Our Vision
Growing up in Charlotte's inner city, Grant along with his brothers were forced to learn how to survive on their own. Basketball and school quickly became Grant's safe places as he had steadfast dreams to make it to the NBA – a vision he had to break his family’s cyclical financial troubles. Despite seeing his brothers struggle to complete their homework through their phones since their family did not have a computer, he always placed a supreme importance on making his education matter and maintaining decent grades, subconsciously stemming from the admiration of his mother who studied engineering. Grant would go to practice till 8PM and work on homework until late hours in the night.
It all amounted to something when Grant was afforded a life-changing opportunity to receive a private school education at Providence Day School - a reality that nobody in his family could imagine. Through his education, Grant was able to continue honing his basketball skills, developing vital interpersonal and communication skills, growing his intellectual mind, and figuring out who he wants to be as a man.
When Grant was drafted to the Boston Celtics in 2019, after graduating from the University of Tennessee in three years, it was top of mind for him to ensure that other youth could experience the same opportunities he was afforded. The Grant Williams Family Foundation was born.
At the Grant Williams Family Foundation, we understand that privileges determine outcomes for youth, but we want to do everything we can to remove obstacles for underserved students so that they can lead high quality lives without feeling the burden or necessity of high socioeconomic status.
Our vision is to level this playing field by providing mentors, scholarships, and programs to students from underprivileged situations.