Jalen Brunson, star point guard for the New York Knicks, has made a life-changing contribution to the community, donating $16.4 million to the Hope Haven Children’s Home, a prominent New York City orphanage that has been providing care and support to vulnerable children for over 40 years. This generous gift is one of the largest donations ever made by an active NBA player, and it serves to solidify Brunson’s legacy not only as a basketball star but also as a powerful force for good in the community.
In a statement that has captured the attention of sports fans, philanthropists, and the general public alike, Brunson revealed that his donation is aimed at transforming the lives of children who face significant challenges, including homelessness, abandonment, and neglect. His goal is simple: to provide them with the resources, education, and care they need to thrive.
“Basketball has given me so much—success, recognition, and the opportunity to reach others. But I know that real success is about giving back,” said Brunson, speaking emotionally at the press conference where the announcement was made. “These kids deserve to feel seen, to feel loved, and to have the chance to build a future. This donation is my way of doing just that.”
A Transformative Gift for Hope Haven
The $16.4 million donation will be used to fund critical renovations and expansions at Hope Haven Children’s Home, which currently houses and supports hundreds of children across New York City’s five boroughs. The orphanage will use the funds to build two new residential wings, which will increase its capacity by nearly 50%. In addition to providing additional space for the children, these new buildings will feature state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet the physical, emotional, and educational needs of young residents.
Key initiatives funded by Brunson’s donation include:
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Residential Expansion: The construction of two new residential wings to accommodate more children in need of stable housing, with upgraded amenities and a safe environment.
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Education and Vocational Training: The addition of a new education center on-site, featuring classrooms, computer labs, and tutoring programs to ensure all children have access to quality education and career preparation.
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Mental Health and Counseling Services: Funding for on-site counselors, therapists, and support staff to provide trauma-informed care to children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or loss. This includes both individual and group therapy sessions tailored to the needs of the children.
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Life Skills and Career Development Programs: The creation of workshops and mentorship programs aimed at helping young adults transition from the orphanage to independent living, teaching skills like financial literacy, cooking, time management, and job readiness.
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Endowment Fund: The creation of a permanent endowment fund to ensure that Hope Haven can continue operating without relying on ongoing donations, making the orphanage self-sustaining long into the future.
This new initiative, dubbed the “Brunson Wing,” will not only help hundreds of children directly but will also allow the orphanage to expand its capacity for providing care to even more vulnerable children in the years to come.
A Hero Both On and Off the Court
Brunson, who joined the New York Knicks in 2023, has already made a name for himself with his impressive play on the basketball court. Known for his leadership, poise under pressure, and clutch performances, Brunson has become a fan favorite in New York. However, his efforts off the court are quickly gaining equal recognition.
While basketball may have brought Brunson fame and fortune, his upbringing and personal values are what drive his commitment to giving back. Raised by his father, Rick Brunson, a former NBA player and coach, Jalen learned early on the importance of hard work, discipline, and making a positive impact in the world. Both Jalen and Rick have spoken about the vital role of mentors and role models in shaping their lives, and this philosophy is clearly at the heart of Jalen’s decision to make such a large-scale donation.
“I’ve been lucky,” Brunson shared. “I’ve always had a strong support system around me, starting with my family. Not every kid has that, and that’s what motivates me to give back. I want to be part of creating that support system for someone else.”
Brunson’s deep connection to the cause is evident in the time he’s spent visiting Hope Haven’s facilities and interacting with the children. His personal involvement in the project goes beyond just writing a check—he has actively collaborated with the orphanage’s leadership to understand their needs and ensure that the changes being made will have a lasting, meaningful impact.
Reaction From the Community and the Knicks
The response to Brunson’s donation has been overwhelming, with both local leaders and Knicks officials praising his generosity.
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City commended the Knicks guard for his commitment to making a difference in the lives of children in need, calling it “a truly inspiring act of leadership.” He continued, “Jalen has shown that he understands the power of his platform, and he’s using it in a way that will benefit our city for years to come. His generosity is something we should all strive to emulate.”
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau also weighed in, noting that Brunson’s donation is a reflection of his character, both as a player and as a person. “Jalen leads by example on the court, and now he’s leading by example off it,” Thibodeau said. “His generosity shows what kind of man he is—one who truly cares about others. We’re all proud to have him on our team.”
Many of Brunson’s teammates also took to social media to express their admiration for his incredible act of philanthropy. RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Jalen’s best friend and fellow teammate Quentin Grimes all shared heartfelt messages on Twitter, calling Brunson an inspiration and a role model.
A Long-Term Legacy
While Brunson’s donation is set to provide immediate relief to the children currently in care at Hope Haven, its long-term impact is perhaps even more significant. By creating an endowment fund and establishing sustainable programs, Brunson is ensuring that the orphanage can continue its work for generations to come.
“It’s not just about the $16.4 million,” said Hope Haven’s executive director, Linda Torres. “What Jalen has done is create a foundation for future generations of children who will have access to the care, education, and resources they need to succeed in life. His legacy will live on in these children.”
For Brunson, this donation is just the beginning. He has already expressed plans to remain involved with Hope Haven, continuing to visit the children and offer mentorship as the programs develop.
“It’s not just about money—it’s about staying engaged, showing up, and making sure these kids know they have people who believe in them,” said Brunson.
Looking Ahead
As Jalen Brunson continues to lead the New York Knicks both on and off the court, his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of young people stands as a testament to his character. His generous donation to Hope Haven Children’s Home is not just about helping today’s youth, but about creating a ripple effect that will benefit future generations.
The message is clear: Jalen Brunson is not just playing for championships—he’s playing for something much bigger than basketball, and his influence will be felt far beyond the game.
With $16.4 million donated and countless children’s lives positively impacted, Jalen Brunson has firmly cemented his legacy as one of the NBA’s most philanthropic and influential stars, both on and off the court.