Change doesn’t wait, it’s built by those bold enough to lead it. NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul came together in 2020 to form the Social Change Fund United (SCFU). They started a movement, intending to answer a call. Focused on uprooting systemic inequality, SCFU has been about turning influence into impact, especially in communities too often left behind.

That mission takes on new life with the Visionary Ventures Program. Born out of compassion and urgency, the program steps in where wildfires have devastated Los Angeles communities. Attempting to help small business owners not only get back on their feet but succeed. In partnership with the NBA and Stackwell, SCFU brings a tech-driven approach to wealth-building. But what spurred the three to form the initiative?

Carmelo Anthony, in conversation with Fast Company, divulged, “It started back in, I want to say, 2020… We were watching a moment in society and our community, and our country…It was a moment where I had to figure out, “Damn, what do I want to do? And I think everyone was asking that same question. We just talked, came together, and we founded the Social Change Fund United.”

Carmelo was speaking of a time when COVID-19 was in full swing, and systemic injustice and inequality at its peak. The LA riots began because of the murder of George Floyd, spurring on the trio to form the initiative. These horrors affected everyone, not just Melo, Wade or Paul. Acting upon the shivers down their spines, they had to come up with an initiative to lend a helping hand to the people who fall prey to oppression.

Carmelo Anthony also commented on how difficult it was for him to see the wildfires, stating, “You’re watching it unfold and continue to escalate and grow right in front of your eyes. You can feel that in your heart, and you feel it in your soul when you’re watching something like that…You should be asking yourself what you could do…, opposed to thinking, ‘You know, I can’t do anything.’ The fires went rampant, causing havoc and killing 30, and Melo couldn’t help but feel disheartened. He then began calling individuals to action, to help in whatever way possible, while also helping in the best capacity he could.

Carmelo also touched on why he chose to partner with Stackwell to launch Visionary Ventures. “I just think it’s a very pivotal moment as we look at L.A. and those communities and try to help them rebuild…Stackwell also has a proven track record—amazing with what they’re doing,” he said, referencing the condition of small businesses that suffered during the fires. Where there was dismay, Melo, Paul, and Wade showed faith in Stackwell as they have done wondrous things in reducing racial inequalities for marginalized communities, such as wealth gaps.

It has been half a decade since the launch of the Social Change Fund United. They have managed to aid many people through their ventures. Let us see what changes they have brought in.

What has the Social Change Fund United done to make a change?

Since 2020, the Social Change Fund United (SCFU), founded by NBA legends Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade, has been out here making real, tangible change. Their mission? Racial justice, economic empowerment, and showing up for communities that are often overlooked. And they’ve been busy.

Let’s start with the money moves. SCFU has dropped around $1 million in grants to support programs that uplift communities of color. That includes $55,000 specifically for Black-owned small businesses across six cities. Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, Winston-Salem, New York City and Milwaukee, real support where it’s needed most. Helping close the access-to-capital gap that’s been around for way too long.

They’re also backing the next wave of innovators. Through programs like We Got Next and partnerships with organizations like All Star Code and The Gray Matter Experience, SCFU is giving young entrepreneurs of color the tools to lead. The Visionary Ventures Program takes that energy further—supporting small businesses in LA with funding, financial education, and development help. They’ve teamed up with Stackwell, a fintech platform, and the NBPA Foundation to blend tech and empowerment into something scalable and sustainable.

Their goal? To tackle something big—the racial wealth gap, by creating real, lasting economic change in minority communities. By combining SCFU’s mission-driven approach with Stackwell’s tech and financial tools, they’re making it easier for small business owners and entrepreneurs to access the resources they need to thrive. One standout project is the SCFU Legacy Initiative. Launching in Los Angeles, it’s offering grants to six minority-owned businesses to help them grow and stay strong. It’s not just about money—it’s about opening doors, breaking down barriers, and building real opportunity where it’s needed most.

Let’s hope this initiative carries on looking out for the people who need it the most.