To channel funding and equipment to pickleball visionaries who are bringing the unique benefits of the sport to underchampioned communities around the world.
A future where the sport of pickleball is a global force for good.
In 2022, pickleball was booming across the country. Two media headlines caught our attention: Can Pickleball Save America? and Can Pickleball Save Democracy?
As pickleball enthusiasts who simply enjoyed playing, we had an Aha! moment: How can we make the sport we grew to love be a life-saver for those who have the most to gain and least access?
That’s when the idea for Pickleball for Good was born.
Now we’re building a community of other picklers – and the industry as a whole – to grow how the sport is changing lives. (Plus to get it in the Olympics.)
This community of Pickleball for Good GameChangers is helping to fund and expand the impact of pickleball’s unique benefits (physical, social, psychological, economic and environmental) through our Grants Program and online crowdfunding platform.
We believe pickleball will change the world – one Pickleball for Good GameChanger at a time.
Now that’s a big dill…join us!
Pickleball is known as a sport that is (1) easy to learn (2) social, and (3) adaptable for those with physical, mental, age-related, or cognitive impairment. Research studies are validating the unique ways pickleball enhances wellbeing and quality of life for all:
With an estimated 50 million people in the U.S. who tried the sport in 2024, there are millions more around the world who remain on the sidelines.
There are a number of factors why:
Through our Grants Program and online crowdfundraising platform, we aim to change this, for good.
Susan (aka Dinkerbell) envisioned the potential for Pickleball for Good by combining three of her passions: promoting philanthropy, playing pickleball, and protecting our shared planet. Her professional nonprofit development career spans almost four decades. Since 2018, Susan has served as Philanthropic Partnerships Officer with Global Greengrants Fund, a leading international grassroots environmental justice funder. She is a board member of Earth Gives, serves on Global Pickleball Federation’s Community Development Committee, and is a member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals. Susan adores spending time in and around Lafayette, Colorado with her furry best friend, Ruben Valentino, a Bichapoo puppy mill rescue.
Kim is the Co-Founder of Empower Pickleball and a passionate advocate for using sport to build inclusive, empowered communities. With a background in marketing, partnerships, and social impact, she brings over two decades of experience helping brands grow with purpose. Through Pickleball for Good, Kim is dedicated to creating opportunities that connect people, spark joy, and make a difference—on and off the court.
Dr. Lovell is a CEO, author, and turnaround leader who has proven successes in creating, inspiring, and leading innovative strategies allowing individuals and organizations to successfully adapt, grow, and thrive. She has held leadership roles at public and private universities, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and brings 30+ years of executive leadership. Currently, Dr. Lovell is CEO and President of Lovell For Success providing executive coaching and independent consulting on leadership, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and public policy. She is also a Level 1 Certified Instructor through the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA).
Gus is our legal counsel guiding us through the maze of regulations and contracts overseeing our charitable activities. He has served exempt organizations for over 25 years as both in-house and outside counsel, including those with international activities, and assisted both privately held and nonprofit/tax-exempt startups. Additionally, his practice specializes in intellectual property asset protection, commercial transactions, entity structure and financing. In addition to his JD degree, Gus holds a Master of Laws in international contracts.
A serve in pickleball begins every point.
Likewise, our starting point as a community is reflected in these core values.
We prioritize long-term social, economic, and environmental impact.
We aim high and champion every effort to grow, learn, and lead.
We value every player, every story, every community.
We champion visionaries who build inclusive, life-changing programs.
Everyone who has a desire to play should have the opportunity to participate.
A Pickleball for Good GameChanger is a creator of possibility. You don’t just play the game, you change it.
