Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 6-16-2025

On June 12, the Nashville Predators Foundation announced its largest single-time philanthropic gift, distributing $825,995 in grants to 183 nonprofit organizations across Nashville and Middle Tennessee. This initiative, aimed at bolstering youth and family programs in the region, marks a significant expansion of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to community wellbeing. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $10 million in grants, and this latest round solidifies its role as a major contributor to local social impact

The annual Soccer Aid charity match took place at Old Trafford on June 15, featuring a celebrity-packed lineup including Tyson Fury, Usain Bolt, and Tom Hiddleston. Co-managed by Wayne Rooney and Peter Schmeichel, the event united entertainers and athletes in a competitive but friendly match between England and the World XI. Proceeds supported UNICEF’s global child protection and health initiatives, with the event surpassing previous fundraising records and highlighting the role of sport in humanitarian outreach.

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 6-9-2025

NBA All‑Star Jayson Tatum mobilized the Jayson Tatum Foundation to support residents affected by mid‑May tornado damage in St. Louis, organizing a food drive on June 1 that collected over 52,000 pounds of supplies, with a second drive held on June 14 at his high school alma mater to continue delivering aid and hope to the community.

NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, now with the New York Giants, through his Why Not You Foundation in partnership with the Colossal Foundation, announced this week the “Youth Athlete of the Year” competition—featuring a $25,000 cash prize and a Sports Illustrated feature—designed to recognize and empower young athletes across America. 

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Press Releases

Sports Philanthropy Network Announces Keynote Speakers for the 2025 Sports Philanthropy World Conference  

Sports Philanthropy Network (SPN) is excited to announce speakers for its signature Sports Philanthropy World Conference (SPW), June 25-27, 2025.  SPW2025 will again be hosted by KPMG in their Chicago office overlooking Millenium Park and Lake Michigan.  SPW2025 brings together diverse leaders in the sports philanthropy sector including athletes, foundations, community sports nonprofits, teams, leagues, governing bodies, associations, universities, sports business executives, media, educators, philanthropy consultants, family offices, ventures philanthropy funds and an array of leaders and organizations in and around the sports philanthropy sector. 

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 6-2-2025

The Caitlin Clark Foundation, in partnership with Hy-Vee, presented a donation of $300,802 to Feeding America at the Food Bank of Iowa. This contribution resulted from a month-long “Round Up” campaign during March, where Hy-Vee customers across the Midwest could round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the additional funds supporting local Feeding America partner food banks. The donation is estimated to provide approximately 3 million meals to food-insecure communities throughout the Midwest, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to addressing childhood nutrition.

The Nashville Predators Foundation announced its largest-ever one-time donation, distributing $825,995 in grants to 183 nonprofits across Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The funds aim to support youth and family-focused programs, reinforcing the team’s commitment to community engagement. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $10 million in financial grants to local charitable organizations.

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 5-26-2025

Former NBA champion Scot Pollard, who underwent a heart transplant in 2024, honored his donor by sharing a float with the donor’s family as Grand Marshal of the Indy 500 Festival Parade. Pollard’s emotional connection with the family has fueled his advocacy for organ donation, using his platform to raise awareness and promote life-saving conversations.

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee received a historic $100 million donation from philanthropist Ross Stevens.This unprecedented gift will provide $100,000 payments and matching life insurance benefits to athletes for each Olympic or Paralympic Games they participate in, starting in 2026, aiming to offer financial stability and support for their post-competition careers.

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 5-19-2025

NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, hosted the Mahomies Foundation Vegas Gold Classic charity event in Las Vegas. The couple appeared in matching navy blue outfits, drawing attention on the red carpet. The event brought together football and fashion luminaries, including fellow NFL star Travis Kelce, to support a meaningful cause.The Mahomes couple not only contributed to the cause but also significantly enhanced the event’s star appeal.

The Minnesota Lynx announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership with Grammy award-winning band Bon Iver to address gender inequity, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. This initiative makes the Lynx the first professional women’s sports team to collaborate directly with a musical artist for community impact. The collaboration includes planned seasonal activations like community outreach, basketball clinics, and the annual Lynx Changemakers Summit.Bon Iver will also donate $250,000 in grants to 13 nonprofits and shelters across Minnesota and western Wisconsin aiding survivors.

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 5-12-2025

On May 6, 2025, the Caitlin Clark Foundation, in partnership with Hy-Vee, announced a donation exceeding $300,000 to Feeding America. This contribution aims to support food banks across Iowa and the Midwest, addressing childhood hunger in the region. The initiative underscores Caitlin Clark’s commitment to giving back to her community and highlights the role of athletes in driving social change.

On May 13, 2025, the NHL revealed the finalists for the 2025 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through hockey. This year’s nominees have developed impactful programs aimed at promoting cultural inclusivity and improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Public voting is open until May 25, allowing fans to participate in honoring those who use hockey as a tool for positive societal change.

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 5-5-2025

World No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner has established the Jannik Sinner Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and young athletes by providing access to education and sports programs. The foundation aims to break down social barriers and create opportunities for underprivileged youth worldwide through school initiatives and community projects.

Basketball star Caitlin Clark has partnered with Hy-Vee to re-release “Caitlin’s Crunch Time” cereal, with all proceeds supporting the Caitlin Clark Foundation. The foundation focuses on youth development, including a recent initiative that donated 22,000 books to schools, aiming to promote literacy and education among children.

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Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 4-28-2025

Cheryl Reeve, head coach and president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Lynx, received the 2025 DreamMaker Award from the Ann Bancroft Foundation. This honor recognizes individuals who inspire and support young girl-identifying youth in Minnesota to pursue their dreams with courage and confidence. Reeve’s leadership in women’s basketball and her advocacy for women in sports and leadership roles have made a significant impact. In recognition of her contributions, the State of Minnesota declared April 24, 2025, as Cheryl Reeve DreamMaker Day.

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. announced his fourth annual celebrity charity game, scheduled for May 10. The event aims to support local youth and community programs, offering fans the opportunity to interact with athletes and celebrities while raising funds for charitable causes. ​

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 4-20-2025

In Nairobi, Kenya, a group of young athletes launched the “Kicks for Kids” campaign, collecting and distributing over 1,000 pairs of gently used athletic shoes to children in underserved communities. Initiated by a local soccer academy, the campaign quickly gained momentum, drawing donations from across the globe and inspiring neighboring clubs to participate. This grassroots effort not only provided essential footwear but also fostered community engagement and support for youth sports development.

In Huntington, West Virginia, students and coaches initiated the “Building a Better Huntington” campaign to raise funds for renovating the boys’ locker room, reducing participation fees, and covering other sports-related expenses. This community-driven effort aims to enhance athletic facilities and make sports more accessible to all students, reflecting a commitment to improving youth sports infrastructure and fostering inclusivity.

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 4-14-2025

This week’s Newsstand highlights inspiring acts of generosity and community support across the globe.

In a heartwarming act of generosity and community support, a group of young athletes in Nairobi, Kenya launched the “Kicks for Kids” campaign, collecting and distributing over 1,000 pairs of gently used athletic shoes to children in underserved communities. What began as a small initiative by a local soccer academy quickly gained momentum, drawing donations from across the globe and inspiring neighboring clubs to do the same. The campaign not only provided children with the gear needed to play sports safely but also fostered a sense of unity, empowerment, and hope—proving that even small acts of kindness can spark a global movement of compassion and change.

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 4-7-2025

This week’s Newsstand showcases global acts of generosity driving real change. In Australia, the Sydney Swans launched free sports and mentoring programs for underprivileged youth, fostering growth through teamwork. Meanwhile in Kenya, the Safaricom Foundation is bringing clean water to rural communities by building sustainable wells in partnership with local charities. Discover how you can support these impactful efforts!

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 3-31-2025

This week’s Newsstand spotlights powerful examples of sports-driven generosity and community impact. In Austin, the “Sports for All” program raised $150,000 to give low-income families free access to youth sports. In Los Angeles, the Dodgers Foundation’s “Healthy Homers” initiative brought in $1 million to support youth mental health. Locally, the Detroit Lions’ charity gala raised $250,000 for food banks and homelessness programs, while the Houston Astros Foundation donated the same amount to youth sports leagues, helping over 2,000 kids. See how you can join the movement and make a difference!

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 3-24-2025

This week’s Newsstand features impactful community efforts across the globe. The Denver Broncos partnered with local youth groups to offer scholarships for underprivileged kids to attend sports camps – promoting equal access to athletic development. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma wrestling community united to support the Ferguson family after a tragic wildfire, demonstrating the strength and compassion of the sports world. Read more to learn how you can get involved!

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 3-17-2025

This week’s Newsstand highlights inspiring community initiatives and charitable efforts making an impact worldwide. From Johnny’s Jog for Charity 5K in West Hartford, CT, to Match Madness 2025 in Salina, KS, raising over $543,000 for local nonprofits, communities are coming together for a cause. Plus, Dr. Feranmi Okanlami’s work in adaptive sports and the Flyers Alumni Charity Classic Weekend showcase the power of sports in giving back. Read more to see how you can get involved!

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