By OkayGoal 
Most athletes know that sports can be a powerful tool for social change. Through local events, youth empowerment, player advocacy, and overall community care, soccer has the power to make an impact in so many ways. See our list below for nonprofits either founded by or supported by NWSL players!
Savy King of Hearts
At the top of this list is a nonprofit created by the player whose life was saved by on-the-field CPR, Savvy King. Many of us remember the traumatic moment in Angel City FC’s 2024-25 season when defender Savy King collapsed on the field from a sudden cardiac event. After her recovery, she created the nonprofit Savy King of Hearts. “Through Savy King of Hearts, she is raising awareness about CPR, advocating for preventive heart screenings, and working to ensure more people are prepared in those life-or-death moments…just like the one that changed her life in Minute 74,” according to the website.
Pinto Futbol Foundation
Chicago Stars (former NC Courage) player Brianna Pinto started the Pinto Futbol Foundation “to grow the game of futbol in underserved communities domestically and around the globe and strives to minimize structural and financial barriers to participation. The organization serves the community through program donations, camps, events, and scholarship funding.”
The foundation hosted its second annual soccer and field hockey clinic in December 2024.
Ace of Spades Apparel/Blue Angels Foundation
Houston Dash Goalkeeper Jane Campbell is the founder of apparel line Ace of Spades, which specifically partners with and donates significant proceeds to the Blue Angels Foundation to support wounded veterans and suicide prevention.
Racheal Kundananji Legacy Foundation
Bay FC forward Racheal Kundananji launched her foundation in July 2024 to support female soccer players in her home country of Zambia and around the world. Kundananji also serves as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador to raise awareness about HIV prevention by empowering youth.
The Black Women’s Player Collective
Created by the Black players in the NWSL, The Black Women’s Player Collective has formed to leverage its power and player platforms to bring equity to the sport and inspire the next generation of players. According to the website, “By sharing our personal experiences and expertise, we are aiming to change the game for girls who look like us.”
In addition to the above list, the NWSL also celebrates players who give back to their communities through the Lauren Holiday Impact Award. Nationwide will make a $50,000 donation to the organization of the winning player’s choice.
The nominees for the 2025 Impact Award include Claire Emslie (Angel City FC) championing the GPLA Leadership Academy, Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC) as we discussed above, working with Soccer Without Borders, Bea Franklin (Chicago Stars) supporting Digs With Dignity to fight housing insecurity, and Ryan Campbell (Gotham FC) advocating for mental health through Katie’s Save. Other nominees include Abby Smith (Houston Dash) with Kids’ Meals Houston, Claire Hutton (KC Current) with MINDDRIVE, Hannah Betfort (NC Courage) for WakeEd, Haley McCutcheon (Orlando Pride) for the Foundation for Foster Children, Lauren Milliet (Racing Louisville) for Trees Louisville, Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave) for The Athlete Academy Foundation, Cassie Miller (Seattle Reign) for the Nick of Time Foundation, Kate Del Fava (Utah Royals) for Primary Children’s Hospital, and Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit) supporting DC Scores.
What nonprofits are you supporting?