3 Tips for Working With Professional Athletes on Philanthropy

Behind every game-winning moment or Olympics appearance lies a person with a passion to make a positive difference. For professional athletes, balancing the demands of their sport with a passion to change the world can entail a unique set of challenges. In the off-seasons and fleeting moments between competitions, these athletes strive to make their mark beyond the field. 

After 13 years of experience in working with athletes in the nonprofit space, here are three ways to utilize an athlete’s experience and platform to the fullest extent.

1. Perfect Time Management With Athletes’ Schedules 

Athletes often face many demands on their time as they’re pulled in multiple directions. It is essential to take the time to truly understand their preferred method of communication. Do they favor phone calls, texts or emails? Would they rather address tasks one at a time or receive a list of needs at the end of the week? Building a personal connection and tailoring your approach to their preferences can make communication far more effective. 

I like to think of an athlete's support system as a wheel, with various team members representing the spokes. Understanding how this system operates, identifying the key players and establishing clear communication channels with everyone is crucial. Often, the athlete is not the main point of contact within their foundation, making it vital to build relationships with all the spokes of the wheel. 

Related story: 7 Sports-Inspired Strategies to Drive Nonprofit Excellence

On the other hand, some athletes prefer a more hands-on approach, so patience is necessary. They will respond when they can around their practices, games and other obligations. Ensuring all parties are aligned fosters a cohesive approach to supporting an athlete's philanthropic goals. 

2. Guide Athletes to Focused Philanthropic Goals

When guiding athletes in their philanthropic efforts, start by exploring their personal stories. Many athletes have had formative experiences — such as supportive mentors, scholarship opportunities or pivotal moments in their journeys — that inspire their desire to give back. Engage them in conversations to uncover what has left a lasting impact, keeping in mind that — given their age and evolving life experiences — their philanthropic priorities may shift over time. And that’s perfectly normal.

Encourage athletes to establish two to three core pillars of focus for their philanthropy and stick to these priorities for at least a year or two. This approach provides clarity and direction, making it easier for them to evaluate requests and determine if they align with their mission. 

For instance, the athlete might respond to opportunities by saying, "This fits within our focus this year," or "While your organization is wonderful, it doesn’t align with our funding priorities at this time." Clear pillars create consistency and simplify decision-making for both the athlete and those seeking their support, allowing the athlete to maintain a focused, impactful philanthropic mission. 

3. Be Ready for Unexpected Turbulence 

When working with an athlete in the philanthropic space, focus on their "why," their legacy and their passion. These core mission and vision pillars don’t need to change but can evolve in how they are implemented. For example, the focus might expand to different locations that hold personal significance, such as their hometown, where they played in college or their current professional city. While the specific focus area may shift, the underlying purpose remains constant. 

It’s also essential to build a strong yet flexible foundation for their philanthropic efforts. Professional sports can be unpredictable. Athletes might be traded, injured or affected by global events that make certain campaigns or initiatives less timely. Flexibility ensures their goals can adapt to new circumstances while remaining impactful. For instance, a campaign can pivot to align with their new location or adjust its timing to suit unforeseen events. 

By planning with adaptability in mind, athletes can continue to execute their philanthropic initiatives effectively, ensuring their efforts stay true to their mission and present them in the best light, even amidst change. A flexible approach allows their legacy to grow and thrive, regardless of the unexpected twists that come with a professional sports career. 

The preceding content was provided by a contributor unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of NonProfit PRO.