Norman Powell is a busy man. If he’s not sweating in the gym and pouring out jump shots by the dozen, there’s a good chance he’s making phone calls to brighten someone’s holiday.
Powell, averaging a career-high 24.6 points per game for the Miami Heat this season, also finds himself occupied as the point person for his Understand the Grind Foundation, which is active in his hometown of San Diego.
The foundation – with the help of charitable donations and support from local food providers – distributed 500 turkeys to families this Thanksgiving, and it’s gearing up for a Christmas gift drive on Dec. 18.
Powell will be otherwise occupied as the Heat will play the Nets in Brooklyn that day. But his foundation is left in the hands of his mother, Sharon Powell, sisters Margaret Powell-Smart and Joniece Benjamin, and a handful of lifelong friends from his hometown.
That’s fitting, he says, because his foundation is very family-oriented, and his mother is his inspiration in all of his charitable endeavors.
“She was a big advocate in giving back to the community, helping the next family, somebody else in need,” Powell said. “Watching her as a kid rubbed off on me.And I always thought that if I made it to the NBA, I’d never forgot where I came from and I’d always try to give back and help the next generation go after their own dreams.”
Next week’s Christmas event, Powell says, has been an annual event for about eight years. He says his mom receives referrals from the community, coaches and teachers about families in need, and then Understand the Grind gets them a gift card or a shopping experiance where they can choose gifts for their family.
Powell, the No. 46 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, broke into the league with the Toronto Raptors and won an NBA championship in the 2018-19 season. He’s been a vital member of playoff teams with the Portland Trail Blazers and the LA Clippers in his career as well.
The Clippers dealt Powell to the Heat in the offseason. He hit his stride in Miami,leading it in scoring and 3-point shots made (3.1) per game.
He says his personal motivational mantra and motto – “Understand the Grind” – origina
Norman Powell’s Philanthropic Efforts Extend From Local Scholarships to International Relief
Norman Powell, a veteran NBA player, is demonstrating a strong commitment to philanthropy, extending support to both aspiring student-athletes and communities in need, particularly his father’s homeland of Jamaica. Through his Understand the grind (UTG) Foundation, Powell provides resources for educational advancement and disaster relief.
Supporting Student-Athletes
As students approach college, Powell emphasizes the opportunities available to his student-athletes, including scholarships, sponsorships, and othre forms of financial assistance. He explains that this support can range from providing dorm supplies and textbooks to assisting with moving expenses. Powell’s mother, Sharon Powell, actively participates in this support, personally helping students settle into their new college environments. “We help them see outside of the community they’re in that they can be successful and go out of their normal way of life,” Powell stated.
Relief Efforts in Jamaica
Powell’s philanthropic work extends internationally, rooted in his connection to his father, Norman Powell Sr.’s, Jamaican heritage. He began exploring this connection last summer and joined the Jamaican National Team in their quest to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games.
In October, Jamaica was severely impacted by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. As captain of the Jamaican National Team, Powell responded to the island’s urgent need for reconstruction. He personally donated $100,000 to Jamaica through his foundation and spearheaded a clothing and canned goods drive via UTG. Currently, the foundation is preparing another relief shipment for the people of Jamaica.Those interested in contributing can find more information and donate through the Understand the Grind Foundation’s official website.
“I’m not a person who just talks about helping and being a part. I’m somebody who really commits,” Powell said. He is actively checking in on the well-being of his teammates’ families and providing aid wherever possible.
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