More Than a Game: How Pitt Rebounds Fund Real Change in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA – March 10, 2026 – For the University of Pittsburgh Men’s Basketball team, every rebound is a battle for possession. But for the past five years, each one has also represented a tangible investment in the Southwestern Pennsylvania community. A unique partnership between JKS Financial, a local financial services firm with Northwestern Mutual, Pitt Athletics, and the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania has reached a significant milestone, transforming on-court effort into more than $50,000 in critical funding for local initiatives.

This season marked the five-year anniversary of the “Rebound Rewards” program, an innovative philanthropic model that pledges a monetary donation for every rebound secured by the Panthers. The 2025–2026 campaign saw the team pull down 1,075 rebounds, generating a donation of over $10,000 and pushing the partnership’s cumulative total past the $50,000 mark. The season's achievement was celebrated during an on-court presentation at the team's final home game against Florida State on March 4, recognizing the players' hard work and the program's sustained community impact.

A Blueprint for Local Impact

The genius of the Rebound Rewards program lies in its simplicity and directness: for every rebound, JKS Financial and its parent company, Northwestern Mutual, contribute $10 to the United Way. This performance-based model creates a compelling narrative that fans, players, and the community can rally behind. Each defensive stop or second-chance opportunity on offense carries a dual meaning—one for the scoreboard and another for the community’s well-being.

What began as a creative way to link athletics and philanthropy has solidified into an annual tradition. The partnership demonstrates a powerful synergy between a local business deeply invested in its region, a beloved university sports program, and a cornerstone charitable organization. It serves as a compelling case study in corporate social responsibility, moving beyond a simple check presentation to create an engaging, season-long story of shared purpose.

“Reaching five years with this partnership is incredibly meaningful,” said Dan Jenkins, wealth management advisor and managing partner at JKS Financial. “It reflects our shared belief that success is measured not just on the court, but in how we show up for our community. We’re proud to continue supporting United Way and the impact they create every day.”

Beyond the Court: Where the Money Goes

The more than $50,000 raised over five years provides vital, unrestricted support to the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania (UWSWPA), an organization with a profound and far-reaching impact. With a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a perfect score for accountability and finance, UWSWPA is a trusted steward of community investment. Its work touches the lives of nearly 1.5 million people across Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties, funding 109 different agencies and a host of direct initiatives.

The donations from the Rebound Rewards program help fuel UWSWPA's core mission: meeting basic needs, promoting financial stability, and ensuring educational success. This funding supports a diverse portfolio of programs, including initiatives like 412 Food Rescue, which connects surplus food to those in need, and the Mon Valley Initiative, which helps individuals on their path to financial independence. It also aids specialized programs such as Evolve Coaching, which provides crucial support for neurodivergent individuals seeking education and employment.

UWSWPA’s role as a community anchor was particularly evident during the COVID-19 crisis. In a single year, its 2-1-1 hotline fielded over 260,000 requests for assistance—a 78% increase—while its Students and Families Food Relief Fund provided over 1.35 million meals. The flexibility of funds from partners like JKS Financial allows the organization to respond swiftly to both long-term challenges and immediate crises, ensuring a resilient support network for the region’s most vulnerable residents.

A Culture of Giving

For JKS Financial, the Rebound Rewards program is not an isolated act of charity but a cornerstone of a deeply ingrained philosophy of community engagement. The Pittsburgh-based firm, led by partners Geoff Kasse and Dan Jenkins, has woven local support into its corporate identity. This commitment is evident in their diverse and long-standing relationships with other area non-profits.

The firm is an active supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pittsburgh, with team members participating in fundraising events and Jenkins serving as a board member, personally helping to raise over $500,000 for the organization over the last decade. The JKS Financial team also volunteers its time with the Light of Life Rescue Mission’s food pantry and sponsors the annual golf outing for Helen’s Heroes, an organization focused on community wellness. This portfolio of giving demonstrates a holistic approach to strengthening the region it calls home.

This commitment to community runs parallel to the firm’s professional success. Recognized by Forbes as a “Best-in-State Wealth Management Team,” JKS Financial has built its reputation on trust and long-term planning—principles that extend from its clients’ financial futures to the well-being of the broader Pittsburgh community.

The University's Role: Fostering Service and Spirit

The success of the Rebound Rewards partnership is also a reflection of the institutional values at the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt Athletics has cultivated a robust culture of community service, earning the NCAA Team Works Community Service Competition Award in 2021 for its student-athletes' dedication to local outreach. The athletic department, under the leadership of Heather Lyke, has made “servant leadership a top priority,” creating an environment where partnerships that blend sports and service can thrive.

Men's Basketball Head Coach Jeff Capel has frequently emphasized the critical importance of rebounding to his team’s success on the court, calling it a matter of consistent effort and will. This athletic focus gives the Rebound Rewards metric an authentic urgency. When the coach stresses the need to “just go do it,” he is not only outlining a strategy for winning games but also inadvertently calling his players to action for a cause greater than themselves.

The university actively seeks to build bridges with local entities through platforms like “Hail to Pittsburgh,” which celebrates Pittsburgh-based businesses. The partnership with JKS Financial fits perfectly within this strategy, creating a symbiotic relationship where a local firm gains visibility, the university reinforces its community ties, and fans get another reason to cheer for every hard-won possession.