BREAKING NEWS: Cubs Star Dansby Swanson Donates Entire $12.9 Million in Bonus and Grants to Build Housing for Chicago’s Homeless

Chicago, IL – In a stunning display of generosity, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson has donated his entire $12.9 million in recent bonus and grant earnings to a new homeless shelter initiative in the city of Chicago. The donation, one of the largest ever made by an active MLB player to a community project, will fund the construction of 150 permanent housing units and 300 shelter beds, providing critical support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

In a heartfelt statement released Tuesday morning, Swanson explained his motivation for the donation:

“Chicago has given so much to me and my family. I’ve been blessed far beyond what I ever imagined. It’s my responsibility—and my joy—to give back in a way that has lasting impact. Everyone deserves a place to call home. This isn’t charity. It’s community.”

The move has already drawn widespread praise from city leaders, fans, and fellow athletes, with many calling Swanson’s contribution “a model for what sports leadership looks like in 2025.”

A Star On and Off the Field

Swanson, who joined the Cubs in 2023 after signing a seven-year, $177 million deal, has quickly become a fan favorite at Wrigley Field—not just for his stellar defense and clutch hitting, but for his deep involvement in the community. This donation, however, elevates his legacy to new heights.

According to team officials, the $12.9 million Swanson contributed includes performance-based bonuses from the 2024 season as well as private matching grants he secured from two Chicago-based foundations. Rather than keep the funds, Swanson directed 100% of the money to a partnership between the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, The Night Ministry, and City Hall.

The plan? Create a mixed-use housing and support services campus on the city’s South Side, combining transitional shelter, mental health resources, job training, and permanent residences.

“We’re not just putting up walls,” Swanson said. “We’re building futures.”

Community Leaders Respond: “This Changes Lives”

The response from local leaders was immediate and emotional.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has made affordable housing a priority, called the donation “one of the most powerful acts of civic love this city has ever seen.”

“Dansby could have taken that money anywhere. But he chose Chicago’s most vulnerable. This isn’t just generosity—it’s vision.”

Doug Schenkelberg, executive director of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, said the donation would allow the coalition to accelerate its five-year plan into a two-year window.

“This single act moves us forward by years. It means families will sleep in safe beds this winter, not on the streets.”

Swanson’s Roots in Service

Swanson, a native of Georgia and former World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves, has long spoken about the influence of his Christian faith and family values. He credits his parents and his wife—professional soccer star Mallory Swanson—for keeping him grounded and committed to service.

In a press conference, he mentioned a conversation he had with a young Cubs fan outside Wrigley who told him, “My family lost our home last year, but I still come to the games because here, I feel safe.”

“That stuck with me,” Swanson said. “I realized home isn’t just four walls. It’s hope. And I want to help create that for as many people as I can.”

Building More Than Just Housing

The project, named The Wrigley Way Campus, will include:

• 150 permanent low-income housing units

• 300 temporary shelter beds with 24/7 services

• Mental health counseling, medical support, and job-readiness programs

• A youth activity center and community garden

Construction is expected to begin in Fall 2025, with partial operations launching by winter.

Teammates and Fans Applaud

Cubs manager Craig Counsell called the gesture “incredible, but not surprising,” adding:

“Dansby leads in our clubhouse and in life. This is who he is.”

Fellow players like Nico Hoerner and Justin Steele shared their admiration on social media, with Steele writing:
“12.9 million reasons to be proud to wear Cubbie blue today.”

Fans, too, responded with overwhelming support. Outside Wrigley Field, handmade signs popped up reading,
“Swanson: More Than a Shortstop” and
“Hero Off the Diamond.”

Final Word

In a sports world often dominated by headlines about contracts, controversies, and stats, Dansby Swanson’s bold act of giving serves as a powerful reminder of what true leadership looks like. It’s not just about how many runs you score or games you win—but how you use your platform to uplift others.

And for Swanson, the scoreboard now reads loud and clear: 12.9 million reasons to believe in something bigger than baseball.

“In this city,” Swanson said, “we take care of our own.”