What We Do
The Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation strives to lead, impact, and inspire underserved communities. We build educational and career pathways that bridge socioeconomic gaps and encourage holistic development. We believe that we are stronger together and are committed to working with community leaders who are on the forefront of meaningful, measurable change.
We partner with nonprofits best positioned to create a lasting impact in the underserved community
we support organizations that:
- Focus on the underserved and underrepresented community
- Work to build empowerment in the Black community
- Engage in community efforts
- Work to reach individuals directly impacted by social issues
- Are committed to improving the lives of young people
- Amplify voices that are often unheard
Current Initiatives
LA Promise Fund
The Why Not? Foundation is proud to partner with the LA Promise Fund to create the Westbrook Academy, a charter school located in South LA. Through this partnership, Russell provides students in grades 6-12 a world-class education in a learning environment that encourages students to become better athletes, activists, artists, and academic achievers. The Why Not? Foundation partners closely with the LA Promise Fund to develop their educational and athletic offerings, offer resources that support the full family including a technology lab and food pantry, and equip college-bound students with resources and guidance to advance their education.
TEC Leimert
The Why Not? Foundation is committed to championing young people and creating opportunities for them to thrive in the emerging creative economy. Through our partnership with TEC Leimert, a leading advocacy organization in South Los Angeles focused on bridging the digital divide in underserved communities, we are empowering the next generation with tools, resources, and employment opportunities that will redefine possibilities within our community.
Little Kitchen Academy
Wildfire Relief and Rebuilding Efforts
The Why Not Foundation was established with a deep love for Los Angeles at its core, driving all we do and who we serve. Since January 7, we’ve been heartbroken by the devastation caused by the wildfires in communities across Los Angeles. But in our grief, we are moved to action. We are launching coordinated efforts to provide vital resources and support the relief efforts throughout Los Angeles County.
- Delivering 600 activity bags of supplies to children at evacuation sites
- Providing snacks, water, and nourishing meals to exhausted firefighters and frontline workers
- Distributed over 5000 items ranging from sleeping bags, hygiene kits, snacks, water, and power banks to displaced families
- Providing grants across organizations, mutual aid funds, and affected families
Past Initiatives
Code.Chella
In partnership with RedFlight Innovation, the Why Not? Foundation provided home STEAM kits to middle school aged girls in the LA County area. These kits teach computer science skills, coding, circuitry and engineering and do not require internet for participation, allowing students with minimal resources an equal opportunity to learn more about science and technology.
Comp-u-Dopt
Founded in 2007, they believe every child deserves equal access to technology and computers needed by students in a virtual learning environment and increasingly digital world. The Why Not? Foundation was able to give over 1,000 laptops to students without devices that needed them during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing them to continue their education virtually.
LA Conservation Corps
In 2019, the Why Not? Foundation launched the Westbrook Brownstein Green Tech Program in partnership with the LA Conservation Corps. This program provided job skills and digital training for over 500 Corpsmembers in Los Angeles. This program allowed for students to learn more about technology, possible careers in the field and translatable skills.