Georgia Bulldogs head football coach Kirby Smart and his wife, Mary Beth, donated $1 million to the University of Georgia in 2020. The donation was directed towards a social justice program, scholarships for student-athletes impacted by COVID-19, and the expansion of the Butts-Mehre football facility according to Give to UGA. The social justice program aims to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all members of the university. The scholarships specifically target senior student-athletes whose final seasons were affected by the pandemic.
Georgia Bulldogs’ Kirby Smart Donates Entire Contract Extension and $350,000 Bonus to Charity, Cementing His Legacy as Leader and Humanitarian
May 20, 2025 | Athens, GA — In a powerful demonstration of leadership and generosity, University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart has announced that he will donate his entire one-year contract extension and a $350,000 “Sweet 16” bonus to charity, with the majority of the funds directed toward homelessness support and youth outreach across Georgia.
While known nationally for building one of the most dominant programs in college football history, Smart’s latest gesture reaffirms his commitment to using his platform to make a meaningful impact beyond the field. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall on Monday morning, where Smart stood alongside university leaders and representatives from several local charities.
“I’ve always believed that coaching is about more than just football,” said Smart. “It’s about building up young people and giving back to the community that supports us every Saturday. This is my way of saying thank you and standing with those who need a hand up.”
A Major Financial Gift with Purpose
The one-year contract extension, signed earlier this month, keeps Smart under contract with Georgia through the 2032 season. While the total value of the extension is confidential, university officials confirmed that the donated amount is valued at over $1.5 million, in addition to his $350,000 postseason bonus earned for reaching the College Football Playoff “Sweet 16” round this past season.
