As philanthropists, some athletes look to fans, sponsors while others rely on personal wealth
Some philanthropy experts emphasize that charity is the same whether funds come from an athlete who started a charity or from another source.
When starting a charity is too much, some pro athletes join a nonprofit team
Big League Impact is one of several nonprofits that enlist pro athletes into charitable work.
Frances Tiafoe gives back to College Park youth tennis center via charitable fund
Tiafoe grew up at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park, where he stoked his passion for the game and developed into a world-class player.
From military families to chronic disease, athletes choose charitable causes that hit close to home
Professional athletes like Billy Hurley III and Anthony Lanier II embrace causes that hit close to home by launching public charities or private foundations.
By the numbers: More than 60 pro athletes in the D.C. area founded charities in the last 10 years
The list included Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook and members of the Washington Nationals, Washington Commanders and Baltimore Orioles.
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
"Playing for Charity: How athletes give back and gain from philanthropy" is a four-month investigation into the rewards and challenges for community-minded athletes who start charities or foundations. Their charitable work allows them to support causes that are important to them and their families. But lending a well-known name to a nonprofit organization also carries risks as some athletes lack the time, experience or judgment to effectively manage a charity.
The project was produced by students at the Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism at the University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Student journalists working on the project examined tax records and interviewed current and former pro athletes in football, baseball, tennis and golf as well as tax experts, sports marketers and sports agents.
