An investigation by USA Today found that Russell Wilson‘s charitable foundation spent just 24.3 cents on charity.
USA Today published its findings in an article behind a paywall on Wednesday.
According to the outlet, the Denver Broncos quarterback and his wife, Grammy-winning singer Ciara Wilson, operate his Russell Wilson Foundation, doing business as the Why Not You Foundation.
According to tax records, the nonprofit reported $7.5 million in revenue and $7 million in expenses during its first eight years in existence.
Less than half of the money — $2.8 million, or 39.6 cents of every dollar — was spent as grants to other nonprofit organizations.
The remaining $4.2 million paid for fundraising, administrative and management expenses, including the salaries of three employees, who received $1.9 million combined.
In 2020, the year Wilson received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, his foundation spent $257,000 on charitable activities and $548,000 on salaries and employee benefits. Meaning only 21 cents of every donated dollar went to charity.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell explained that Wilson’s charitable foundation and community service are the reasons he was given the award.
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award is the league’s most prestigious honor for excellence on and off the field, with an emphasis on community service and philanthropy.
