Women & Sports: Nonprofits Inspiring the Next Generation of Athletes
Women's Sports Foundation
The Women's Sports Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity. It was founded in 1974 by Billie Jean King, one of history's most renowned and influential tennis players, along with a group of other prominent female athletes.
The foundation's mission is to ensure that all girls and women have equal access to sports and the benefits and opportunities of participating in athletic activities. They work to create a world where women's sports are celebrated and valued, and where female athletes are given the same recognition, support, and resources as their male counterparts.
The Women's Sports Foundation focuses on several key areas to achieve its mission:
- Advocacy and Policy: The foundation advocates for policies and legislation that promote gender equity in sports, including equal opportunities for girls and women in school sports, fair media coverage, and equal pay.
- Grants and Scholarships: They provide financial support through grants and scholarships to female athletes, enabling them to pursue their athletic dreams and further their education.
- Research and Education: The foundation conducts research on issues related to women's sports, such as the benefits of sports participation for girls and the barriers they face. They also provide educational resources to coaches, parents, and athletes to promote gender equality in sports.
- Outreach and Events: The Women's Sports Foundation organizes various events and initiatives to raise awareness and celebrate the achievements of female athletes. One of their notable events is the Annual Salute to Women in Sports, where they honor exceptional athletes and trailblazers in the sporting world.
SheIS
SheIS is a nonprofit organization that aims to increase participation, support, and investment in women's sports. It was founded in 2017 by female sports industry professionals who recognized the need for greater visibility and resources for women in sports.
The mission of SheIS is to create a culture of empowerment and inclusivity by uniting organizations, athletes, and fans to support women's sports collectively. They believe that by working together and amplifying the stories and achievements of female athletes, they can drive positive change and elevate the status of women in sports.
SheIS operates through a collaborative model, partnering with various stakeholders in the sports industry, including leagues, brands, media outlets, and athletes. By leveraging these partnerships, they strive to address women's systemic barriers and biases in sports and foster a more equitable and sustainable environment.
One of the core initiatives of SheIS is the "SheIS Collective," a network of sports organizations and brands that commit to supporting women's sports. Members of the collective pledge to allocate a portion of their resources, whether funding, media coverage, or other means of support, to elevate women's sports. This collective effort aims to create a greater impact and drive meaningful change across the sports industry.
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that aims to inspire and empower young girls through a physical activity-based youth development program. It was founded in 1996 by Molly Barker, a visionary and former Ironman triathlete, to help girls realize their full potential and develop essential life skills.
The Girls on the Run program is designed for girls in grades 3 to 8 (ages 8 to 13) and combines training for a non-competitive 5K running event with lessons that promote social, emotional, and physical well-being. The curriculum covers topics such as self-confidence, positive body image, teamwork, healthy relationships, and goal setting. The program is delivered through a network of trained volunteer coaches who serve as mentors and role models for the girls.
The key elements of the Girls on the Run program include:
- Physical Activity: Girls participate in a developmentally appropriate running program that gradually builds their endurance and prepares them for a celebratory 5K event. The physical activity component aims to instill a lifelong love for fitness and promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Social and Emotional Skills: Girls engage in interactive discussions, activities, and games that promote positive self-image, empathy, and effective communication. The curriculum focuses on developing important life skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
- Character Development: The program fosters character development by teaching girls about gratitude, responsibility, and integrity. They explore topics related to personal strengths, leadership, and community service, emphasizing making a positive impact in their own lives and the world around them.
- Positive Relationship Building: Girls on the Run creates a supportive and inclusive environment where girls can build friendships, work collaboratively, and celebrate each other's achievements. The program encourages positive relationship-building and empowers girls to develop healthy connections with peers and adults.
LA84 Foundation
The LA84 Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports youth sports programs and initiatives in Southern California. It was created in 1985 with the surplus funds from the 1984 Olympic Games, which were held in Los Angeles. The foundation's name, LA84, is derived from the year of the Los Angeles Olympics.
The mission of the LA84 Foundation is to level the playing field and improve access to sports for young people, particularly those from underserved communities. The foundation aims to provide opportunities for youth to participate in sports and reap the numerous benefits of athletic engagement, such as physical fitness, character development, and leadership skills.
The LA84 Foundation works towards its mission through the following key areas:
- Grants and Programs: The foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations and schools providing youth sports programs and initiatives. These grants support various activities, including coaching education, equipment and facility improvements, and sports-based youth development programs.
- Coaching Education: The LA84 Foundation offers programs to enhance coaching quality in youth sports. These programs provide coaches with training, resources, and workshops, enabling them to create positive and impactful experiences for young athletes.
- Research and Advocacy: The foundation researches various aspects of youth sports to understand their impact better and inform program improvement strategies. They also advocate for policies and practices that promote equity, inclusion, and access to sports for all young people.
- Youth Sports Summit: The LA84 Foundation hosts an annual Youth Sports Summit, bringing together stakeholders from the sports industry, education, and community organizations. The summit provides a platform for discussion, collaboration, and sharing of best practices to advance youth sports in the region.
WISE
The nonprofit organization WISE (Women in Sports and Events) is dedicated to empowering and advocating for women in the sports and events industry. It was founded in 1993 and has since grown into a global network that supports and promotes gender diversity and equality in these industries.
The mission of WISE is to create and foster environments that empower women to succeed in sports and events. They provide opportunities for networking, professional development, mentorship, and career advancement, aiming to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields.
WISE offers a range of programs and initiatives to support its members and advance its mission:
- Networking and Events: WISE hosts networking events, conferences, and panel discussions that bring together industry professionals and provide opportunities for connection, collaboration, and learning. These events offer a platform for sharing experiences, knowledge, and best practices.
- Mentorship: The organization facilitates mentorship programs, pairing experienced professionals with emerging sports and events industry talent. Through mentorship, WISE aims to provide guidance, support, and career development opportunities for women at various stages of their careers.
- Leadership Development: WISE offers leadership development programs and resources to equip women with the skills and knowledge needed to advance in their careers. These programs focus on negotiation, public speaking, strategic thinking, and team management.
- Scholarships and Grants: WISE provides scholarships and grants to support women pursuing careers in sports and events. These financial resources help remove barriers to education and professional development, enabling women to further their knowledge and skills in the industry.
- Advocacy and Research: WISE advocates for gender equity and equal opportunities in sports and events. They research and publish reports to raise awareness about gender disparities and drive positive change. The organization collaborates with industry partners to promote policies and practices supporting diversity and inclusion.
Angel City Sports
Angel City Sports is a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, California, that aims to create opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to participate in sports and athletic activities. It was founded in 2015 by Clayton Frech, a father who wanted to provide his son, who has a prosthetic leg, with the chance to engage in sports alongside other individuals with disabilities.
The mission of Angel City Sports is to promote inclusion, empowerment, and competition for people with physical disabilities through sports. The organization strives to break down barriers and challenge misconceptions surrounding disability by showcasing the abilities and achievements of athletes with disabilities.
Angel City Sports offers a variety of programs and events to facilitate participation and development in adaptive sports:
- Annual Angel City Games: The Angel City Games is a multi-day, annual event where athletes with physical disabilities can compete in various adaptive sports disciplines. It features sports such as track and field, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, and more. The games provide a platform for athletes to showcase their skills, connect with others, and experience the camaraderie of competitive sports.
- Youth Sports Clinics: The organization conducts adaptive sports clinics for children and youth with disabilities. These clinics introduce participants to various adaptive sports and provide coaching, instruction, and mentorship to develop their skills and confidence.
- Sports Clinics and Camps: Angel City Sports offers clinics and camps for individuals of all ages to learn and engage in adaptive sports. These programs provide specialized coaching and training in various sports disciplines, helping participants improve their athletic abilities and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
- School and Community Programs: The organization partners with schools and community organizations to provide adaptive sports programming and resources. They work to integrate adaptive sports into school curricula, promote inclusion in physical education classes, and foster awareness and acceptance of individuals with disabilities.
- Paralympic Development Programs: Angel City Sports collaborates with the U.S. Paralympic Committee and other organizations to identify and support talented athletes with disabilities. They provide resources, training opportunities, and pathways for athletes to progress in their respective sports and potentially compete at higher levels, including the Paralympic Games.
Related resources
Unlocking Philanthropy: A Ready-to-Use Corporate Giving Policy for Modern Businesses
Sample Corporate Giving Policy You Can Use Today
In today’s socially conscious environment, more companies than ever are recognizing the value of corporate philanthropy. Not only can a robust giving policy boost a brand’s image and reputation, but it can also play a pivotal role in community development and global betterment. If your company is considering the establishment of a formal corporate giving policy or refining its existing strategy, this sample policy might be the perfect starting point for you.
Pillars of a Strong Corporate Giving Policy
Corporate giving programs range from employer donation matching programs to full blown corporate social responsibility programs with grantmaking and volunteerism. Many companies find somewhere in the middle that aligns with their size, budget, geographic presence and most importantly company values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. But what truly makes a corporate giving policy stand out? Let’s delve into the key features, from donation matching to the strategic use of platforms like Groundswell.
1. Donation Matching: Doubling the Impact
One of the most effective tools in a giving policy is donation matching. This is where companies match employee donations to eligible non-profits, effectively doubling the contribution. Such programs not only amplify the impact but also motivate employees to participate, knowing their chosen cause will receive twice the support.
2. Charitable Stipends: Encouraging Employee Choice
Charitable stipends are allowances given to employees to donate to a non-profit of their choice. This not only encourages a culture of giving but also empowers employees to support causes they’re passionate about. The stipends can be a fixed amount annually or can vary based on the employee’s role or tenure.
3. Dollars for Doers: Volunteering Translated to Contributions
“Dollars for Doers” programs convert volunteer hours into monetary donations. When employees volunteer their time for a cause, the company makes a donation equivalent to the hours spent. This fosters a culture of hands-on involvement and ensures that both time and money are being donated to valuable initiatives.
4. Corporate Grants: Sowing Seeds for Bigger Change
Beyond individual employee contributions, companies can set aside a dedicated fund for corporate grants. These grants can be given to non-profits, research initiatives, or community projects that align with the company’s CSR objectives. Such grants can lead to substantial, long-term changes and foster strong partnerships with community leaders and organizations.
Why Choose Groundswell for Your Giving Initiatives?
Incorporating these elements into a giving policy requires streamlined management, transparency, and ease of execution. This is where platforms like Groundswell come into the picture.
Groundswell offers an efficient and affordable solution for companies aiming to elevate their philanthropic endeavors. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice:
- User-Friendly Interface: Groundswell’s platform is designed for both companies and employees, ensuring smooth navigation and straightforward donation processes.
- Versatility: Whether it’s donation matching, handling charitable stipends, or managing corporate grants, Groundswell offers solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs.
- Cost-Effective: Groundswell provides a comprehensive suite of tools at competitive prices, ensuring that more of your money goes towards the cause rather than platform fees.
- Transparency: Track donations, monitor employee involvement, and generate detailed reports to measure the impact—all in one place.
Conclusion
An effective corporate giving policy is a blend of structure, employee engagement, and impactful contributions. By incorporating elements like donation matching, charitable stipends, “Dollars for Doers,” and corporate grants, businesses can create a ripple effect of positive change. And with platforms like Groundswell, executing these initiatives becomes not just feasible but also highly efficient and cost-effective.
5 Tips to Boost Engagement & Impact on Giving Tuesday
Leverage GivingTuesday to boost generosity
Every November, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, which often serves as the unofficial start of end-of-year giving campaigns. This comes on the heels of holiday shopping deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It is a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring millions to lean into the end-of-year holiday spirit with generosity and compassion. For many charities, GivingTuesday has become their biggest day for donations – and can help resource their ability to have an even greater impact in the year ahead.
For companies, GivingTuesday and the end-of-year giving season offers an opportunity to double down on their commitment to social responsibility, strengthen relationships with employees, and boost their impact in the community and broader world.
At Groundswell, we partner with companies all across the country to design and launch GivingTuesday campaigns – leveraging our easy-to-use platform that makes it easy for employees to participate and send donations to the causes and charities that they care most about. Below are some best practices to boost engagement and inspire generosity during the giving season.
1. Make Giving Easy:
A lot of giving platforms out there make it incredibly hard to donate. Some don’t have all 1.5 million IRS-approved charities listed. Others require employees to navigate through a web of intranet or sharepoint sites to find the giving program landing page. And others require that HR is notified of any donations an employee wants to make. At Groundswell – we are committed to removing all of the friction, and ensuring that employees can find charities easily, through a platform that is accessible from the palm of their hand, so they can give whenever they want to.
2. Launch a GivingTuesday Match Campaign:
Through Groundswell you can customize and launch a special GivingTuesday match campaign in a matter of minutes. Simply pick the nonprofits to include in the special campaign, select the start and end-date for the campaign, and then determine the match – 2x, 3x – along with any overall budget limits, then you’re done!
3. Boost engagement by involving ERGs:
Share nonprofit recommendations from Employee Resource Groups to provide inspiration around causes and nonprofits that matter to your employees. You can feature these nonprofits on dedicated ERG Corporate Spotlights and Campaigns that will be visible to all employees on their Groundswell dashboard.
4. Surprise (and Delight) Employees With A Gift to Give:
Consider sending a surprise “gift to give” to reward those already participating in your giving program (and to incentivize others to enroll). These gifts might be used to further maximize impact through the existing campaign, or to donate to other nonprofits your employees care about. Groundswell’s custom gift feature allows companies to easily schedule and send gifts with little to no administrative burden.
5. Level up with Volunteer Matching:
Groundswell’s Volunteer Matching program – sometimes known as Dollars for Doers – recognizes that some employees may not have funds to contribute, but have time – and rewards them in the same way. It’s an inclusive approach that invites everyone to participate in GivingTuesday, even those who may not be able to donate their own funds.
12 Employee Benefits Survey Questions Modern Companies Should Ask
In today's business environment, having the right and highest performing talent is more critical than ever. With benefits packages playing a vital role in these decisions, how can companies truly gauge their effectiveness? By initiating regular employee benefits surveys.
Scroll down for a free survey template below.
Let's dive in to the importance of asking the following questions.
Is our workforce satisfied with the current employee benefits package?
Gaining insights from "how satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?" can offer companies a quick pulse on the effectiveness of their benefits. A dip in satisfaction might signal a need for re-evaluation, especially if you're looking to maximize your budget.
How comprehensive are the employee benefits we offer?
Do employees feel that the organization covers a wide range of their needs? Asking, "do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?" can shed light on any potential gaps in coverage.
Are we showing true commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion through our benefits?
Are the company's efforts in promoting DE&I resonating? This can be gauged by asking if the benefits genuinely support diversity and inclusion. If they aren't, here's an opportunity to collect ideas directly from your employees.
Read more about how to make sure your giving program is equitable and inclusive.
Do our benefits reflect our company culture and values?
The question, "do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?" will highlight any potential discrepancies in practicing what you're preaching.
Did you know? Two-thirds of employees say it’s important for a company to align to their values.
Are we catering to the needs of a remote or multi-location workforce?
With remote work on the rise, is the company adapting its benefits accordingly? It's essential to find out if employees feel supported, regardless of their work setting.
Would employees recommend the company based on our benefits?
This is an easy one to skip, but it's a great question to ask. See how influential your benefits package is for employee referrals. Determining if employees would advocate for the company based on its benefits can be a key metric for recruitment.
How do specific benefit categories fare?
By querying satisfaction levels across various benefits – physical health, social impact, mental health, financial health, and fringe benefits – can companies discern which areas are thriving and which need enhancement?
What additional benefits do employees desire?
Is there a particular benefit that could make a difference in employee satisfaction and retention? Discovering this can be as straightforward as asking, "if you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?"
If your workforce desires a more meaningful benefit, see why decentralizing your corporate philanthropy strategy can achieve greater impact at scale.
How often should I send an employee survey about our benefits?
While every business has their own set of unique needs, conducing a quarterly employee survey at minimum can help you get a pulse check.
There will be some natural and unplanned peaks in valleys throughout the year that can drastically affect employee morale and company culture. By proactively seeking feedback through surveys, companies can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring they remain at the forefront of employee satisfaction.
What are some affordable benefit options we can provide employees?
Corporate matching or giving programs can be a low-cost addition to your benefit offering that supports your employees’ unique passions and perspectives through charitable giving and boosts your company’s commitment to social impact. Groundswell offers a comprehensive solution with a simple implementation and nearly zero administration burden.
- How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
- Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
- How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
- How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
- How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
- If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?