In 2006, Nelly started hosting a “White and Black Ball” in his hometown of St. Louis as a fundraiser to collect funds for scholarships. He has sent two students to college every year for over a decade, and even set up a scholarship fund named after Michael Brown was shot and killed. The fund was not merely a sentimental act to honor the slain college student, but part of a strategic plan to help bring change to the Ferguson, community in the most effective way he believes he can.