Athletes & Philanthropy 101

Four Tips for Athletes Who Want to Give Back in 2023

If using your platform to give back is one of your 2023 New Year’s Resolutions, Athletes for Hope is here to help you get started, set goals and support you through this year and beyond. All athletes, no matter what level, can lead from where they are and make a difference in their community. Your philanthropy journey can take time as you discover, educate and engage in communities.

Here are four tips for getting started with giving back this year:

Set Expectations

Before you get started, consider what your availability looks like and what amount of time you might be able to commit. As an athlete, your schedule is already busier than most during certain times of the year and perhaps less busy at other times.

Think about these questions:

• How can you make an impact with the time you have available?
• What time commitment is most attainable for you?
• What might work better, in-person service or supporting causes and nonprofit organizations on social media?

Discover What You Care About (It’s Okay if You Don’t Know!)

Often, we hear from athletes that they want to give back but don’t know where to begin because there are so many important causes in the world. Learning about various causes and determining which cause(s) means the most to you and to your community is an important first step in any athletes’ philanthropy journey.

Think about these questions:

• What is one issue facing your community you want to change?
• Who do you want to help?
• What are your teammates doing? Your friends? Ask if you don’t know!

Start Slow & Small

One of the most important pieces of advice we have for any athlete just starting out on their own personal journey is that it’s okay to start slow and small. It’s important to identify how and what you want to impact and the best way to do that is dipping your toes into a cause you’re interested in – or a few different ones! Sending an email, checking out a nonprofit’s website or sharing a social media post counts as making a difference.

Work With Athletes for Hope!

We’re here to help you figure out all of the above and much more. Our services and programs are completely free to athletes of any level and our team is ready to support you wherever you are in your philanthropic journey and at whatever stage of your career you’re in.

Fill out the form below to get started today!

Want to learn more about how we help athletes along their philanthropic journey? Check out the AFH Causeway!