importance of team work, sportsmanship, and other life-lessons through participation in a variety of sports related activities.

 A group of "incentives" and "rewards" will be given to participants based on personal progress during the year.  Positive attitudes, perseverance, regular attendance, community service, academic improvement and other similar achievements will earn commendations as well as participation in special events.