Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson and his pop star wife Ciara have pledged to donate $1 million across 10 Denver-area charities, each of which will receive $100,000.
‘We are forever grateful for the opportunity to impact our youth!’ Wilson wrote in a X post, featuring pictures of himself and Ciara distributing the giant checks at the Broncos’ practice facility. ‘$1 Million donated to our Denver, Colorado Community with our @WhyNotYouFDN & @commonspirit!’
The Why Not You Foundation was started by Wilson and Ciara to make a positive impact in the lives of children and communities.
Previously, before he was traded to Denver by the Seahawks in 2022, most of the foundation’s work centered in the Seattle area. However, now that he’s a prominent member of the Broncos, Wilson is focusing his efforts in and around Denver.
‘Today, we celebrated 10 deserving organizations which will each receive $100,000 to support their remarkable work in health equity, education, food security, social justice, and support for children and youth,’ Wilson wrote on X. ‘We at @WhyNotYouFdn are grateful for our partnership to help make real change in Colorado!’
The foundation has faced criticism.
Back in February, a USA Today reports claimed the Why Not You Foundation spends only about a quarter of donations on its charitable efforts with the rest going to employee salaries and benefits. Specifically, USA Today reported that chief strategy officer Ryan Tarpley was paid $222,500 in 2021.
A foundation spokesman responded to the report in a statement.
‘Millions of dollars in funds raised by the Why Not You Foundation go through our partners who can deliver that money where it is needed more directly,’ said Why Not You Foundation chief financial officer Scott Pickett. ‘Those funds were raised, in large part, through the work of the foundation, but you would not see all of those dollars in the foundation’s tax documents.’
Wilson released a video statement in February saying the organization is ‘gonna keep learning’ and ‘getting better.’
He also noted that $10 million was raised by the foundation ‘for pediatric cancer, and for education, and for hunger prevention and so much more,’ adding that the money went ‘directly to those in need,’ either through his organization or its partners.
Wilson was named the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of Year in 2020 due to his many charitable efforts.
The Broncos are struggling again this season. The team is 1-5, and previously gave up 70 points to the Miami Dolphins in Week 3.
Denver will host the 2-3 Green Bay Packers on Sunday.