The Chicago Fire Foundation and The Israel Idonije Foundation have been named finalists for the inaugural Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Sports Award which honors nonprofit organizations that are strengthening communities through sport. The categories are: Professional Sports Team Foundations and Community Relations Departments, Individual Athletes and Professional Coaches, Influential Leader and Model for Others Making Communities Healthier Through Sport
“The Sports Award builds on the Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy—presented by RWJF for the past decade—by placing a greater emphasis on collaboration across communities and sectors to foster a Culture of Health, the Foundation’s core vision. The award recognizes innovative and influential approaches to using sports to make communities healthier places to live. Approaches may include: helping children maintain a healthy weight, creating safe play environments, encouraging positive behaviors, eliminating bullying, abuse and violence, and expanding opportunities for children living in poverty.”
The mission of the Israel Idonije Foundation is to impact underserved communities by providing programs focused on social and emotional life skills. They will host their fundraiser ‘An Evening with the Israel Idonije Foundation’ July 16.
The Chicago Fire Foundation’s off the soccer field involvement is to contribute to the quality of life in Chicago and its surrounding communities by developing programs that reach out to Chicagoland’s community.
In addition to Chicago Fire Foundation and The Israel Idonije Foundation, finalists include the Portland Trail Blazers, Tony Hawk Foundation, USTA Foundation Inc and Doc Wayne Youth Services.
The winners will be announced on September 10, 2015 at an event in Princeton, N.J., where the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) will host a day of learning, networking and celebrating excellence in the field.
