Focusing on the sport of tennis during his playing days made Andre Agassi the best tennis player in the world. He has maintained the same focus in his drive to promote education that has motivated the tennis legend to dive into philanthropy.

Agassi finished his career in 2006 with his favorite tournament, the US Open. After ending his tennis career, the 52-year-old turned his attention to social issues. The former world number one, in an interview, talked about his philanthropic work and how he is trying to make the world a better place through his foundation.

Andre Agassi on philanthropists’ continued contribution 

During an interview, the former World No. 1 talked about persuading the philanthropic world and the other sectors to support his foundation. Agassi, when asked about scaling out in a healthy way to help fund his foundations, said, “And you know, philanthropy is a wonderful thing. My foundation drives and supplements, there’s a lot of good stuff with a lot of good people doing great stuff and.. but it’s apparent it’s obvious it’s not scalable.” 

He further added, “Waiting for the government isn’t always, you know, the most optimistic process. So, if you can’t solve these real daunting societal issues through the heart of a philanthropist. Because philanthropy ends when philanthropists run out of money or they redirect their interest to work resources, but if you can’t, we can’t do that.” Agassi’s work of philanthropy brings out the truth in social impact investing.

Agassi’s efforts in enhancing the lives of underprivileged children

In the early days of his tennis career, the American legend started the Agassi Foundation. The foundation provides educational opportunities and resources to underprivileged children. Agassi founded the foundation in 1994 and held its first annual Grand Slam for Children the following year, raising $1.8 million. In 2001, in Las Vegas, he founded the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, to guide students who are about to embark on their college journeys. 

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In 2011, Agassi established a fund called the Turner-Agassi Charter School Facilities Fund with Bobby Turner, an investor in Los Angeles and the CEO of Turner Impact Capital. The eight-time Grand Slam champion will surely be remembered for such philanthropic endeavors that are aimed at making society a better place to live.

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