The Minnesota Vikings and the Wilf family have announced a $5 million donation to social justice causes throughout the United States. In a video call with members
of the team’s Social Justice Committee earlier this week, Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf and Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf stated the contributions from this fund will be determined in part through collaboration with the players and directed toward organizations fighting hate, racism and inequality.
“We continue to be inspired by these players as they advocate for transformational change in this very challenging moment,” said Mark Wilf. “We are proud of their efforts to use their platform in an effort to end deep-seated social injustices. Their thoughtful approach and our conversations with them have deeply moved us, certainly in large part because of our family’s history and long-standing commitment to human rights, but also because of their steadfast dedication to not sit idly by when they have the ability to make a difference.”
The donations build on the Wilfs’ previous $500,000 commitment to the Social Justice Committee over the last two years. Those dollars were directed toward scholarships for low-income students, school supplies, legal aid for disadvantaged and underrepresented populations and law enforcement relations.
“Our organization and the players have shown a commitment to these causes over the last several years, but we know we need to and can do more,” said Zygi Wilf. “We want this investment to support the many diverse and meaningful social justice efforts throughout our country, but it can only be one piece of our overall work toward having a sustainable impact. Our actions within our communities will be the driving force for creating profound change.”
The Vikings also announced the endowed George Floyd Legacy Scholarship, which is being created by the Vikings Social Justice Committee in memory of George Floyd. The $125,000 initial establishing gift will generate approximately $5,000 annually to benefit African American graduating seniors in Minneapolis-St. Paul who are pursuing post-secondary education.
