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Giving
Watch: Bill Russell Fund Builds a Better Future
Bill Russell believed in creating a better future for others. The Bill Russell Emergency Relief Fund at USF seeks to align with his ethos and legacy by supporting students in times of need.
Off the court, during and in the years following his athletic career, Bill Russell was a devout humanitarian who believed in paving a better way for others. USF honored Russell’s life and legacy on February 12, 2026, his birthday, by dedicating The Bill Russell Way on campus prior to tipoff for the Inaugural Bill Russell Impact Classic.
Students often balance work, study, and extracurricular activities. When the unexpected happens, they need resources that they can rely on. The Bill Russell Emergency Relief Fund, which was renamed in his honor in 2025, provides a crucial safety net that uplifts students and ensures that, despite hardship, they persist at USF and receive the full benefits of a complete education. So far, 407 gifts have been donated to the fund by the USF community, totalling $93,437.
28 students have benefitted from the fund in the spring semester of 2026, and 1,129 USF students have received emergency relief support since 2016.
One student said, “Emergency funding supported me during a time where I had to choose between my bills getting paid or my tuition. Thanks to the Bill Russell fund, I didn’t have to choose one or the other, and I’ve been able to get back on my feet and continue my education!”
USF’s fall 2025 census reported that 42.4 percent of the student population received a Pell Grant in their first year, a percentage that has steadily grown since 2019. This means that more than four out of every 10 domestic USF students begin their studies experiencing exceptional financial need.
The fund supports students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses due to temporary hardships related to emergency situations — anything that might jeopardize their health, safety, or academic performance. Every member of the USF community is welcome to contribute to the fund, helping to carry and promote Russell’s legacy.
Consider donating to the Bill Russell Emergency Relief Fund to help alleviate financial hardship for USF students in emergencies and moments of greatest need.
