Grizzlies Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo Donates $250,000 to Memphis Charities, Says Community Work Is “Part of the Mission”
New Memphis Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo is already winning hearts in the Bluff City—not just with his basketball vision, but with his compassion. In a powerful show of commitment to his new community, Iisalo has pledged $250,000 of his personal earnings to support key charitable organizations across Memphis.
“I’ve always believed that coaching is about more than the game,” Iisalo said during a recent press appearance. “I want to be a positive influence off the court as well. Memphis is my home now, and it’s important to invest in its future.”
The donation will be distributed across three impactful causes: youth mentorship programs through the Memphis Grizzlies Foundation, nutritional support via the Mid-South Food Bank, and medical research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
This isn’t Iisalo’s first venture into philanthropy. During his coaching stints in Germany and France, he was known for organizing fundraisers and basketball camps for underprivileged youth. His latest gesture continues that legacy, now with a Memphis flavor.
Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman called the donation “a testament to Tuomas’s character,” adding, “He understands the influence this role brings and is using it to uplift others.”
Fans have responded with admiration, flooding social media with messages of appreciation. “We got a real one,” one post read. “Coach Iisalo is already making a difference.”
As the Grizzlies look to bounce back in the upcoming NBA season, it’s clear their new head coach is focused not only on wins but also on community well-being—a foundation that could prove just as important as any game plan.
