25 Years Later, Mark Wahlberg’s Youth Nonprofit Is Now a Nearly $20 Million Force for Good

Established in 2001, the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation has been working tirelessly for more than 25 years. Founded by Mark Wahlberg alongside his brother Jim Wahlberg, the nonprofit organization has raised and donated nearly $20,000,000 over the course of 25 years (via MWYF).

Taking care of at-risk youths, the foundation has worked constantly in order to help kids and teenagers who gave up on their dreams because of financial reasons. The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation joined hands with Corewell Health Foundation Southeast Michigan and helped them host their annual celebrity golf tournament called “Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Celebrity Invitational”. The event, which took place on June 8, 2026, raised a total of $1.31 million through sponsorship support, a live auction, and on-site donations (via Corewell Health).

Why Did Mark Wahlberg Establish the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation?

Mark Wahlberg in a still from Father Stu | Credits: Columbia Pictures

Mark Wahlberg wasn’t born in riches. He was born in a large, working-class family (the youngest of nine children) in Dorchester, Boston. The actor reportedly went through a rocky adolescence when he dropped out of high school and had run-ins with the law.

However, Mark and Jim Wahlberg were lifelong members of the Boys and Girls Club of America, and the Father Stu star spent most of his afternoons and evenings at his local club as a kid. According to the MWYF, he credits a large part of his success to having spent his free time in that positive, nurturing environment that kept him away from drugs and unlawful activities.

The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation is based on the actor’s personal belief that “It’s our turn to help” (via Golden Globes). Naturally, wanting to give back to the world that took care of Wahlberg during his youth, the nonprofit organization was established to help youths achieve their dreams without financial hardship. In fact, the organization has done quite a lot in the past 25 years.

How Mark Wahlberg Is Making a Difference for Youths With His Nonprofit

Mark Wahlberg in a still from The Family Plan 2 | Credits: Apple TV

The MWYF mostly works by funding other organizations that serve at-risk and inner-city youth. The organization has given grants across several buckets, including the creation of Camp Northbound, Moving Mountains, plus an annual holiday party and gift giveaway.

Over the course of 25 years, the nonprofit has helped raise and distribute over $20 million for kids seeking to fulfill their dreams without the burden of financial hardships. The foundation also supports families, women, children, and teens battling life-threatening diseases and medical issues like cancer and substance abuse.

From fundraising events to the Graduate To Go program (partnering with Taco Bell), the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation is truly a force of good that has been improving the lives of youth in America.