Former Georgia and current Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly are donating $350,000 to a new social justice initiative at the University of Georgia.
Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart and his wife Mary Beth will also be donating $150,000, bringing the program to a start of $500,000.
“The University of Georgia Athletic Association has launched an ambitious program that seeks to implement strategic initiatives in the areas of diversity, inclusion, equity and social justice,” Georgia’s Athletic Director Greg McGarity stated in an announcement on Friday.
“The generosity of Matthew and Coach Smart allows the Athletic Association to implement strategic initiatives in diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice,” McGarity added. “These gifts will help the Athletic Association educate, implement dynamic programming, and execute service opportunities to achieve our goals, those being to foster critical consciousness, cultural competence and further developing change within the Athletic Association and our greater community.”
The overall goal of the program is to further evolve an Athens environment that will instill change for all its members.
“The Athletic Association remains committed to leading a sustained dialogue on diversity, inclusion and innovation in what continues to be historic times for our nation,” said Deputy Athletic Director for Development Matt Borman. “The significant gifts from Matthew and Coach Smart will allow the Athletic Association to apply important initiatives in these critical areas. We have exceptional student-athletes, staff, and community leaders who will help us inspire, motivate, and stimulate meaningful action moving forward in this effort.”