Broncos’ Russell Wilson breaks silence on accusations of foundation’s financial practices

“Like many charitable organizations, a significant amount of our philanthropic impact is not reflected on our 990 form, including more than $10 million raised in collaboration with our partners, who granted these funds directly to nonprofit organizations serving immediate needs,’’ Shayla Tait, executive director of Why Not You Foundation, told 9NEWS. “Russell, Ciara and the WNYF have always cared more about impact than credit. Our teamwork approach has proven successful, especially in critical times. Thank you to our partners—most notably Seattle Children’s Hospital and Safeway Albertsons—along with so many others who work to make a positive and measurable difference.

In the story retweeted by Wilson, Tait gave a few reasons for the misleading 990 forms. Tait said a number of the foundation’s events were canceled because of the pandemic and that a lot of the money raised went straight to the causes that the Why Not You Foundation benefits.

According to Tait, the foundation has actually given more than 70 cents of every dollar it raised to charity.

Wilson also retweeted a lengthy statement from the foundation that detailed its charitable works.