Runners lining up for a race./PHOTO; Courtesy
Leaders in sports philanthropy from around the world will gather in Indianapolis this August for the 2026 Sports Philanthropy World Conference (SPW2026), hosted by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
The international event will showcase how athletes, teams, and organisations can harness the power of sports to drive social change, community engagement, and philanthropic impact globally.
Now in its eighth year, SPW has become a premier global forum for those working at the intersection of sports and social impact.
The conference draws professional and amateur athletes, leagues, foundations, team ownership groups, nonprofit leaders, and community sports organisations from multiple countries, all focused on leveraging sports as a platform to address social and community challenges.
“The Sports Philanthropy Network is excited to partner with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the world’s first school of philanthropy, to host this dynamic gathering of athletes and experts from all parts of the sports world,” said Roy D. Kessel, Founder of Sports Philanthropy Network.
“It’s an opportunity to connect global leaders, share best practices, and support communities through the power of sports.”
Panels, Workshops, and Hands-On Learning
SPW2026 will feature an extensive programme of panels, workshops, and interactive sessions designed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge in sports philanthropy.
Panels will cover topics such as athletes using their platforms for social change, media influence on philanthropic efforts, women transforming the field of sports giving, and team owners fostering cultures of philanthropy within their organisations.
This year, the conference will introduce several new elements, including a service project, a pitch competition, the Sports Philanthropy Awards Show, and a Youth Philanthrofest.
These activities aim to provide attendees with hands-on opportunities to contribute to social impact while networking with peers from across the globe.
“The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is delighted to welcome colleagues from around the world who share our commitment to helping people in and around sports make a meaningful difference in communities everywhere,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
“Sports bring energy and engagement to communities globally. By convening international leaders, we can advance research, teaching, and practice in sports philanthropy on a global scale.”
Education and Professional Development
SPW2026 also emphasizes professional development through the school’s Sports Philanthropy Initiative.
Programs include the Athlete to Advocate executive certificate, aimed at professional athletes and teams such as the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, and a joint training program with the NCAA for prospective athletic directors.
These offerings equip participants with tools to create or support foundations, engage in community philanthropy, and amplify social impact using their platforms.
“Understanding philanthropy is critical for athletes and those working in sports worldwide,” said LaKoya Gardner, co-lead of sports philanthropy training programs at the school.
“Athletes can start nonprofits, support local causes, serve as spokespersons, or donate funds. This conference provides the skills, networks, and knowledge to make a global impact.”
A Global Forum for Social Impact
The Sports Philanthropy World Conference has become a hub for international collaboration, helping athletes, foundations, and nonprofits develop scalable solutions to social challenges.
By bringing together participants from multiple continents, SPW2026 fosters cross-border partnerships, knowledge exchange, and innovative approaches to leveraging sports for positive change.
Attendees will gain insights that can be applied locally while learning from successful philanthropic strategies implemented worldwide.
The conference underscores the unique position of sports as a catalyst for community engagement, social innovation, and philanthropy, giving participants a platform to make a lasting difference across borders.
Since its founding in 2019, the conference has expanded the global sports philanthropy ecosystem, connecting stakeholders who are transforming communities through sports.
By highlighting international best practices and supporting professional development, SPW2026 reflects the growing recognition of sports as a powerful tool for social impact.
For the most current details, registration information, and room blocks, interested participants are encouraged to visit SportsPhilanthropyNetwork.org/
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