Editors’ Note

Chris Paul is a 12-time NBA All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most accomplished point guards in basketball history. Over a 21-year NBA career, Paul has played for the Hornets, Clippers, Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, and Spurs, consistently elevating each team with his leadership, court vision, and relentless competitiveness. He is one of only two players in NBA history to record over 20,000 points and 10,000 assists. Paul ranks second all-time in both assists (12,499) and steals (2,717), trailing only John Stockton in each category. Off the court, Paul is the Founder of the Chris Paul Family Foundation which focuses on education, youth empowerment, and social equity. Paul is also a vocal advocate for social justice, a co-founder of the Social Change Fund, and a producer of documentaries that spotlight issues affecting the Black community. In addition to his philanthropic work, Paul is a successful entrepreneur and media executive. He has launched ventures in fashion, wellness, and production, and served as President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), where he was instrumental in advancing player rights and benefits.

Foundation Brief

Chris Paul Family Foundation (chrispaulfamilyfoundation.org) is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families by focusing on education, health and wellness, and leadership. The foundation provides resources that enrich and strengthen the healthy development of strong communities. In 2005, Paul and his family established the CP3 Foundation, a philanthropic partnership with The Winston-Salem Foundation in honor of his late grandfather, Nathaniel Jones. The foundation was created to highlight Paul’s dedication and love, both to his grandfather’s spirit and to the city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for nurturing him from his days as a stand-out high school student-athlete to a national star at Wake Forest University. Recognized as a leader in the area of philanthropy, the Chris Paul Family Foundation continues to use its platform to impact communities and develop young leaders nationally and globally.

Where did your passion for the sport of basketball develop?

My love for basketball started at a young age, while playing with my brother on the hoop my dad built in the backyard.

What have been the keys to the longevity of your career?

Hardwork, determination, and the ability to adapt has helped me throughout my 21-year career.

 

What has made community engagement and philanthropy so important to you?

I learned early in my career that being a vessel for positive change is extremely satisfying.

What inspired you to start the Chris Paul Family Foundation?

The foundation was something that was a no-brainer for me. From a very early age, I understood the importance of community. My family has always been front and center when it comes to giving back and being active.

Will you provide an overview of the focus areas for the Foundation?

The foundation is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families by focusing on personal development, education, technology, finance and leadership.

 

 

 

Will you highlight some of the foundation’s key initiatives?

Club 61 is our Youth Leadership initiative that provides a space to support our future leaders. Chris Paul Family Foundation hosts students for a summer leadership enrichment program that focuses on 12 pillars, including Technology, Financial Education, and Community and Civic Responsibility.

We hope to diversify the nation’s workforce by providing HBCU students the access to learn the business of sports and entertainment through a case-study class co-developed with Harvard Professor Anita Elberse – HBCU BEMS Course.

We have a number of initiatives that provide opportunities to level the playing field for individuals and communities often underserved. Education is extremely important to my family, so we award an academic and athletic scholarship for two high school students in Forsyth County to attend Wake Forest University annually.

How critical have partnerships been to the foundation’s work?

Partnerships are critical to making meaningful impact. It’s important to align with organizations, brands, and supporters that help enhance philanthropy goals.

What do you feel are the keys to effective leadership?

Effective leaders lead from the front. You have to be an active participant.

How do you define success?

Setting goals and achieving them is one way to gauge success. Two of my favorite mantras are “Keep Stacking Days” and “Can’t Give Up Now.” Both phrases push me to be a better person for myself, my family, and my community.