Football season is in full swing, as are the MLB playoffs. Hockey and basketball are just getting started and World Cup planning is fully underway in the host cities. The sports landscape is always busy. In September, we participated in the Mac Parkman Foundation Summit in Tampa (focused on concussions and brain health) and the D2C Community Trust Symposium in Miami. Both events had a strong focus on mental health, which continues to be one of the biggest needs expressed by organizations in our network. We have a variety of resources available and terrific service providers that can work with your organization or business to address mental health needs and to train your organization and constituents.
A few weeks ago, we participated in the Compete Sports Network Women’s Summit in Wesley Chapel (Pasco County, Florida–just north of Tampa). Amazing conversations from organizations working hard to provide opportunities for women to thrive in the competitive sports industry.
Last week we were at the TEAMS Conference in Columbus, Ohio, where we met with Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Sports Commissions, Event Organizers and other businesses that recognize we can do more to harness the power of sports. Through our Sports Philanthropy Overlay Program (SPOP) we are partnering with these organizations to integrate community impact elements into their youth and adult sporting events and tournaments.
Our SPN Golf Tour, launching in 2026, will provide a DAY OF IMPACT in conjunction with the golf events. The day preceding the golf fundraiser will feature our Sports Philanthropy Showcases and our Sports Philanthropy Academy, ensuring that we support the efforts of local sports nonprofits.
If you would like more details on these programs or would like us to help bring one to your community, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Wishing you a terrific October. Hope we can see you in person soon!
-Roy
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SPN RECAP
The Mac Parkman Foundation’s 2nd Annual International Summit on Repetitive Brain Trauma
For two days, we heard amazing presentations by the medical community, as well as former athletes, military and veterans. The data presented was clear about the long-term impact both from sports concussions as well as from many military activities. The entire world is becoming more cognizant of CTE and how it affects the lives of not only the injured individuals, but their spouses and children. The keynote speech was given by Leigh Steinberg, one of the first NFL agents to take the issue of brain health seriously. Leigh was a pioneer in opening the conversation in this area. Congratulations to Bruce Parkman, Suzanne Lines and the whole MPF team on an amazing Summit. SPN is excited to support their efforts in the brain health space.
The Community Trust Symposium
Hosted at Big Brothers Big Sisters in Miami, the Community Trust Symposium was led by Quentin Williams and his team at Dedication to Community. Attended by many police executives from around the country, the Community Trust Symposium focused heavily on creating an environment for constructive growth. Mental Health was a very strong focus as we learned how challenging these stressor issues are for officers at all levels of policing highlighted by the fact that the average officer live only 5 to 7 years after retirement.
Compete Sports Network Women’s Sports Leadership Summit
Bringing together event organizers from across the country, Compete facilitated conversations aimed at the best method for expanding opportunities for women to take leadership roles in the sports industry. The group is aiming to launch a Women’s Sports Festival in 2027 that will host tournaments in many sports and provide a supportive environment for women.
MONTHLY AUCTION
October’s SPN Auction is raising money for Financial Literacy training. SPN partners with financial professionals to provide training to youth organizations, schools and colleges. These trainings help youth and young adults learn the mechanics and nuts and bolts of financial literacy. Proper understanding of the way to protect yourself and plan for your future are critical to a successful financial future, regardless of your level of income.
Explore the auction catalog here.
If you have items that you would like to donate to our monthly SPN auctions, please reach out to Rylie Klein at Rylie.Klein@sportsphilanthropynetwork.org.
WEBINARS
Join Sports Philanthropy Network every Tuesday for our Webinars and Town Halls featuring insightful discussions on a variety of topics. We are launching with Adam Nemer, Founder of Simple Mental Health, on October 21st. You can find the full schedule of upcoming Webinars and Town Hall Meetings on our website here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 21: Invest for Kids Conference (Chicago)
October 28: espnW: Women + Sports Summit (Ojai, CA)
November 6: An Evening with Team Israel (Livingston, NJ)
November 7: Get in the Game HBCU Sports Career Conference (Baltimore)
November 9: Inaugural Fresh Start Surgical Gifts Celebrity Golf Classic (Frisco, TX)
November 13:First Tee 25th Anniversary Celebration (Chicago)
Take a look at our Event Calendar which has a wide array of sports philanthropy events around the country. You will see fundraisers, seminars, conferences and other educational programming. We hope this resource allows you to find impactful events as you visit other cities.
Submit your event to SPN’s calendar to be featured on social media, our monthly newsletter, weekly newsstand and on our website. Make sure you let our SPN community know about your event.
SPORTS PHILANTHROPY PODCAST
NEWSSTAND
Catch on the lastest in our community by reading the most recent issues of Sports Philanthropy Newsstand!
