Going the extra mile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken things to the next level in terms of helping out communities. He launched 'The SGA Foundation' on Wednesday. The nonprofit organization will operate as a charity in both the United States and Canada.
The foundation's roots reflect Gilgeous-Alexander's life journey and the two places that have shaped him the most — Ontario and Oklahoma. Of course, the two-time MVP winner is proudly from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. And then he turned into an NBA superstar on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
"I’m here to officially announce the launch of The SGA Foundation, in both Canada and the US," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "We’re building pathways for kids and the families raising them, built on self-belief, growth,
and access. This is about making real impact and giving back to the communities that have supported me for so many years.
"I've been fortunate to do work in the community for years, from annual visits to children's hospitals, toseasonal givebacks, to basketball camps, and I don't take that for granted. Now, with my own foundation, I have a real platform to do it more intentionally, showing up for these communities in ways that are lasting and meaningful, and building something that can support them long after I'm done playing."
The foundation's mission is to build pathways for kids and the families raising them to achieve their full potential. It's a reflection on Gilgeous-Alexander's unique journey to NBA superstardom. He went from a decent NBA draft lottery prospect to eventually one of the greatest scorers in league history. Heck, he wasn't even the headliner in OKC's historic Paul George blockbuster in 2019. His mother will be part of the foundation's day-to-day.
"I always told him, there's going to be a doctor, there's going to be an NBA player, so believe it could be you," Charmaine Gilgeous said. "I never imagined it would lead here, to him building something rooted in supporting others and putting kindness first. Seeing him turn that belief into something for other families, that's the proudest I've ever been."
The foundation's work is guided by three pillars — Self-Belief, Growth and Access. It gives kids and families the tools to build confidence, develop through mentorship/coaching and gain real access to opportunity. The SGA Foundation will maintain a year-round presence, with longstanding programs and impact initiatives set to be announced in Oct. 2026.
Thunder PR:
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 2, 2026
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has announced the official launch of The SGA Foundation, a new nonprofit operating as a registered charity in both the United States and Canada
It reflects the foundation's roots in the 2 places that shaped Gilgeous-Alexander's own journey,… pic.twitter.com/SHtdd7CQ8n
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: 'The SGA Foundation': Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opens nonprofit organization
