Michael Jordan and University of North Carolina Pledge $500,000 Toward Texas Flood Relief Efforts
Kerr County, TX – July 13, 2025
Basketball icon Michael Jordan and the University of North Carolina (UNC) have announced a joint donation of $500,000 to aid in rescue, relief, and recovery efforts following the devastating floods that swept through Kerr County and the greater Texas Hill Country this week.
Torrential rains inundated the region earlier this week, causing rivers to overflow, washing away infrastructure, and forcing thousands from their homes. The widespread flooding has overwhelmed emergency responders and left many communities in desperate need of support.
In a heartfelt statement released Thursday, Jordan expressed his concern for the affected communities. “Seeing the destruction in Texas has been heartbreaking. Families have lost everything—from homes to loved ones. I want to do what I can to support their recovery,” he said. “This is about standing with people in their time of need.”
Jordan, a proud alumnus of UNC, partnered with the university to provide the $500,000 in relief funding. The money will be directed to multiple frontline organizations including the Texas Disaster Relief Foundation, Kerr County Emergency Assistance Program, and Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response group already on the ground providing aid.
UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz affirmed the university’s commitment to helping beyond state lines. “The University of North Carolina believes in service—whether it’s in our own communities or across the country. Joining Michael Jordan in this effort reflects the values we strive to uphold: empathy, leadership, and responsibility.”
Kerr County officials and residents have welcomed the support as they begin the long process of rebuilding. County Judge Stephen Kelly praised the gesture: “This donation is not just generous—it’s deeply meaningful. Our community is hurting, and this kind of support reminds us that we’re not alone in this.”
The floods have caused massive damage throughout the Texas Hill Country. Over 15,000 residents have been directly affected, with entire neighborhoods submerged, power lines downed, and access to clean water compromised. As of Friday, at least seven people have been confirmed dead, while emergency teams continue search-and-rescue operations for those still unaccounted for.
Jordan and UNC’s donation will help fund temporary housing, emergency medical supplies, and repairs to critical infrastructure like schools and local health clinics. A portion of the funds will also support mental health services for families affected by the trauma of the disaster.
This is not the first time Michael Jordan has stepped in to support communities facing crisis. In 2019, he donated $1 million to assist the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian. He also made headlines in 2020 with a $100 million pledge over ten years to promote racial equality and expand educational access.
His latest act of philanthropy—partnered with UNC—serves as a reminder of the role that public figures and institutions can play in helping communities recover after disaster strikes.
While recovery in the Texas Hill Country is expected to take months, the support from across the country, including this major contribution, is helping restore hope for many.
Individuals who wish to contribute to the relief efforts can do so through the Texas Disaster Relief Foundation or UNC’s official giving portal dedicated to this emergency response initiative.
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