What The Rocket Foundation does

The Rocket Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2022 by rapper Quavo (Quavious Keyate Marshall) in the wake of the November 2022 shooting death of his nephew and Migos co-member Takeoff (Kirsnick Khari Ball). Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the foundation is dedicated to reducing gun violence in the United States through Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs, with Atlanta positioned as a replicable national model. Its mission is operationalized through three core programs: SPARK Grants, a competitive micro-grant program distributing $10,000 each to 10 high-impact 501(c)(3) CVI organizations in Atlanta annually ($100,000 total); Rocket Camp, a 10-week summer intervention program serving 25-30 high-risk youth ages 13-17 with mentorship, HBCU exposure, and weekly stipends up to $100; and the annual Rocket Summit, which convenes policymakers, donors, and CVI practitioners.

The foundation does not operate a proprietary technology platform; its infrastructure consists of a Squarespace-hosted website and a Pledge.to donation portal. Distribution of programmatic impact flows through a curated coalition of 10 Atlanta-based CVI partner organizations (including CEO Works, Community Justice, Girassol Wellness, HOPE Hustlers, Life Anew Restorative Justice, LIVE FREE, Mothers Against Gun Violence, Offenders Alumni Association, The Hopeful Change, and Tyme to Thrive Beyond Grief) and Summit-level sponsors such as Everytown, CJ Action Fund, Cities United, Crown Family Philanthropies, and the Gun Violence Legal Project. The Offender Alumni Association serves as the operational lead for Rocket Camp.

The business model is donation-driven philanthropy rather than product or service revenue. Funding sources include individual donations through the Pledge.to portal, event-based fundraising (Huncho Day raised $50K in 2024), and reputational fundraising leverage from Quavo's celebrity platform and 2024 Variety 'Humanitarian of the Year' recognition. The foundation's go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven, anchored by the annual Rocket Summit (held in 2025 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta), high-profile earned media coverage (Billboard, AP News, Rolling Stone, Variety, GMA), and direct federal engagement including a White House Fortune Impact Initiative fireside chat and VP Kamala Harris's in-person attendance at the 2024 Summit. There is no disclosed total annual donation volume, headcount, or institutional grant base in the source material.

Name

The Rocket Foundation

Legal name

The Rocket Foundation

Website

https://rocket-foundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Rocket Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by rapper Quavo in 2022 to reduce gun violence through Community Violence Intervention programs in Atlanta, including SPARK Grants ($100K annually to 10 CVI nonprofits), the Rocket Camp youth intervention program, and the annual Rocket Summit.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Gun Violence Prevention / Community Violence Intervention (Nonprofit)

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM), Social Justice & Human Rights Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAN)

Keywords

• Gun violence prevention
• Community violence intervention
• Nonprofit foundation
• Youth intervention programs
• Grantmaking programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Grants distributed (program delivery), Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Philanthropy: The Rocket Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded primarily through donations. They accept donations through their Pledge.to platform and organize fundraising events such as Huncho Day (which raised $50K in 2024). The foundation's celebrity founder Quavo brings significant donor engagement and visibility to the organization.
2. SPARK Grants Program: The foundation provides micro-grants of $10,000 each to qualifying nonprofit organizations. 10 grants are awarded annually to CVI organizations in Atlanta. This represents an outflow rather than revenue generation, but demonstrates the foundation's grantmaking model.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Rocket Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds and amplifies Community Violence Intervention (CVI) work in Atlanta. It disburses micro-grants through its SPARK Grants program ($10,000 to each of 10 qualifying nonprofits annually), delivers the ROCKET Camp multi-week summer violence intervention program for 25–30 high-risk youth ages 13–17, and convenes stakeholders at the annual Rocket Summit. The foundation does not sell products; it deploys donated capital into CVI programming, youth mentorship, and policy advocacy.

Product overview

The Rocket Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Quavo in 2022 to honor Takeoff's legacy and committed to ending gun violence in America. The Foundation operates through three core programs: (1) SPARK Grants, a micro-grant program distributing $10,000 awards to 10 high-impact organizations annually in the Atlanta area; (2) Rocket Camp, a 10-week summer violence intervention program serving 25-30 high-risk youth ages 13-17 with mentorship, career training, and stipends; and (3) The Rocket Foundation Summit, an annual convening featuring panel discussions and breakout sessions on community violence intervention. The Foundation also partners with organizations including CEO Works, Community Justice, Girassol Wellness, HOPE Hustlers, Life Anew Restorative Justice, LIVE FREE, Mothers Against Gun Violence, Offenders Alumni Association, The Hopeful Change, and Tyme to Thrive Beyond Grief.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SPARK Grants A micro-grant program that awards 10 grants of $10,000 each to high-impact nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations building an ecosystem of gun violence prevention and reduction in Atlanta, supporting evidence-based initiatives addressing community gun violence. Grantees also receive partnership support to amplify their voices and expand reach.
• ROCKET Camp A multi-week summer violence intervention program led by the Offender Alumni Association, designed for 25–30 high-risk, high-need youth ages 13–17 in Atlanta, providing HBCU trips, music studio visits, sport activities, mentorship, career readiness training, weekly family support forums, and participant stipends of up to $100/week.
• The Rocket Foundation Summit An annual summit bringing together community leaders, CVI practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and corporate sponsors to discuss gun violence prevention strategies and advocate for investment in the CVI ecosystem in Atlanta; includes panel discussions, breakout sessions, and a VIP reception.

Quantifiable outcome

• CVI programs have been proven to reduce shootings and killings by at least 30% (Cure Violence data)
• +3 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• EverytownsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Everytown for Gun Safety is a sponsor of the 2025 Rocket Summit, supporting breakout discussions on taking action against gun violence. Everytown is one of the nation's largest gun violence prevention organizations.
• Gun Violence Legal ProjectsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gun Violence Legal Project sponsored the 2025 Rocket Summit, contributing to discussions on policy and legal approaches to gun violence prevention.
• CJ Action FundsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025CJ Action Fund (Community Justice Action Fund) is a sponsor of the 2025 Rocket Summit. The organization works to build power for communities most impacted by gun violence through policy advocacy and organizing.
• Crown Family PhilanthropiessupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Crown Family Philanthropies sponsored the 2025 Rocket Summit, providing support for the foundation's CVI ecosystem investment work in Atlanta.
• Cities UnitedsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Cities United sponsored the 2025 Rocket Summit. The organization is a national network of cities committed to reducing and preventing urban violence through evidence-based strategies and community partnerships.
• CEO Works (Center for Employment Opportunities)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024CEO Works is one of The Rocket Foundation's SPARK Grants partner organizations. CEO provides immediate, effective employment services for individuals returning from incarceration, helping them achieve economic stability and reduce recidivism. Operating in 30 cities across 12 states, CEO is committed to creating pathways to economic mobility for justice-impacted individuals.
• Community JusticecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Community Justice has a threefold strategy to address gun violence: building a comprehensive policy agenda, a network of leaders directly impacted by gun violence, and training opportunities for everyday people who want to take action on gun violence prevention.
• Girassol WellnesscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Girassol Wellness, Inc. aims to empower individuals, families, and communities through holistic and evidence-based interventions. Special initiatives include the Brave Space Podcast, a healing platform for gun violence prevention professionals and survivors, and various community-focused projects designed to promote mental wellness and resilience.
• HOPE HustlerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024H.O.P.E. HUSTLERS champions an evidence-based public health approach to violence prevention, building villages of peace in Atlanta to reduce violence and transform lives and communities.
• Life Anew Restorative JusticecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Life Anew Restorative Justice is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering inclusive, empathetic communities through restorative practices. They provide consulting, training, and curriculum development for schools, law enforcement, and organizations to promote conflict resolution and disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline.
• LIVE FREE USAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024LIVE FREE USA is a national organization committed to ending gun violence, mass incarceration, and the criminalization of communities of color. Since 2011, they have built a network of faith leaders, directly impacted individuals, and partners to promote peace and healing. Their approach includes education through Peacemaker Bootcamps, advocacy for effective public safety policies, and investments in community-based organizations.
• Mothers Against Gun ViolencecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The mission is to educate communities nationwide about the harmful effects of gun violence. The goal is to support anti-gun violence policies through community organizing. Key objectives include forming partnerships with organizations, supporting affected families with resources and education, creating innovative alternatives to violence, and offering trigger locks and de-escalation training to the community.
• Offenders Alumni AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The Offender Alumni Association (OAA) is a nonprofit organization that creates a network of justice-impacted individuals who support each other in reducing crime, fostering healthy community relationships, and promoting economic, social, and civic empowerment. Founded in 2014 by Deborah Daniels and Drayton Nabers Jr., OAA offers support forums, community engagement initiatives, and programs aimed at reducing recidivism and restoring communities.
• The Hopeful ChangecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Hopeful Change is dedicated to fostering healthy growth and development in youth by providing services that empower them with essential skills, knowledge, and motivation for a productive life. They offer programs in education, mentoring, counseling, sports, and community outreach, aiming to build better futures by nurturing individuality and hope.
• Tyme to Thrive Beyond GriefcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Tyme to Thrive Beyond Grief supports families affected by gun violence by providing financial and emotional assistance, including trauma-informed care, burial support, and access to mental health resources. Their programs help survivors navigate grief and the legal process, and aims to eliminate barriers to victim support and promote healing.
• Offender Alumni Association (ROCKET Camp partner)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The Offender Alumni Association leads The Rocket Foundation's ROCKET Camp program - a multi-week summer violence intervention program for high-risk youth ages 13-17. The program includes HBCU trips, music studio visits, mentorship, career readiness training, and weekly family support forums.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• March For Our Lives: Youth-led national gun violence prevention movement focused on policy advocacy and mobilization. Comparable as a peer with national awareness reach, donor engagement model, and emphasis on youth leadership in violence prevention.
• Mothers Against Gun Violence: Community-organizing nonprofit educating communities about the effects of gun violence and supporting anti-violence policy. Listed as a Rocket Foundation SPARK Grants partner, indicating direct overlap in mission and target communities.
• LIVE FREE USA: National organization dedicated to ending gun violence, mass incarceration, and criminalization of communities of color, with Peacemaker Bootcamps and community-based organization investments. Listed as a Rocket Foundation SPARK Grants partner, indicating direct programmatic overlap.
• Sandy Hook Promise: National gun violence prevention nonprofit founded in the wake of a mass shooting, combining prevention programming, youth mental wellness, and policy advocacy. Comparable as a peer with a tragedy-anchored origin narrative, programmatic model, and national awareness focus.
• Cities United: National network of cities committed to reducing urban violence through evidence-based strategies — directly aligned with Rocket Foundation's CVI-centric, city-model thesis. Listed as a sponsor of the 2025 Rocket Summit, indicating close mission and programmatic overlap.
• Cure Violence Global: The originator of the Community Violence Intervention methodology that Rocket Foundation explicitly cites (30%+ reduction in shootings). Operates CVI programs in multiple U.S. and international cities and is the methodological anchor for Rocket Foundation's programmatic approach.
• Community Justice Action Fund: Policy advocacy and organizing organization building power for communities impacted by gun violence. Sponsor of the 2025 Rocket Summit with overlapping CVI and community-justice mission, and a direct programmatic peer.

Broad incumbents

• Everytown for Gun Safety: One of the largest U.S. gun violence prevention organizations and a documented sponsor of the 2025 Rocket Summit. Operates at far greater scale (massive donor base, lobbying apparatus) with overlapping advocacy mission, making it the most direct incumbent comparable.
• Giffords: Major national gun violence prevention organization combining policy advocacy, lobbying, and state-level organizing. Comparable as a peer in the same cause area with national policy ambitions and large-scale donor engagement.
• Brady Campaign / Brady United: Long-established national gun violence prevention organization focused on policy advocacy and legislation. Comparable as a peer in the same cause area with national scope and brand recognition, though primarily policy- rather than CVI-program-centric.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rocket-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Rocket Foundation