Athletes for Hope, a non-profit organization founded by an elite group of athletes with a shared passion for philanthropy, announced today that it has been awarded a $400,000 grant by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The grant will strengthen and promote philanthropic involvement among Professional Athletes by enhancing existing programs that educate, encourage, and assist athletes in their efforts to contribute to their communities and other charitable causes.

"We're extremely honored to have the generous support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as we continue to arm athletes with the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact in their communities," said Ivan Blumberg, CEO of Athletes for Hope. "This grant will not only enhance our current programming and help raise awareness for the work of our members, but it has the potential to inspire millions of people to follow their own charitable passions."

Since its inception in 2007, Athletes for Hope has quickly advanced to the forefront of sports philanthropy by educating athletes about philanthropic opportunities, connecting them with charities that best fit their passions, and recognizing their efforts to inspire others. In just over a year, nearly 500 athletes spanning over 50 professional and Olympic sports have joined forces with Athletes for Hope to get involved in philanthropy efforts on a local and national level. Athletes for Hope has completed over 200 matches between athletes and charities and has delivered its educational presentation detailing how the organization can help athletes get started in philanthropic initiatives to more than 240 professionals including members of the NBA, MLS, LPGA, ATP, WTA, NFLPA, AVP, and members of the US Olympic movement.

"When we started Athletes for Hope, we wanted to create a platform that would help educate and empower today's professional athletes to follow their philanthropic dreams," said Andre Agassi, founding member of Athletes for Hope and founder of the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation which transforms education for underserved youth. "Today, we're witnessing a growing philanthropic movement, as more and more athletes want to join our organization and use their position within their communities to make a lasting impact."

About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation was established in 1930. The organization supports children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society. Grants are concentrated in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the southern African countries of Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

For further information, please visit the Foundation's website at www.wkkf.org.