Champions of Change Introduction
Shepherding awareness and support for community-based organizations, often filling voids in established systems, and serving with a commitment to dignity, empowerment and multi-sector collaboration.
Statement of Philanthropy
At Champions of Change Foundation, we are committed to fostering community resilience and empowerment through targeted support and strategic funding of local organizations that share our vision. We are building a culture of access, opportunity, and sense of belonging. Our approach to philanthropy is guided by the principles of dignity, empowerment, and multi-sector collaboration, ensuring that our contributions directly impact the communities the benefitting partners serve.
We fund projects that demonstrate a clear commitment to creating lasting change within communities, focusing on initiatives that fill voids in established systems.
Our funding philosophy is grounded in the understanding that meaningful support extends beyond financial assistance. It involves building strategic partnerships with community organizations, offering resources for capacity building, and sharing knowledge to magnify our collective impact. We believe in investing in the potential of communities to change their own narratives, supporting them in laying the foundations for a future where every family can thrive.
Founding Members
Three philanthropic activists and former teammates coming together to provide sustainable support to community-based organizations.
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Michael is acclaimed as one of the NFL’s best defensive ends, a Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowler.
He has also written a NYT Bestseller, funded STEAM programs for students of color and “Teaching for Black Lives” curriculum in Seattle Public schools, as well as managed the Bennett Foundation with his wife Pele to provide nutrition education.
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Cliff had a celebrated ten year career as a defensive end in the NFL, including winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
He and his wife, Tia, also created their own family foundation during that time, making impact in the lives of youth in Seattle, Jacksonville and Haiti, where he built homes and a school for 500 children.
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Doug is widely regarded as one of the best WRs to ever play in the NFL. The two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion is a leader in the community and founded the Family First Community Center in 2022.
As the CEO of Vault89, a social impact ecosystem, Doug continues to pursue his passion for service, innovation, and impact.
Benefiting Partners
The founders’ collaboration in Champions of Change is intended to supercharge community organizations with funding, awareness, and strategic partnerships. A new rotation of Benefitting Partners will be selected in coming years.
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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead