The Caitlin Clark Foundation is supporting more than 22,000 students across Iowa and Indiana through book donations, food assistance, hospital programs and free sports facilities, according to The Times of India. The foundation, started by the Iowa-born WNBA star, focuses on three areas: education, nutrition and sports.
From Des Moines to Indianapolis, the projects aim to give young people chances to learn, stay healthy and play sports regardless of their family's finances. Clark, who rose from Iowa youth basketball to become one of the WNBA's biggest names, has used her platform to direct money toward needs that reach far beyond the court.
Why Caitlin Clark's Foundation Matters to Iowa
Clark's story is an Iowa story. She grew up playing basketball in the Des Moines area, starred at the University of Iowa and became a household name before the Indiana Fever drafted her. Her foundation now channels that success back into the communities that raised her.
The foundation has announced grants of $22,000 to organizations supporting children and families in Iowa, a nod to the jersey number she wears. Those gifts have included support for Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines, the Coralville Community Food Pantry and children's services at the University of Iowa.
Rather than relying only on large public donations, the foundation works with local organizations that already understand the needs of the families they serve. That local-first approach has made the money go where it matters most, according to the foundation's published reports.
How the Foundation Is Fighting Childhood Hunger
Food support has been one of the foundation's main efforts. In March 2025, it partnered with West Des Moines-based supermarket chain Hy-Vee on a campaign that let shoppers round up their bills or give directly at checkout. The money went to local food banks and pantries through Feeding America's network.
The campaign raised more than $300,000, according to the foundation's published report. For families stretched by everyday expenses, food bank support covers a basic need while freeing up room in the budget for other essentials.
Hy-Vee and the foundation also teamed up on a limited-edition cereal, Caitlin's Crunch Time, which went on sale in 2025 with part of the proceeds supporting foundation programs. In January 2026, the foundation announced the cereal campaign had raised more than $100,000.
22,000 New Books for Kids Who Need Them
Education is another pillar of the foundation's work. In January 2025, it announced a partnership with publisher Scholastic that began with a donation of 22,000 new children's books. The books went to programs reaching children with limited access to reading material, including under-resourced schools.
The goal goes beyond putting books on shelves. Reading from an early age helps children build language skills and stretch their imaginations, and having books at home gives young readers more chances to practice outside classroom hours. The donation gives the foundation a way to support learning through an established publishing partner.
New Courts at Four Des Moines Middle Schools
Clark's sports projects target something many Iowa families know well: the rising cost of organized sports. Her foundation partnered with Musco Lighting, the Iowa-based sports lighting company, to build multi-sport courts at four public middle schools in Des Moines: Hiatt, Callanan, McCombs and Weeks.
The courts are designed for basketball, soccer and futsal, a smaller-sided form of soccer. They include goals, hoops, lighting, fencing and accessible entrances, so children can use them for different activities without paying for private training or expensive leagues.
A safe place to play can make a real difference for kids without access to private facilities. Public school grounds also bring sports closer to where children live, making it easier for them to take part, build friendships and stay active.
The foundation has also run back-to-school projects, distributing backpacks filled with school supplies. Nike, Hy-Vee, Scholastic and Gatorade have all supported those efforts.
Turning Pages, Healing Hearts Program Expands to Iowa Hospitals
Clark's work also reaches children who cannot attend school or play sports because they are receiving medical care. The foundation's Turning Pages, Healing Hearts program brings books and activities to young patients during hospital stays.
In 2026, the program launched at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis. It was also introduced at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines and University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City.
The program includes book vending machines, activity packs and chances for children to choose books of their own. Patients earn tokens through activities and milestones during their care, then use them to select a book to keep. Choosing a story gives them something enjoyable to focus on during a difficult stretch away from classrooms and friends.
The foundation also announced a $50,000 donation to Peyton Manning Children's Hospital to support Child Life Services, which helps children and families manage the emotional challenges of hospital care. NDTV Sports reported that the foundation's three announced hospital donations in 2026 total $94,000.
I started the Caitlin Clark Foundation because I want to inspire and support others, especially young people, to chase their dreams and give back to their communities. It's about making a lasting impact and creating opportunities for those who need it most.
Clark said in a statement on the foundation's website.
FAQ
What does the Caitlin Clark Foundation do?
The foundation supports children in three areas: education, nutrition and sports. Its projects include book donations, food bank fundraising, hospital programs and free multi-sport courts in Des Moines.
How much money has the foundation raised for food banks?
A March 2025 checkout campaign with Hy-Vee raised more than $300,000 for local food banks through Feeding America's network, and the Caitlin's Crunch Time cereal campaign raised more than $100,000 by January 2026.
Which Des Moines schools received new courts?
Hiatt Middle School, Callanan Middle School, McCombs Middle School and Weeks Middle School received multi-sport courts through a partnership with Musco Lighting.