Athletes for Hope

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

Formed in 2007, Athletes for Hope connects professional and Olympic athletes to charitable opportunities within their own countries, communities, and hometowns. The organization was founded on a central mission of educating and encouraging athletes to give back and assisting them in mapping out and initiating philanthropic endeavors. A cause-neutral charity, Athletes for Hope organizes workshops on charitable giving for its athlete members and coordinates national charity campaigns and events for some of the biggest names in sports, including both former and current superstars.

Athletes for Hope has served as the catalyst behind major charity events and campaigns around the country, including the Who Gives? social media campaign. Kicked off by skateboarder Tony Hawk, a co-founder of Athletes for Hope, the Who Gives? program featured an online fundraiser and a nationwide volunteer effort by athletes in major cities. Within the past few years, the nonprofit group has also encouraged athletes to help raise awareness of the Gulf Coast oil spill and recovery efforts; to participate in Earth Day events (through the Athletes Go Green initiative); and to engage community members in supporting US service members, especially around the holidays.