In a powerful demonstration of her deep commitment to the city of New Orleans, Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, has pledged a generous $2 million donation to support critical community initiatives across the region. The announcement comes through the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, which has long served as a pillar of support for a wide range of philanthropic causes in Louisiana.
The $2 million donation will be allocated to several key areas that have been central to Benson’s philanthropic mission: education, healthcare, youth development, and disaster relief. Specific funding will be directed toward local schools, health clinics, youth outreach programs, and emergency response services. Benson’s continued generosity reflects her long-standing belief that investing in people—especially the most vulnerable—is the best way to build a stronger, more resilient city.
“New Orleans has always held a special place in my heart,” Benson said in a statement. “This city is more than just where our teams play—it’s our community, our family. I feel an immense responsibility to give back to the people who make this city so extraordinary.”
Part of the donation will bolster the Gayle and Tom Benson Disaster Relief Fund, housed at the Greater New Orleans Foundation. This fund was originally created in 2024 to provide fast, effective assistance to first responders and families affected by natural disasters and emergencies, such as hurricanes and floods—challenges that are all too familiar in Southeast Louisiana. The new funding will expand the reach of the program, enabling it to provide greater support in times of crisis.
Additionally, local youth organizations and after-school programs will receive a significant portion of the donation. These programs focus on mentorship, education, and life skills training, offering young people in underserved neighborhoods a chance to thrive. Health-focused initiatives, including funding for free and low-cost community health clinics, are also set to benefit from Benson’s support, helping ensure that basic medical care remains accessible to all residents regardless of income level.
Benson’s donation is the latest in a series of high-profile philanthropic acts. In 2024, she teamed up with the NFL Foundation to contribute $1 million toward relief for victims of a tragic New Year’s Day event in New Orleans. Her foundation has also previously made large contributions to children’s hospitals, including a $1 million gift in 2019 to support the expansion of the Campaign for Children’s of Mississippi.
Community leaders across New Orleans have praised Benson’s continued generosity. “Gayle Benson doesn’t just talk about supporting our city—she shows up in meaningful ways, time and again,” said Tania Smith, executive director of a local nonprofit that will benefit from the donation. “Her latest contribution will have a real and lasting impact on thousands of lives.”
As a business leader, team owner, and philanthropist, Gayle Benson continues to set a powerful example of community-driven leadership. Whether on the field or off, her actions echo the spirit of New Orleans—resilient, compassionate, and always forward-moving.
