The Steve Nash Foundation

What The Steve Nash Foundation does

The Steve Nash Foundation is a US 501(c)(3) operating foundation (EIN 31-1753206) and registered Canadian charity (BN 848154928 RR0001) dedicated to assisting underserved children in their health, personal development, education, and enjoyment of life. Founded in 2004 by NBA Hall of Famer and two-time MVP Steve Nash, and operated by a small staff of 1-10 based in the Scottsdale/Phoenix, Arizona area, the foundation runs a portfolio of seven core programs: The Starting Five + Let's Talk Dads (father-focused early childhood neurodevelopment, co-developed with the TMW Center at the University of Chicago and delivered via Southwest Human Development), SNF READy (literacy and book distribution), Educare (early learning in Arizona), Support Hope, BC Grants (grantmaking to child-focused nonprofits in British Columbia), COVID-19 CARE, and the flagship Showdown annual charity soccer match featuring NBA players and professional footballers. Revenue is sourced from voluntary tax-deductible donations (US and Canada), merchandise sales via the Make An Assist Shopify store, and event-driven fundraising including Showdown ticket sales, after-parties (Cipriani Wall Street, Penny Farthing, Gem Saloon), jersey and live auctions, and corporate sponsor activations.

The foundation does not develop proprietary technology and operates a relatively lean technology footprint: a Shopify-based e-commerce site (stevenashfdn.myshopify.com), email newsletter subscription, and active social channels on Twitter and Instagram (@stevenashfdn). Its distribution model combines direct program delivery (virtual and in-person sessions to fathers; books to children; grants to BC nonprofits) with mass-audience event distribution through the free public Showdown at Sara D. Roosevelt Park in New York City, supplemented by Time Warner Cable/AXS TV broadcast and Bleacher Report digital streaming.

The foundation's go-to-market is event-driven and community-led, anchored by Steve Nash's personal brand and a deep multi-year corporate sponsor ecosystem that includes Nike, TAG Heuer, GNC Live Well, Under Armour, JetBlue, Bleacher Report, Major League Soccer, and Premier League clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur. Operational partners — TMW Center, Southwest Human Development, Henry Street Settlement, Street Soccer USA, Educare Arizona, and the Promotion Factory — provide research, facilitation, and event production capacity. The foundation issues US and Canadian tax receipts, holds a GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency, and operates with no parent company or subsidiaries.

Name

The Steve Nash Foundation

Legal name

The Steve Nash Foundation

Website

https://stevenash.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Steve Nash Foundation is a US 501(c)(3) operating foundation and registered Canadian charity that runs early-childhood development, literacy, education, and grant programs for underserved children in the US and Canada, funded primarily by the annual Showdown celebrity soccer match, donations, and merchandise sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (624110), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Other Spectator Sports (711219)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Health Education & Parent Coaching (Sleep, Safety, Illness Management) (EDACAMAN), Cause, Community & CSR-Linked Sports Partnerships (Foundations, Youth Programs) (MPAKALAJ), Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO)

Keywords

• Children's charity foundation
• Early childhood development programs
• Literacy and education initiatives
• Charitable youth grant-making
• Celebrity fundraising events

Headquarters

HQ city

Scottsdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The foundation receives tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. Donations are eligible for tax receipts in both the US and Canada. EIN 31-1753206 (US 501(c)(3)) and BN 848154928 RR0001 (Canadian registered charity).
2. Merchandise Sales (Make An Assist Store): The foundation operates an online Shopify-based store selling Showdown apparel, autographed items, books, and merchandise. Proceeds support foundation programs.
3. Fundraising Events (Showdown): The annual Showdown charity soccer match generates funds through ticket sales for after-parties, jersey auctions, live auctions, sponsor activations, and FanFest activations. After-party events at venues like Cipriani Wall Street, Penny Farthing, and the Gem Saloon include ticketed cocktail events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Steve Nash Foundation is a US 501(c)(3) operating foundation and registered Canadian charity that runs a portfolio of programs for underserved children focused on health, personal development, education, and enjoyment of life. Core offerings include The Starting Five + Let's Talk Dads (father-focused early childhood neurodevelopment), SNF READy (literacy), Educare (early learning), Support Hope (mental wellness), BC Grants (grantmaking to BC nonprofits), and the annual Showdown charity soccer match that doubles as the foundation's flagship fundraising event.

Product overview

The Steve Nash Foundation is a US 501(c)(3) operating foundation and registered Canadian charity dedicated to assisting underserved children in their health, personal development, education, and enjoyment of life. The Foundation operates a unified portfolio of charitable programs focused on early childhood development, including: The Starting Five + Let's Talk Dads (father engagement and neurodevelopment), SNF READy (literacy), Educare (early learning), Support Hope, BC Grants, and the Showdown charity soccer event. The Foundation complements its programs with an ecommerce store (Make An Assist Store on Shopify) and the 13 Club monthly giving program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Showdown: Annual charity soccer match featuring NBA players and professional soccer players benefiting children
• Let's Talk Dads
• The Starting Five
• SNF READy
• Educare
• BC Grants
• Support Hope

Quantifiable outcome

• The 2019 Phebe's Golf Outing raised over $50,000 for the Foundation's programs.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship / core, core and minor.

• Nikeflagship / coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNike has been a constant supporter and official outfitter of the Showdown for many years, providing kits, shoes, and equipment to Showdown athletes. Nike also partnered with Street FC for the 2025 Showdown at the Pit in NYC.
• TAG Heuerflagship / coreGTM or Marketing PartnerTAG Heuer has been the official timekeeper of the Showdown for several years. Presents the Spirit of Showdown Award and TAG Heuer Don't Crack Under Pressure Most Valuable Player Award, including smartwatch prizes to recipients.
• TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Healthflagship / coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health (University of Chicago) co-developed the Let's Talk Dads program with the foundation. TMW leads the research component, studying father-child neurodevelopment outcomes using the 3Ts framework (Tune In, Talk More, Take Turns).
• Southwest Human DevelopmentcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSouthwest Human Development facilitates the Let's Talk Dads program in Arizona, providing skilled facilitators for the weekly one-hour virtual sessions on infant and toddler neurodevelopment.
• Educare ArizonacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducare Arizona is an early learning platform providing highest-quality education and healthcare for children and families in poverty. The 2012 Showdown benefited Educare Arizona. The foundation supports this program as part of its education focus.
• Henry Street SettlementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHenry Street Settlement has provided critical services from pre-K to elder care on the Lower East Side since the 1800s. The foundation has partnered with Umbro to donate duffel bags to children in transitional care through Henry Street Settlement, and Steve Nash participated in preschool activities at their facility.
• Street Soccer USAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStreet Soccer USA, a national non-profit harnessing the power of soccer, delivers youth soccer clinics at the Showdown annually. Their work focuses on creating opportunities for underserved youth through soccer.
• Street FCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStreet FC collaborated with Nike and the foundation to deliver the 2025 Showdown at the Pit, a new street format venue at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Street FC provided event space, volunteers, and community outreach.
• First Five Years FundminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Five Years Fund is a policy team behind the Invest In US campaign and advancements in early learning. They participated in foundation events including visits to Henry Street Settlement to discuss early childhood education policy.
• Major League Soccer (MLS)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMLS and its clubs (New York Red Bulls, NYCFC, and others) engage fans at Showdown FanFest with on-site activations and support youth clinics. MLS has been a recurring sponsor and partner across multiple years of the Showdown.
• Phebe's Tavern & GrillminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPhebe's Tavern & Grill hosts the annual Phebe's Golf Outing benefiting the foundation, which raised over $50,000 in 2019. The venue has also hosted Showdown after-parties and pre-event dinners.
• The Starting Five (in partnership with NBA Player Development and Thirty Million Words)flagship / coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Starting Five is a collaboration with NBA Player Development and the Thirty Million Words initiative at the University of Chicago Medicine, educating NBA players on early childhood development so they can influence how dads worldwide foster brain development in their children.
• Claudio Reyna FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Claudio Reyna Foundation co-hosts youth soccer clinics at the Showdown. Claudio Reyna co-founded the Showdown with Steve Nash in 2008. Joint fundraising after-parties have been held.
• LegendsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLegends is a LA-based company that provided Showdown kits (shorts, socks, shirts, jerseys) in 2019. Their gear was an instant favorite with athletes and volunteers.
• GNC Live WellcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGNC has been a presenting and major sponsor of the Showdown across multiple years. GNC hosts the GNC Live Well FanFest, provides product giveaways, sampling, and protein smoothies at events. GNC also hosted the GNC Steve Nash Workout with Dr. Rick Celebrini.
• JetBlueminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJetBlue has provided travel certificates and roundtrip tickets as prizes in Showdown contests. JetBlue's Soar With Reading program has also partnered with the foundation's literacy initiatives.
• Under ArmourcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUnder Armour was the official outfitter of the 2015 and 2016 Showdown, providing Speedforms and Clutchfit shoes and kits to athletes. Provided try-on stations at FanFest.
• GuinnessminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGuinness hosted Showdown After Hours parties at venues including Cipriani Wall Street and the Gem Saloon, providing cocktails and fundraising support.
• Bleacher Report (B/R Football)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBleacher Report teamed up with the foundation for the 2018 and 2019 Showdown as 'B/R Football x Steve Nash Foundation.' Provided unprecedented digital coverage, social media reach, and hosted the event with Adam Lefkoe as emcee. B/R Football designed Showdown jerseys.
• David Villa DV7 Soccer AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe David Villa DV7 Soccer Academy delivered youth soccer clinics at the 2016 and 2017 Showdown, attended by DV7 athletes and youth from Street Soccer USA.
• GatorademinorGTM or Marketing PartnerGatorade has been a sponsor of the Showdown in recent years, providing hydration to athletes and fans at the event.
• PaniniminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPanini presented the Spirit of Showdown award to Steve Nash in 2018 and provided sticker books and trading cards that delighted fans at the event.
• Uni-SportminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUni-Sport provided printing services for Showdown jerseys across multiple years, working with B/R Football, Kicks to the Pitch, and Media One on jersey design and production.
• Kicks to the PitchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKicks to the Pitch collaborated on Showdown jersey design in 2015 and 2016, contributing to the creative direction of Showdown apparel.
• NBA CaresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNBA Cares supported the Showdown as a sponsor, reflecting the NBA's broader community outreach initiatives in partnership with the foundation.
• New York City FCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNYCFC engaged fans with on-site activations at Showdown FanFest and hosted youth soccer clinics for kids from Street Soccer USA.
• New York Red BullsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe New York Red Bulls delivered youth soccer clinics at the Showdown, engaged fans at FanFest, and provided Red Bulls freestylers for entertainment.
• Tottenham Hotspur FCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTottenham Hotspur FC delivered a youth soccer clinic at the 2015 Showdown, providing a free, high-level clinic for kids focused on nurturing skill and joy, including kits from Under Armour.
• Promotion Factory (Venanzio Ciampa)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe Promotion Factory, led by Venanzio Ciampa (co-originator of the Showdown idea with Steve Nash and Claudio Reyna), has organized and produced the Showdown annually since 2008, managing all logistics, volunteers, and event execution.
• Simone Sandri (Showdown Co-Founder)flagship / coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSimone Sandri is the co-founder of the Showdown and has been instrumental in its organization and player recruitment since the inaugural 2008 event. He assists Steve Nash in selecting teams and has played in the match.
• JawboneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJawbone provided UP2 Bands and product giveaways at the Showdown FanFest in 2014 and 2015, with chances to win exclusive gear.
• Time Warner Cable / AXS TVminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTime Warner Cable televised the Showdown in English and Spanish across major markets including California, Nevada, Ohio, Minnesota, NY, and Texas. AXS TV broadcast the 2013 LA Showdown.
• Sing For HopeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSing For Hope, a non-profit, participated in the 2018 Showdown halftime performance featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir and Vanessa Carlton, presented by MINI.
• Umbro / Iconix Brand GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUmbro, under Iconix Brand Group, outfitted Showdown athletes with kits in 2014 and donated duffel bags to children at Henry Street Settlement. Umbro CEO Seth Horowitz presented the game ball to Steve Nash.
• CYBER DUSTminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCYBER DUST was a sponsor of the 2015 Showdown, engaging fans on their disappearing text app during the event.
• Upper 90 SoccerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUpper 90 Soccer provided Showdown apparel customization at FanFest in 2018 and 2019.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Stephen Curry's Eat. Learn. Play. NBA player-founded foundation combining child hunger, literacy, and sport-based programming. Comparable operational model: small staff, celebrity-driven fundraising, multi-state program deployment.
• Dwyane Wade Family Foundation: NBA player-founded foundation targeting underserved youth education, health, and family empowerment. Comparable mission scope and event-driven fundraising approach.
• Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation: Athlete-founded foundation focused on youth education, sports, and family stability. Closely comparable given celebrity founder model and child-services mission.
• LeBron James Family Foundation: Athlete-founded nonprofit supporting underserved children through education and health programs. Closest comparable given similar celebrity founder model, child-focused mission, and corporate sponsor roster.
• Chris Paul Family Foundation: NBA player-founded foundation supporting underserved youth through education, health, and sport. Direct comparable on mission scope, sponsor-led fundraising, and youth athlete development focus.

Emerging players

• Thrive Scholars: Nonprofit supporting high-potential underrepresented students through education and career development. Comparable as a smaller, education-focused nonprofit serving underserved youth.
• Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation: Sports-focused youth development foundation supporting underserved children through athletic and educational opportunities. Comparable as a sports-rooted nonprofit supporting underserved youth programs.

Broad incumbents

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National federation providing youth development programs through member clubs. Comparable as a nonprofit delivering education, health, and recreation services to underserved children, though operates at much larger scale.
• Malala Fund: Established globally focused foundation advocating for girls' education through grantmaking and advocacy. Comparable as a celebrity-founded, multi-country nonprofit with grantmaking operations.
• Save the Children: International nonprofit supporting children's health, education, and protection. Comparable as a grantmaking and direct-service nonprofit serving underserved children across geographies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/SteveNashFdn
• Instagraminstagram.com/stevenashfdn
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thestevenashfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Steve Nash Foundation