“I always try to be kind to people,” former NBA player Steve Nash said about his mantra for living. He applies these same values to everything in his life. From his philanthropic endeavors to business ventures like Block Training, in association with CEO Kit Hawkins, which follows similar principles. Born from these values is the Steve Nash Foundation, which focuses on bringing hope to underserved children.

What inspired the former NBA player to start the foundation? It was his belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves the right to healthy development and quality resources in health, education, personal development, and more. 

“Growing up, my parents really modeled a community ethic for my siblings and me—it was just a given that part of existing in society meant contributing in some way. When I entered the NBA and had an opportunity to give back, we began right away,” Nash said. He has been actively involved with the foundation and directly making an impact in the society. 

It all began back in 2004 when NBA player Steve Nash decided to start the Steve Nash Foundation. His motivation was quite clear. He has taken his game and his kindness to different corners of the world. Over time, the foundation has steadily worked toward helping children, expanding its reach to support even more young lives. 

One of the most important projects by the foundation is the READY program which took place in 2021. Started in Brooklyn, it aimed to bring several tools of education closer to the children. The program brought more diversity to the already available material in public elementary schools and libraries. Another equally important program was started in 2006. 

Steve Nash didn’t forget to involve sports in his philanthropic endeavors 

Just two years after starting the organization, a new pediatric cardiology ward was established in Paraguay, which treated over 2,000 children within its first two years. It’s truly impressive and inspiring. The foundation has also donated over $1 million to support community needs.

This endeavor is particularly important to the 8x NBA All-Star, Nash because of his integration of sports into its mission. For fundraising, the NBA star who boasts a net worth of $95 million launched a soccer event that brought together several soccer players, NBA players, and children to raise funds for the cause. 

The event was started in New York and later expanded to Canada as well and gained a lot of attention. He grew up playing different sports and sharing a love for soccer as well. So, for the event, the basketball legend chose a different ball. Another charity event, the Charity Shield, was also added. Over the years, the NBA legend has continued to create positive change through his initiatives.

“When I retired, I didn’t miss basketball as much as I missed being part of a team, that daily work together, all that comes with it. Creating community sports opportunities through my foundation’s events became a bigger part of my life as I adapted to life outside basketball,” Nash said about his retirement and how he was able to find new meaning and purpose with sports while sticking to his roots. He has continued to do the same.