SOURCE OF WEALTH: NBA Player
FUNDING AREAS: Education, Sports, Livelihoods
OVERVIEW: Chris and Jada Paul and family move philanthropy through the Chris Paul Family Foundation, which strives to impact individuals and families by leveling the playing field in education, sports and life. The foundation provides resources that enrich and strengthen healthy development of strong communities.
BACKGROUND: Born in 1985 in North Carolina, Chris Paul played basketball for Wake Forest University. He was drafted in the 2005 NBA Draft. He began his career with the New Orleans Hornets, and later played for the Los Angeles Clippers. Paul currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is a perennial all star and leads the NBA’s player union.
Jada Paul attended Wake Forest University. She has worked as a designer.
ISSUES:
CHRIS PAUL FAMILY FOUNDATION: In 2005, Paul and his family established the Chris Paul Family Foundation, a philanthropic partnership with The Winston-Salem Foundation in honor of Paul’s late grandfather. The foundation largely invests in athletics, scholarships, education, children, and child literacy programs.
Towards its education and scholarship giving, the family has created an endowment at Wake Forest University, annually awarding two scholarships (one athletic and one academic) to a Forsyth County, North Carolina student with the Nathaniel Jones Scholarship, in memory of Paul’s grandfather and mentor. Past grantees also include Leapz & Bounds with an eye towards education, literacy and technology enrichment.
The foundation also invests in child health and nutrition through partnerships with organizations like Feed the Children, Make-A-Wish, Salvation Army B&G Clubs, and LA’s Best Afterschool programs.
LOOKING FORWARD: Paul is still very much active in the NBA. Outspoken on social issues within the league and beyond, he is likely just getting starting with his giving. The family also may have other more direct avenues of giving, and some important gifts may be missing from this rundown.
