Women and Girls Sport Organizations
- Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF)
Founded by Billie Jean King, the WSF is dedicated to creating leaders by ensuring all girls access sports. It advocates for equal opportunities in sports and supports research, education, and advocacy initiatives.
- Women in Sports Tech (WiST)
WiST focuses on driving growth opportunities for women in the sports technology sector, providing career support, scholarships, and connections to help women thrive in this rapidly evolving industry.
- Girls in the Game
This organization empowers girls to be strong through sports, health, and leadership programs. It provides year-round sports and fitness opportunities for girls in underserved communities.
- Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Foundation
The LPGA Foundation supports girls and women in golf through scholarships, leadership programs, and community outreach, aiming to foster their development both on and off the course.
- Women in Sports and Events (WISE)
WISE is a leading voice and resource for women in the business of sports and events. It provides resources, events, and networking opportunities to help women develop their careers in the sports industry.
- Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) – Sports & Peace Initiative
Though WILPF is broader in scope, its Sports & Peace initiative focuses on using sport as a tool to promote gender equality, peace, and health for women and girls worldwide.
- The Global Community of Women in High School Sports
Dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment where women and their allies come together to connect, grow, and elevate their experiences and professional competencies.
- Black Women in Sport Foundation (BWSF)
BWSF works to increase the involvement of African-American women and girls in all aspects of sport, from playing and coaching to administration and media.
- Women for Tri
An initiative of the Ironman Foundation, Women for Tri is committed to bringing more women into the sport of triathlon through grants, education, and community-building efforts.
- Athletes for Hope
This organization brings athletes together to inspire action and serve as role models, with a focus on promoting physical activity and health for all, including women and girls in underserved communities.
Race and Ethnicity Sport Organizations
- Institute for the Study of Sport, Society, and Social Change (ISSSSC)
Based at San José State University, ISSSSC is dedicated to research, education, and advocacy on issues related to sport, society, and social change. They focus on addressing issues of race, ethnicity, and social justice in sports and often collaborate with athletes and activists to advance their goals.
- The Center for Healing and Justice through Sport (CHJS)
CHJS works to promote equity and inclusion in sports by providing resources and training to coaches and organizations. They focus on creating trauma-informed, healing-centered environments in sports, particularly for marginalized communities.
- The Black Women’s Sport Foundation (BWSF)
BWSF is dedicated to increasing opportunities for African American girls and women in sports and fitness. They work to address racial and gender inequities in sports through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
- The Sports Equality Foundation
This organization is committed to advancing racial and ethnic diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports. They focus on creating pathways for underrepresented groups to succeed in the sports industry, both on and off the field.
- Power of Sport Lab
Power of Sport Lab works at the intersection of sport and social justice, focusing on leveraging the power of sport to advance racial and ethnic equity. They partner with sports organizations, athletes, and communities to create initiatives that promote inclusivity and social change.
- Global Sport Institute (GSI) at Arizona State University
GSI conducts research on the impact of sport on society, with a focus on issues such as race, ethnicity, and social justice. They aim to use sport as a tool for social change, promoting equity in health, education, and community well-being.
- The Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE)
RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice, and improve race relations. They work with athletes, coaches, and organizations to promote diversity and inclusion in sports.
- Brown Girls Do Gymnastics (BGDG)
BGDG focuses on promoting diversity in gymnastics by supporting and advocating for girls and women of color in the sport. They provide resources, training, and mentorship to help break down racial barriers in gymnastics.
- Association of Outdoor Recreation & Education (AORE):
AORE welcomes diversity, aims to be accessible and inclusive, and works to remove barriers to participation. They strive to be an organization that is reflective of the current and expanding community.
- Project Play by the Aspen Institute
Project Play focuses on building healthy communities through sport and physical activity. They address racial and ethnic disparities in youth sports participation and work to create more equitable access to sport and fitness opportunities for all children, regardless of their background.
LGBTQ Sport Organizations
- Athlete Ally: Works to end homophobia and transphobia in sports by educating and empowering athletic communities, advocating for LGBTQ inclusion in sports at all levels.
- Outsports: A media organization dedicated to covering LGBTQ issues in sports, providing a platform for athletes and fans to share their stories and advocate for inclusion.
- The LGBTQ+ Sports Coalition: A collective of organizations working to end anti-LGBTQ bias in sports through advocacy, education, and public awareness.
- GLMA (Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality): A leading organization of LGBTQ health professionals working to ensure equality in healthcare for LGBTQ individuals through advocacy, education, and clinical guidance.
- You Can Play Project: Aims to create a culture of inclusion and respect in sports by ensuring the safety and inclusion of all athletes, coaches, and fans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Pride Sports: An international organization promoting equality and inclusion in sports for LGBTQ individuals, offering support and opportunities for participation in various sports activities.
- National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Sports Project: Focuses on the rights of LGBTQ athletes, particularly women and transgender individuals, through legal advocacy and public education.
- The Out Foundation: Supports LGBTQ+ individuals in health and fitness, particularly in CrossFit and other high-intensity training programs, offering scholarships, events, and resources.
- Team DC: Promotes LGBTQ inclusion in the Washington, D.C. sports community, providing support, resources, and advocacy for LGBTQ athletes and fans in the region.