About
A unique group of people coming together, donating their time to raise funds for charitable causes
The Champions Volunteer Foundation is a certified non-profit associated with the BNP Paribas Open, the largest sporting event in the Coachella Valley. Comprised of a unique group of people who have come together to donate their time to raise funds for charitable causes in the desert community, the organization embodies how sports have the ability to bring people together and be a powerful philanthropic force for good.
The mission of The Champions Volunteer Foundation is to raise and distribute funds to local non-profits that support, but are not limited to, youth, recreational, educational and well-care programs. Since its founding in 2001, The Champions Volunteer Foundation has donated a total of more than $4 million to nearly 60 different local non-profits per year through a grant application process.
Since the organization’s inception, The Champions Volunteer Foundation has steadily increased the number of grants awarded to keep up with the growing demand from the local community for financial assistance. The Foundation focuses on non-profits throughout the Coachella Valley who support the most vulnerable among us – including youth, elderly and marginalized. As the organization has grown and its local impact become more recognizable, The Foundation has expanded upon its mission to give back to those who need it most and support organizations that might otherwise be turned away.
Due to its affiliation with the BNP Paribas Open, the organization also provides unique volunteer opportunities for a variety of local sporting events. Each March, The Champions Volunteer Foundation recruits more than 1,200 volunteers to support the BNP Paribas Open – one of the largest tennis events in the world. The organization also offers the ability to volunteer at the Indian Wells Arts Festival, FILA Easter Bowl and more.
Nancie Wingo is a trusted and respected leader with decades of experience working alongside and on behalf of volunteers. An avid tennis fan since age 8, Nancie has attended and worked for the BNP Paribas Open for many years. Her role as Director of Volunteer Development with The Champions Volunteer Foundation combines her years of volunteerism and passion for sport.
Her professional life and leadership coaching credentials propel her to create breakthroughs and new opportunities. As Member Services Director for the Greater Richmond YMCA Association in Richmond, Va., Nancie trained staff to deliver excellence to its membership. Under her guidance, member retention and new memberships grew to record highs.
While Alumni Relations Director at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, N.M., Nancie initiated and developed a new Alumni Leadership Forum, increasing alumni engagement and financial support for scholarships. In addition to her employment experience, Nancie has been a frequent volunteer with the PTA, Food Bank, Tennis Recreation Associations, Habitat for Humanity and more.
