WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Monumental Sports and Entertainment (MSE) commemorates National Nonprofit Day, celebrated annually on August 17, as it reflects on another year of giving back to the community through organizations that serve the fan communities that support the company’s teams, venues and media channels. During the 2023-2024 season, MSE has donated approximately $15 million thanks to the generous support of the Leonsis family, the Monumental Sports and Entertainment Foundation (MSEF) and MSE’s Corporate Office.
“We believe sports plays a vital role in uniting and uplifting our communities, and we strive to do more every season,” said Ted Leonsis, chairman and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “Our goal is to support those already doing great work in our neighborhoods and use our platform to support their efforts so more people can share a sense of belonging and prosperity throughout our community.”
Separately, MSE’s sports team franchises, the Washington Capitals, Wizards and Mystics, donate generously throughout their respective seasons, distributing tens of millions of dollars to nonprofits each year, beyond the reach of the Leonsis family, their corporate group and their own nonprofit organizations.
MSE gives back to its neighbors in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia area not only through monetary donations but also through thousands of community volunteer hours by its employees. MSE also actively supports local businesses and nonprofits by spotlighting their impactful work through highly-visited social media sites, website and digital boards both inside and outside the arena. MSE is proud to have been recognized as one of the region’s top corporate philanthropists by the Washington Business Journal.
This year, the Leonsis family highlighted their commitment to the community by making $11.3 million in pledges and donations since June 2023. Highlights include:
Matched employee-led donations to help Calvary Women’s Services recover from January’s devastating explosion, allowing the organization to continue its critical work. Funded the Mamie Johnson Little League softball team, comprised mostly of African-American girls from Wards 7 and 8, to compete in the World Series Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament. Donated to the Madison County Parks and Recreation Hockey Program after their rink was completely destroyed in a devastating wildfire. Established a $5 million endowment to support and inspire young entrepreneurs at the McDonough School of Business for its annual “Bark Tank” competition, created by the Leonsis family to support young entrepreneurs and job creators. Committed $5 million to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital to improve pediatric care, including funding a new rooftop helipad with direct access to a state-of-the-art emergency department and operating room to help children and their families with acute trauma.
“We’re grateful to the many fans and local community who support the work of Monumental Sports and we encourage the work of nonprofits who provide essential services,” said Elizabeth Pace, president and executive director of Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. “The Leonsis family has built a culture of philanthropy and measurable community impact for our organization. This dual-benefit approach ensures that each year we are consistently committed to giving back to the community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.”
This year, MSEF provided more than $1.2 million in grants to nonprofits, rallying MSE teams and fans to strengthen the efforts of community change agents. Each season, MSE fans support the Foundation’s mission by donating through a 50/50 raffle at Capitals, Wizards and Mystics games, both in the arena and online. A highlight of the organization’s annual activities is the KABOOM! Playground Construction, a dynamic event where Capitals, Wizards and Mystics players, Monumental Sports Network talent and MSE staff come together to build a state-of-the-art, community-designed playground in an often-neglected neighborhood. Built with passion and teamwork, the playground serves as a vibrant space that enriches the lives of hundreds of children each year.
MSE employees also lead fundraising efforts and participate in volunteer efforts through MSE Employee Resource Groups, which include efforts of particular importance to MSE employees from the Asian American, African American, Hispanic, Young Professional, able-bodied and disability support communities. These organizations help support community efforts through small grants and other support to various partners.
MSE’s Corporate Office has directed more than $1.9 million in charitable giving and donations. Notable initiatives include an all-staff effort to host DC CAP’s college commencement ceremony at Capital One Arena, an organization chaired by Ted Leonsis. The ceremony marked a key moment in their academic journey, celebrating thousands of students across the DMV’s commitment to pursue a variety of educational paths, including four-year universities, community colleges, certificate programs and military service. Additionally, MSE partnered with MedStar to revamp two MedStar Kids mobile health clinics, which now proudly display the logos of MSE’s sports teams. This investment will enable the clinics to continue their important mission of providing high-quality, accessible primary care to children and youth in the most underserved areas of Washington, DC, delivering essential health services directly to the heart of their communities.
Monumental Sports supports a variety of initiatives across all neighborhoods and groups in the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area. Each initiative plays a vital role in enriching the lives of those it serves and strengthening the community. In addition to those already mentioned, MSE proudly supports initiatives such as:
Best Buddy
Bread for the city
Capital Area Food Bank
University Preparatory Course
University of the District of Columbia Admissions Program
DC Public Library Foundation
Fighting for Children
DC Fire & EMS Foundation
Friends of Fort DuPont Ice Arena
Latin American Youth Center
A level playing field
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Martha’s Table
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
National Museum of African American History and Culture
University of Washington Foundation
District Columbia University
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About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America’s leading sports and entertainment family. Our people, players, teams and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We are constantly elevating the game through investment and innovation, delivering amazing experiences that inspire and unite our communities, fans and employees. Learn more at monumentalsports.com.
About Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation
The MSE Foundation is committed to making our region a better place for everyone by supporting groundbreaking solutions in our communities. We support and amplify the impact of community change agents by raising funds, providing grants to nonprofits, and mobilizing the team and fans of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. Together, we’re elevating the game in the DMV. Learn more at www.monumentalfoundation.org and follow us! Twitter And Instagram.
