Ciara Wilson and Russell Wilson (Getty Images)
On October 17, 2023, their Why Not You Foundation joined CommonSpirit Health to award $1 million in grants to 10 nonprofit organisations across Colorado and Utah. The programme gave each organisation $100,000 to expand its work. Fostering Hope Foundation received $100,000 to strengthen its support system for foster families, teenagers and young adults who must build independent lives after ageing out of foster care. Kids in Need of Dentistry received $100,000 to improve access to dental treatment and education, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Eye Care 4 Kids also received the same amount to help low-income children and underserved families access professional eye care. The organisation had helped more than 400,000 children receive care. Together, the 10 organisations received $1 million. Wilson and Ciara addressed representatives from the 10 organisations during the grant presentation at Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse at the Centura Health Training Center in Colorado on October 17, 2023.
“We are so proud to partner with each and every one of you as we work together to give our children the future they deserve,” the couple said at the event. Russell Wilson has spent much of his NFL career making plays on the field. Away from football, the former quarterback and his wife, Ciara, have also worked to improve opportunities for children. Among the recipients was Fostering Hope Foundation, which supports foster families and young adults preparing to live independently after leaving the foster care system. Its work offered one of the clearest examples of the children’s causes behind the partnership. The grant programme reached far beyond one charity. That transition can bring difficult challenges. Young people often need help finding stable housing, education and the support network that many others receive from their families. The organisation works to connect them with resources as they take those first steps towards independence. However, foster care was only one part of the initiative. The other nine recipients tackled different challenges facing children and families. Meanwhile, Community Partnership for Child Development works on early education, physical and behavioural health, and nutrition. Reach Out and Read Colorado encourages parents to read aloud with young children, while Kids on Bikes helps children access bicycles and learn about cycling safety. The list also included Educating Children of Color, A Precious Child, Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver and Kids First Health Care.
Its Health Equity & Advancement Fund distributed $5 million in grants to 48 nonprofit organisations across Colorado, Kansas and Utah in 2023. The fund had awarded $11 million to dozens of nonprofits since its launch in 2021. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Wilson and Ciara founded the Why Not You Foundation in 2014. In Russell Wilson’s case, the October 2023 initiative was another opportunity to support children beyond the NFL. Rather than directing the entire grant towards one cause, the partnership backed 10 organisations working on different problems.
Because it takes a team to make a difference, and together with CommonSpirit our goals can be reached,. They also praised the organisations for their work, adding, “The work all of you do is inspiring. The partnership also fits into a wider community programme at CommonSpirit Health. The organisation focuses on fighting poverty through education and empowering young people. Its work also includes children’s health, equal access to education and food security. From dental treatment and education to foster care and access to healthcare, each received resources to continue serving children and families who need support. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.