UConn Legend Maya Moore Donates $20 Million to Coach Geno Auriemma for Charities and Homeless Families
In a heartwarming act of generosity and purpose, University of Connecticut basketball legend Maya Moore has donated an astonishing $20 million to UConn Women’s Basketball Head Coach Geno Auriemma, earmarking the funds to support a wide range of charitable initiatives and provide vital assistance to homeless families across the United States.
The donation was announced during a joint press conference at the UConn campus, where Moore and Auriemma shared the vision behind the substantial gift. Moore, widely recognized as one of the most accomplished and influential players in women’s basketball history, expressed her desire to give back in a meaningful way — both to the community that helped shape her and to vulnerable populations in urgent need of support.
“This isn’t just about basketball,” Moore said. “It’s about love, leadership, and lifting others. Coach Auriemma has always embodied that spirit, and I’m honored to partner with him in channeling this gift to make real change.”
Coach Auriemma, who coached Moore during her legendary run at UConn from 2007 to 2011 — a period that saw the Huskies win two national championships — was visibly emotional during the announcement. Known for building one of the most dominant programs in NCAA history, Auriemma praised Moore not only for her basketball prowess but for her unwavering commitment to justice, service, and humanity.
“From the day Maya stepped on campus, we all knew she was something special,” said Auriemma. “She’s an athlete, a leader, a trailblazer — but more importantly, she’s a person who lives by her principles. This donation is a reflection of who she’s always been. I’m incredibly proud to be entrusted with helping distribute these funds where they’re needed most.”
According to Moore, the $20 million will be directed toward several targeted initiatives, including:
Funding shelters and transitional housing for homeless families
Supporting educational and job-readiness programs for at-risk youth
Backing grassroots charities across the country that address poverty, hunger, and systemic inequality
Launching a new UConn-based initiative that empowers student-athletes to participate in community engagement and service-learning opportunities
A portion of the donation will also establish the “Maya Moore Impact Fund,” which will be managed in partnership with UConn and nonprofit organizations to ensure long-term sustainability and strategic impact.
Moore, who stepped away from basketball in 2019 to focus on criminal justice reform and family life, has remained a symbol of purpose-driven action. Her latest philanthropic move builds upon a legacy that already includes freeing a wrongfully convicted man from prison and advocating nationally for equity in the justice system.
In the weeks ahead, Moore and Auriemma plan to launch a national awareness campaign to spotlight the realities of homelessness and mobilize broader public support for community-based solutions. They hope their joint effort will inspire others in the sports world — and beyond — to use their platforms and resources for social good.
“Basketball gave me so much,” Moore reflected. “Now it’s time to give back in ways that change lives — not just scores.”
With this historic donation, Maya Moore once again proves that her impact reaches far beyond the hardwood — echoing her values of service, compassion, and justice in a bold, unforgettable way.
