ORGANIZATION NAME: ShareWaves Foundation
LEGAL STATUS: 501(c)(3) Public Charity
MISSION:
To provide every child with access to transformative sports experiences that improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being, harnessing the power of sports to build better humans.
ABOUT US:
ShareWaves is a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the opportunity gap in youth sports.
We be
lieve that sports are more than games—they are a proven pathway to improved health, increased self-esteem, enhanced resilience, and a sense of belonging. But for too many children, especially those in under-resourced communities, the doors to sports participation remain closed due to cost, lack of access, and systemic inequities.
For over seven years, we have been removing these barriers through targeted microgrants, community-based fitness events, and caregiver education initiatives. Our holistic development model equips not only the kids but also the coaches, teachers, and parents who support them.
THE PROBLEM:
** Children are quitting sports before high school, often by the age of 11, due to the cost, pressure, and lack of enjoyment.
** Girls drop out at twice the rate of boys by age 14.
** Nearly half of children aged 6–17 do not participate in sports at all.
** The U.S. Surgeon General has declared a national youth mental health crisis exacerbated by inactivity, isolation, and screen overuse.
OUR APPROACH:
We meet this moment by combining movement and mentorship—what we call waves of support.
Our key pillars include:
** GameChanging Grants: Microgrants that eliminate cost as a barrier to play.
** Ready2Play Camps & Clinics: Pop-up fitness and sports events delivered directly into underserved communities.
** Movement is the Medicine Campaign: A public health initiative promoting sports participation as a frontline mental health strategy.
We also train parents and coaches in emotional literacy and positive youth development, creating a culture where kids are supported, seen, and set up to thrive.
OUR IMPACT TARGETS:
** Increase physical activity levels in youth.
** Improve mental wellness and resilience.
** Equip 10,000+ caregivers with tools to support youth development.
**Create equitable access to quality sports opportunities throughout Kansas City and beyond. **
VISION:
A future where every child—regardless of zip code—has the chance to grow through movement, connection, and play.
