U.S. Soccer Launches One Nation Fund To Support Programs Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging
Volkswagen, Presenting Partner of U.S. Soccer’s #GivingTuesday Campaign, makes founding contribution to launch fund
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CHICAGO (Nov. 29, 2021) - U.S. Soccer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will proudly celebrate this year’s #GivingTuesday campaign, Presented by Volkswagen, on Nov. 30.
#GivingTuesday is an annual global event on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, reminding people to donate to causes they care about. Established in 2012, today hundreds of millions of people and organizations around the world participate in this special day of generosity and giving.
U.S. Soccer is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and receives no government funding. The generous support of partners and donors help fund activities for U.S. Soccer’s 24 National Teams competing across the country and world, as well as for education and resources for hundreds of thousands of coaches and referees, and programs that impact millions of players.
To celebrate the philanthropic holiday and to continue championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, U.S. Soccer is launching the One Nation (DEIB) Fund.
In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, the Federation established the One Nation initiative, recognizing the power of soccer to unify the nation and the importance of fostering a community that is welcoming and supportive to all. The initiative has grown into one of the Federation’s social responsibility platforms through which U.S. Soccer develops and delivers soccer programs, community activities, and national conversations advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB).
The new One Nation (DEIB) Fund will provide an opportunity for supporters to actively help build a more inclusive soccer community, and provide U.S. Soccer with critical resources to create and grow important DEIB activities.
“We’re focused on making diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, part of U.S. Soccer’s DNA, driving and guiding our decisions at every level. The One Nation Fund is an important step in this journey for U.S. Soccer,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “We’re excited to work closely on the Fund with supporters and partners like Volkswagen who share this priority. Together, we can achieve more.”
Supporters can learn more about One Nation and the One Nation Fund at ussoccer.com/onenationfund.
It takes a community to make a difference. For this year’s #GivingTuesday, U.S. Soccer is proud to once again collaborate with Volkswagen, the Presenting Partner of U.S. Soccer, to grow support for the Federation and achieve a shared goal of providing equal access and inclusion for all players, coaches, fans and referees. In a year full of challenging circumstances and hard times for many, Volkswagen is doing more to help Americans “Drive Bigger.”
VW will direct $90,000 of its U.S. Soccer sponsorship toward #GivingTuesday and to help establish the One Nation Fund.
“Volkswagen is very proud to support U.S. Soccer’s efforts to use its platform for a change for good through the One Nation (DEIB) Fund,” said Kimberley Gardiner, SVP Marketing Volkswagen of America, Inc. “#GivingTuesday gives us the chance to rally around causes during the busiest shopping season of the year.”
The One Nation (DEIB) Fund will support U.S. Soccer’s One Nation initiatives focused on:
- Soccer Leadership – Advancing DEBI in soccer through soccer specific programs & projects
- Community Impact – Driving positive change at a local level in communities where U.S. Soccer works and plays
- National Conversation – Using our platform to connect, amplify, and drive awareness around important DEIB issues that connect us all
In its inaugural year, One Nation programs have included Coach for Community (free coaching education in underserved areas), Community Youth Programs Presented by Allstate (career panels for diverse high school classes to learn more about opportunities in the sports industry), and Game Day Ambassadors (celebrating local DEIB change-makers in communities where National Team matches have been held).
Coach For Community
This is the second year VW has joined as Presenting Partner of U.S. Soccer’s #GivingTuesday Campaign, and its second time helping U.S. Soccer launch a major initiative driving resources to support a diverse soccer community.
Last year, Volkswagen directed part of its U.S. Soccer investment to The Jill Ellis Scholarship Fund to empower and advance more female coaches through coaching education scholarships, and the SheChampions Coaching Mentorship Program, Presented by Volkswagen. The program provides financial support and guidance to have a direct impact in the lives of female coaches, and create a more inclusive coaching industry.
SheChampions Coaching Mentorship Program
As a nonprofit, U.S. Soccer is actively supported by donors in a range of program areas. The One Nation (DEIB) Fund and the Jill Ellis Scholarship Fund are just two U.S. Soccer programs for which donors can have a meaningful impact through their contribution.
The U.S. Soccer Development Fund is the Federation’s core annual fund, supporting programs to develop world-class players, more and better coaches and referees, and National Teams to inspire us all. Depending on donation levels to an elite Circle, donors can also enjoy unique benefits through their gift, including exclusive ticketing access and behind-the-scenes experiences. Learn more at www.ussoccer.com/circles.
For questions about the One Nation Fund, contact fund@ussoccer.org.