Athletes Unlimited Reaches $1 Million Given Through “Athlete Causes” Program

New York, N.Y. – Athletes Unlimited this week is celebrating a major milestone in its short history, reaching $1 million in funds given to non-profit organizations through its innovative “Athlete Causes” Program, powered by Give Lively. A key aspect of Athletes Unlimited that has been part of its model since its 2020 launch, Athlete Causes provides an opportunity for athletes across Athletes Unlimited sports – softball, lacrosse, volleyball and basketball – to play their season in part for the benefit of a non-profit organization of their choice, allowing them to bring attention to issues and causes that are meaningful to them and encourage Athletes Unlimited fans to support them as well. At the end of each season, the Give Lively Foundation will make a grant equal to 50% of the athlete’s season-ending bonus to each athletes’ chosen organization. 

Since its launch in 2020, the Athlete Causes program has impacted more than 130 non-profit organizations, including those quoted below. The full list can be viewed here. The Athlete Causes program will be spotlighted during Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse games on Sunday, July 31, with multiple organizations in attendance and others to be featured via video messages. 

Give Lively is a social good tech company on a mission to help nonprofits raise more online. Give Lively builds best-in-class fundraising tech that dramatically improves the giving experience for non-profits and donors alike. Give Lively provides these services for free, which helps non-profits commit more funds towards their missions and take advantage of the digital fundraising movement. 

“Athletes Unlimited believes that the qualities that lead to excellence on the field are the same qualities that create strong participants in civic life, and the Athlete Causes program provides athletes with a platform to elevate their voices around issues they’re passionate about,” said Jonathan Soros, co-founder of both Athletes Unlimited and Give Lively LLC. “This program is all about helping athletes develop as civic leaders, and reaching this milestone is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together.”

“It has truly been so impactful for our organization being a part of Athlete Causes,” said Natasha Watley, Founder & CEO of the Natasha Watley Foundation. “By the athletes choosing to play for our foundation, it not only amplifies the work that we are doing but it directly impacts the girls we serve to see a professional female athlete playing for them and their future. The partnership with Athlete Causes is so powerful because it helps connect our softball community even more. We are truly grateful for the Athlete Causes program!”

“The athlete community has championed One Love from the start and we’re so grateful for their ongoing support,” said Sharon Robinson, Board Chair of One Love Foundation. “Thanks to their donations and support to raise awareness, we’re able to continue to reach and empower young people across the country with life-saving education to help them see the warning signs of unhealthy or abusive relationships. Making real meaningful change starts with players who want to take action off the field and we’re happy to have these inspiring athletes on team One Love.”

“Morgan’s Message has been fortunate to be represented by outstanding athletes and we can’t thank them and Athletes Unlimited enough for all they are doing to shed light on the mental health challenges faced by student-athletes,” said Dona Rodgers, Co-Founder and President, Morgan’s Message. “The donations received from our athletes’ efforts have had an enormous impact in the world of student-athlete mental health at the high school and collegiate level. Eliminating the stigma and normalizing the conversations surrounding mental health has helped thousands feel comfortable to reach out for help and most importantly feel less alone.”

“Since the start of our partnership with Athlete Causes in 2020, Step Up For Mental Health® has been able to support so many families dealing with extreme poverty and mental illness where most families never know where to turn,” said Adrienne McCue, President & Executive Director, Step Up For Mental Health®. “Not only have the relationships with professional women athletes been so rewarding in championing for the players who have chosen Step Up For Mental Health, but we always learn something new along the way.”