Russell & Ciara: More Than Fame

Russell Wilson and Ciara's Why Not You Foundation, founded in 2014, champions children's education, health care, and poverty reduction. The foundation's name, inspired by Wilson's father, encourages young people to believe in themselves.

Their recent significant contributions include a $3 million gift to Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital in New York City, announced in November 2025. Additionally, they pledged $2 million to the Los Cabos Children's Foundation in Mexico in February 2026. In December 2025, a $500,000 donation supported the Atlanta Community Food Bank, aiming to provide over a million meals.

The foundation also invested in community spaces, opening three Why Not You Centers by 2025 in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs. However, their educational initiative, Why Not You Academy, a tuition-free high school in Des Moines, Washington, faced challenges.

Facing declining enrollment and academic concerns, Why Not You Academy was voted to close by the school board in November 2025, ceasing operations at the end of the 2025-26 school year. This closure highlights that substantial funding and visibility alone do not guarantee educational project success. The foundation's ongoing work continues through youth centers and other partnerships, with future impact depending on measurable results.