Historic grants, hands-on volunteerism, and community partnerships fuel a season of unprecedented impact across the DMV
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Credit: Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Washington, D.C. (August 18, 2025) – In recognition of National Nonprofit Day on August 17, Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), together with the Leonsis Family and the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF), proudly reflect on a landmark year of community impact.
During the 2024–25 season, the organization directed nearly $20 million in philanthropic support to drive meaningful change across the Washington region. The total includes $3.1 million in donations by MSEF – the highest seasonal philanthropic total in the Foundation’s history. Additionally, MSE’s corporate office more than doubled its total charitable giving from 2023-24 ($1.9 million), providing $4.5 million in charitable contributions in 2024-25.
The season’s philanthropic total reflects generous contributions from the Leonsis Family, MSEF and MSE’s corporate office, along with employee volunteerism, in-game fundraising, and cross-sector collaborations. Earlier this year, Washington Business Journal spotlighted these efforts, naming MSE a 2025 Top Corporate Philanthropist in the Washington D.C. region.
In addition to the efforts led by the Leonsis Family, the broader company, and the MSE Foundation, Monumental’s sports franchises—the Washington Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics—contribute significantly throughout their seasons, directing tens of millions of dollars annually to nonprofit partners.
“Every season, we challenge ourselves to do more — not just as a business, but as neighbors, changemakers, and conveners,” said Ted Leonsis, Founder and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “That’s the heart of our double bottom line approach: we aim to build a world-class, financially thriving company while generating lasting value for the communities we serve. This strategy, this is our business, this is our platform, and with it comes the responsibility to deliver real, measurable impact for the people across the District who inspire us each and every day.”
Philanthropic highlights from the 2024-25 season include:
District of Play: MSE debuted a multi-year, multi-million-dollar District of Play youth sports initiative with dozens of programs and commitments, including the 2025 District Dribble campaign that distributed 29,000 basketballs to PreK – 5th students across D.C.
Legacy on Ice: MSE and MSEF led the Legacy on Ice program that raised $1.3 million for loved ones and first responders affected by the January 2025 aviation tragedy at Ronald Reagan National Airport through a sold-out figure skating benefit at Capital One Arena, online auction, and community fundraising.
DC College Access Program: MSE and the Leonsis family led a historic $30 million investment in college access for thousands of D.C. students, marking the single largest known investment in D.C. students’ access to post-secondary opportunities to date. MSE also contributed a full-staff effort to host DC CAP’s College Signing Day at Capital One Arena in early 2025.
Annual KABOOM! Playground Build: More than 150 MSE employees, athletes, and community volunteers came together in September 2024 to complete a vibrant new playground at the Huntwood Courts Apartments, providing over 560 children with a safe environment to play and marking the 12th playground constructed as part of MSEF and KABOOM!’s partnership.
“MSEF believes that strategic philanthropy can be a powerful force for equity, access, and lasting impact,” said Elizabeth Pace, President and Executive Director of the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. “We’re proud to work alongside passionate nonprofit leaders, dedicated volunteers, and our teams to create opportunities that extend far beyond the arena. This past season, we saw firsthand how collaboration and community-centered investment can move the needle on issues that matter most to our region.”
In addition to financial contributions, MSE and MSEF have activated networks of staff, athletes, alumni, and fans to show up for the region:
– MSEF facilitated over 1,000 volunteer hours for employees, athletes and volunteers, providing support for nonprofits through hands-on service and strategic guidance
– Through digital, in-venue, and broadcast platforms, MSE amplified community partners to millions of fans throughout the season
– Game-day 50/50 raffles raised more than $1.3 million in support of local nonprofits — with each winning fan drawing doubling as a charitable grant
MSEF kicked off its 2025-26 season today, rallying MSE staff to pack 500 hygiene kits to support the Greater DC Diaper Bank (GDCDB)’s efforts providing essential items for new moms. During the volunteer event, MSEF also presented GDCDB with a $25,000 cash donation.
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About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America’s leading integrated sports and entertainment company and is ranked as one of the most valuable globally. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com.
About Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation
MSE Foundation is committed to making the region a better place for all by supporting game-changing solutions for our community. We fundraise, provide grants to nonprofits and rally Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s teams and fans to support and amplify the impact of community change agents. Together, we’re raising the game in the DMV. Learn more at: www.monumentalfoundation.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
