How Jalen Brunson Redefines Leadership With The Second Round Foundation

Jalen Brunson speaks to the crowd before the Second Round Foundation’s third annual Golf Charity Classic at the Westchester Country Club in New York.

HallPass Media

On the court, New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson has earned his reputation. As a two-time All-Star and one of the most prolific playoff scorers of this generation, he’s become a role model for aspiring athletes in one of the largest and most diverse cities in the world.

But if you ask him, that identity comes with immense responsibility – one that he doesn’t take lightly.

Away from the spotlight of Madison Square Garden, he’s proving that his greatest victories as a professional athlete go far beyond the hardwood. He doesn’t only want to inspire future athletes. He would rather pave the way for kids, especially in underprivileged environments, to achieve their dreams through academics and the development of leadership skills.

For Brunson, that’s every bit of the legacy he wants to leave behind.

The Second Round Foundation, launched by Brunson and his mother Sandra two years ago, became the family’s way of chasing that dream and helping the next generation. It’s a charitable organization designed to create equal opportunities for teens and children. Their efforts are intentionally focused on education, youth sports, and community outreach.

The name, of course, is a nod to Brunson’s own path as a second-round draft pick in 2018 and symbolizes his drive to succeed. Evolving from a player with low expectations to an MVP candidate, his story is a prime example of tireless work and self-confidence leading to results.

Brunson and his foundation hosted the third annual “Golf Charity Classic” on Monday afternoon, enjoying a peaceful day at the Westchester Country Club in New York, roughly an hour north of Manhattan. This was the second year holding the tournament in New York after the inaugural event was based in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where he grew up.

With over 500 guests in attendance – including sponsors, Brunson’s teammates, friends, and supporters – it was a celebration of Second Round’s remarkable progress since 2023. In less than three years, they have evolved into one of the strongest charity foundations across the sports landscape, particularly among player-led ventures.

Like most golf scramble events, various activities filled the day. Groups of four took the course and battled in a traditional format, but other competitions such as “Closest-to-the-Pin” and “Longest Drive” were available for participants. Sponsors had a myriad of choices for their brand to be displayed around the course.

One major difference for this year’s tournament was the new women’s program, aimed to showcase ‘changemakers’ and philanthropists – not exclusively in the New York area, but everywhere in the United States. Those women participated in an LPGA golf clinic during the day.

With six women serving on the foundation’s board of directors, Second Round has made it a priority to empower girls in youth communities to become powerful leaders in any industry they choose.

Here’s a quick video reel of the 2025 golf classic, courtesy of HallPass Media:

The event has expanded each year while Brunson and his team attempt to set new standards for community involvement. The latest golf charity raised just shy of $1 million from participants and sponsorships combined.

With those funds, the Second Round Foundation will capitalize on many charitable opportunities throughout the year. All of them will be geared toward connecting with young kids and students, making life easier for them in any way possible.

Brunson just wants to help, and doesn’t seek the credit or publicity for it.

“I think how it impacts the youth is our main drive in how we do things,” Brunson told Forbes. “If it truly was up to me, I would do it with no cameras. Because no matter what, I feel like being intimate and being able to spend time with [the youth], to hear about their stories, what they’re going through, and how we can help … that’s the reason we do this.”

The golf classic is his way of spreading the word about the foundation, hoping to get his peers and other celebrities on board for the future. Many prominent names stopped by for the scramble and dinner celebration this time.

Josh Hart, one of Brunson’s closest friends and co-host of The Roommates Show on YouTube, made his third appearance at the event. Hart even flew out to Chicago during the first classic in 2023 to show his support and help with the foundation.

He wasn’t the only member of the Knicks to tag along. Mikal Bridges and Jordan Clarkson tested out their golf swings, as did new head coach Mike Brown.

ESPN announcer Mike Breen couldn’t pass up the opportunity, either.

Among the dozens of sponsors were Body Armor, Doordash, Fanatics, and the NBPA.

While golf was the centerpiece of Monday’s activities, the purpose behind it will never be lost on Brunson. There’s a reason most of the fundraising dollars go toward schools and under-served students.

Since his charity’s inception, he has stressed the importance of setting up the next wave of leaders for lifelong success, not just a temporary sports career.

“Education is forever,” Brunson said. “There’s only certain sports – obviously, what we’re doing today – that you can play for a lifetime. It’s important to work hard, both on and off the court. But it starts in the classroom. It begins with your education. I think that’s the basis for everything.”

That’s why he continually shows up, in person, to spend time with students in different pockets of the city. Because hearing about the value of education from someone you look up to certainly hits different than your parents or teachers.

It extends beyond the classroom and studying, too.

When most people think about a charity assisting schools or communities, the first items on their mind are basic supplies, books, or learning devices.

Brunson and his foundation raised the bar earlier this year by allocating resources in a different way: Improving the nutritional outlook for students and families across New York City. They partnered with DREAM Charter School, an academic program in the Bronx and East Harlem that combines innovative learning environments with emotional and wellness support.

As part of their support, Second Round committed $328,000 toward DREAM’s Scratch Food Program, an initiative to provide fresh, nutritious, and scratch-made meals to students and families across New York City. In July, Brunson visited one of their high schools and cooked with students, as one of DREAM’s missions is to expand the culinary educational program, including new internships and a culinary club.

Because of Second Round’s contribution, the school can extend its reach within the city, helping ensure that no child’s potential is limited by access to healthy meals.

Brunson also doesn’t keep the foundation tied strictly to New York. Growing up in northern Chicago, he knows there’s many areas that still need assistance.

Through the Jalen Brunson Patriot Wellness Initiative at his alma mater, Stevenson High School, his team has provided nearly 400 students (and their families) with valuable resources such as health screenings, snacks, groceries, and athletic wear.

Additionally, the proceeds from his annual basketball skills camp are used to support several “Patriot Pride” scholarships, awarded by the Stevenson Foundation. These scholarships honor graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership traits and a dedication to building an inclusive school community. Last summer, he invited all past recipients to spend time with him and his mother Sandra at the first-ever scholars reception, where the Brunsons were able to connect with each person individually, learn about their stories, and offer sound advice.

Second Round Foundation has more initiatives in the works, and they’ll have more funds this year because of the massive golf turnout and generous donations.

Brunson’s philanthropic outreach is only getting started, but he’s extremely proud of the progress they’ve made in such a short period of time. Most importantly, it’s simply what he enjoys doing. Both during the NBA season and the summers.

“It’s always been great, and I think it’s growing exponentially,” he said. “I’m having a lot of fun doing this.”