**Gonzaga’s Mark Few Donates Entire \$7.5 Million Bonus to Charity and Homeless Relief, Setting an Example of True Leadership**
*Spokane, WA* — In an era where sports headlines are often dominated by salary negotiations, transfer portal chaos, and off-court controversies, Gonzaga University men’s basketball head coach Mark Few has made headlines for all the right reasons.
In a stunning act of generosity and humility, Coach Few announced that he is donating the entirety of his \$7.5 million performance bonus to a coalition of charities, with a significant portion earmarked for homeless relief efforts in Washington State and beyond. The donation does not include his regular salary or earnings from endorsements and sponsorships, making the gesture all the more striking.
“It’s never just about basketball,” Few said in a statement released Friday morning. “I’ve always believed that we have a duty to use our platform to help those who are struggling. This community has given so much to me over the years—this is one way I can give back.”
### A Coach Who Leads On and Off the Court
Mark Few, who has been at the helm of Gonzaga’s program since 1999, is widely recognized as one of college basketball’s most consistent and respected figures. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs have become a perennial powerhouse, with multiple Final Four appearances and a culture rooted in integrity, discipline, and development. Few’s commitment to the program has always gone beyond wins and losses—his latest action now extends his leadership to the broader community.
The \$7.5 million bonus comes on the heels of Gonzaga’s most recent success: another deep NCAA tournament run and a season that saw them ranked in the top 10 for most of the year. While the bonus was negotiated into his contract as a reward for program achievements, Few quickly made it clear that he saw the money as a tool for something greater.
### Making a Tangible Impact
According to university sources and charitable organizations involved, the funds will be distributed across several key initiatives:
* **\$3 million** will go directly toward building and maintaining transitional housing facilities in Spokane and surrounding areas, in collaboration with local nonprofit shelters and housing authorities.
* **\$2 million** will support food banks, mobile meal services, and addiction recovery centers across the Pacific Northwest.
* **\$1.5 million** will be donated to national mental health organizations focused on providing trauma support for the homeless and underserved populations.
* The remaining **\$1 million** will be placed into an endowment fund administered by Gonzaga University to support student-led service projects and long-term community partnerships.
One of the primary beneficiaries, *Homes for Hope Spokane*, praised Few’s donation as “transformative.” Executive Director Marla Jennings said, “We often talk about how sports can bring people together—this is that idea in action. Coach Few isn’t just talking about helping. He’s doing it.”
### A Rarity in Modern Sports
Few’s decision is especially remarkable in the current climate of collegiate athletics, where soaring television contracts, name-image-likeness (NIL) deals, and multi-million-dollar coaching salaries dominate headlines. While there is no shortage of philanthropic activity in sports, Few’s full donation of a performance bonus—without fanfare or media orchestration—stands out as a rare example of selfless giving.
“It’s refreshing,” said ESPN commentator Jay Bilas. “Mark Few is already a Hall of Fame-caliber coach. This just reinforces that he’s a Hall of Fame-caliber human being too.”
Fans and colleagues across the nation have flooded social media with messages of admiration and gratitude, many calling the act “an inspiration” and “a moment that transcends basketball.” Gonzaga players have also expressed their pride in their coach.
“He always tells us to be men for others, and he lives that every day,” said senior guard Nolan Hickman. “This just shows the world who Coach Few really is.”
### Quiet Commitment to Service
Those close to Few know that this is not a one-off gesture. Over the years, he and his wife Marcy have quietly supported causes ranging from youth education and health care access to international disaster relief. They are rarely vocal about their contributions, preferring to do their work behind the scenes.
Gonzaga University President Dr. Thayne McCulloh called the donation “a powerful reflection of Mark’s character,” and announced that the school will be working closely with Few to ensure the funds are used in ways that create lasting impact.
### Looking Ahead
Coach Few, now in his mid-60s, shows no signs of stepping away from basketball anytime soon. But with this move, he’s added a new chapter to his already impressive legacy—one defined not only by wins and championships, but by compassion and social responsibility.
In a world often lacking compassion, Mark Few’s decision to give away a fortune for the betterment of others is more than just admirable—it’s an act of profound humanity. It reminds us all that true greatness lies not just in achievement, but in what we choose to do with the rewards that come with it.
As Spokane’s skyline continues to rise and Gonzaga’s basketball legacy continues to grow, one thing is clear: Coach Mark Few has al
ready built something much bigger than basketball.
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