#ChangeThruSport Program

A comprehensive program developed in 2020 to stand in the gap for underserved youth in the upper Midwest by providing financial support, sports equipment, apparel, and inspiration for youth sports programs.

Geographic Scope: Upper Midwest, with focus on Minnesota (particularly inner-city programs in Minneapolis and surrounding areas)

Focus Areas:

• Youth athletic teams and organizations
• High school sports programs
• Underserved communities and inner-city youth
• Equipment and apparel for youth sports
• Stadium and facility upgrades
• Weight room renovations

Target Populations:

• Underserved youth in upper Midwest
• Inner-city athletic programs
• At-risk youth

What They Fund:

• Financial support for youth athletic teams
• Sports equipment and apparel
• Stadium lighting and facility improvements
• Weight room renovations
• Team uniforms
• Programming and training support

Funding History:

• Over $200,000 donated to date for youth athletic teams, high schools, and organizations
• 2021: Funds raised for Brooklyn Center High School stadium lights replacement, team uniform upgrades, equipment for three inner-city football programs, and three weight room renovations
• Cooper High School partnership: Over $150,000 for state-of-the-art weight room (with Polaris)

Partner Organizations:

• Northside Impact Fund
• Urban Ventures
• Cooper High School
• Robbinsdale Cooper High School
• Polaris (corporate partner)

Background: The program showcases the power of sport to change society and bring diverse communities together as a team.