Memphis nonprofit sees surge in donation's following Brandon Clarke's death
Ja Morant, Grizzlies fans and the Memphis community are showing support for a Memphis non-profit after Brandon Clarke's death.
One of Brandon Clarke’s final community appearances as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies came Sept. 18, 2025, at KIPP Collegiate K-8 School. Clarke attended in support of Literacy Awareness Month, partnering with the Grizzlies to donate to ARISE2Read, a local nonprofit focused on improving literacy skills, providing faith-based support and building one-on-one connections with students.
Memphis Grizzlies’ Brandon Clarke donated $1,500 today at Kipp collegiate school for literacy awareness, books and resources through his recently launched Brandon Clarke foundation. pic. twitter.
com/APScE1YBDp — Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) September 18, 2025 Before Clarke entered the classroom, students learned about his birthday. It was on Sept. 19, but the kids had a chance to celebrate with him early.
They enthusiastically sang “Happy Birthday” to Clarke as he stood before them holding a $1,500 check for ARISE2Read. Clarke died May 11. He was 29.