Time and time again, athletes hear that they should be using their platform to promote higher causes like nonprofit organizations. And more times than not, these same athletes are interested in supporting causes of this nature, but are not sure of the ones in which they should cast their attention. But luckily, once an athlete finds an organization they love, their name, image, and likeness can play a role in the support of nonprofits. 2aDays has put together five organizations that are worthy of support by athletes.
- YMCA of the USA
Many athletes grew up learning the fundamental skills of their respective sport at their local YMCA or a similar organization. By partnering with the Y, college competitors have the chance to make an impact on aspiring athletes. Through opportunities like camps held at local YMCAs, pick-up games for the college athlete's respective sport, or any other related way, these individuals have the chance to make an impact on the place where their career began and the people who dream of being a college athlete one day, like the current college athlete did at one point.
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
All children aspire to be as great as their favorite college athletes one day. Through Make-A-Wish, an ill child has the opportunity to make their dream become a reality. By partnering with college athletes, Make-A-Wish has the chance to make even more of an impact on their recipients. Athletes have the chance to witness, firsthand, a child's dream become reality through this cause that otherwise may not be able to come to fruition.
Related: Managing your Money as a Student-Athlete with NIL Contracts
- American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is one of the most prominent disaster relief aid organizations. Through the collection of blood donations and other supplies collection drives, the American Red Cross is able to support individuals and families in need after natural disasters and other life-altering events. With an athlete's support through an NIL deal or other partnership, the number of blood donations and humanitarian supplies may increase, allowing a greater number of individuals and families to be served by the American Red Cross. Through such a deal, this may be the only time that a recipient has the opportunity to meet their idol college athlete.
Related: NIL Opportunities for Athletes with Smaller Platforms
- Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association would benefit greatly by partnering with a college athlete. College athletes most likely have had an older family member or some kind of mentor in their younger days who helped them reach the place in which they reside today. Through a partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, athletes have the opportunity to give back and even thank a generation of individuals who exuded guidance and wisdom on them during the foundational days of their sport.
- Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides humanitarian aid to individuals and families throughout the world. Although they're particularly visible around the holidays, the organization is active throughout the year, providing relief to families impacted by natural disaster, medical ailments, and more. By partnering with the Salvation Army, an athlete has the chance to provide aid themselves to struggling individuals or families, some of which may look up to or be inspired by the athlete themself. Through an NIL partnership or even by simply ringing the bell during the holiday season for the Salvation Army, awareness has the chance to be brought to this nonprofit.
All five of these organizations are worthy of support by college athletes, but there are many more causes and nonprofit organizations that are just as worthy. Name, image, and likeness partnerships are growing exponentially, meaning nonprofit organizations and causes have more sponsorship availability. Thanks to NIL, athletes have the chance to gain a better understanding of what causes are worth supporting and can bring satisfaction to themselves by giving back.
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* Originally published on July 4, 2022, by Caleb Myers
