Charles Barkley

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Retired NBA basketball player

FUNDING AREAS: Education & Youth

OVERVIEW: Charles Barkley conducts philanthropy through the Charles Barkley Foundation, which gave away $600,000 in a recent year. Barkley strongly focuses on scholarships through his foundation, including with select HBCUs.

BACKGROUND: Charles Barkley was born in 1963 in Alabama. He earned a scholarship to Auburn University, and in 1984 was chosen by the Philadelphia 76ers with the fifth overall pick of the NBA draft. He made 11 All Star appearances, including an NBA Finals appearance with the Phoenix Suns. Since Barkley’s retirement in 2000, he’s been part of the award winning Inside the NBA on TNT.

ISSUES:

EDUCATION & YOUTH: Barkley set up the Charles Barkley Endowed Scholarship at his school Auburn University and pledged $5 million for scholarships to go to the school after his death. The scholarship targets underrepresented groups. He has also supported Auburn’s College of Education’s Future Scholars Summer Research Bridge Program. Barkley, via his foundation, also supports scholarships at Leeds High School in his hometown.

Other grantees include Alabama A&M University, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Miles College, Tuskegee University, and Wounded Warriors.

LOOKING FORWARD: Expect Barkley’s giving to continue to steadily track with established interest areas.

CONTACT:

The Charles Barkley Foundation accepts applications at the address below:

Kristy Guthrie
4417 Landon Ct
Vestavia Hills, Al 35242
(206) 251-8000