15:00, 04 February 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Another year, another Olympic season is upon us. This time, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina. While the Winter Olympics is not as heavily covered as the summer games, it’s just as important to see what these games are all about and like the other games, come together to discover new sports.
What many people don’t know is the Olympics is not just a sport to show off each country's athletic prowess, but is also an opportunity to share about their culture, be part of an international community and platform important topics on the world stage.
And 2026 is no different! This year there is a truckload of charities and nonprofits being supported or are officially associated with the Games.
Keep reading to find out more about which aid organisations, you may want to keep an eye out for this month.
Another year, another Olympic season is upon us. This time, the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina. While the Winter Olympics is not as heavily covered as the summer games, it’s just as important to see what these games are all about and like the other games, come together to discover new sports.
What many people don’t know is the Olympics is not just a sport to show off each country's athletic prowess, but is also an opportunity to share about their culture, be part of an international community and platform important topics on the world stage.
And 2026 is no different! This year there is a truckload of charities and nonprofits being supported or are officially associated with the Games.
Keep reading to find out more about which aid organisations, you may want to keep an eye out for this month.
One of the most visible charitable forces linked to the Games is the Olympic Refuge Foundation. Created by the International Olympic Committee, the foundation supports displaced young people around the world through safe access to sport and education. Its work aligns closely with the Olympic Refugee Team, reminding global audiences that sport can restore dignity, purpose, and belonging.
Founded by Olympic gold medalist Johann Olav Koss, Right To Play uses play and sport to protect, educate, and empower children facing adversity. While independent from the host Games, the charity’s Olympic roots and child-focused mission resonate strongly during the Winter Olympics, when millions are reminded of sport’s power beyond competition.
At the local level, the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 is driving initiatives designed to ensure the Games benefit Italian communities long after the closing ceremony. Its Impact 2026 programme supports social enterprises, nonprofits, and small organisations, promoting Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 inclusion, sustainability, and ethical economic growth connected to the Olympic supply chain.
A cornerstone of British sport, The National Lottery provides vital funding for Team GB and ParalympicsGB, supporting everything from grassroots clubs to podium-level athletes on the road to Milano Cortina.
Through Athletes for Good, Olympians can direct funding toward charities they care about, backing community projects and social causes chosen by athletes themselves.
The True Athlete Project offers mentoring and personal development support for athletes, including those linked with the Ellie Soutter Foundation, focusing on wellbeing beyond performance.
Run by the International Olympic Committee, Olympic Solidarity provides funding for athlete development worldwide, including support for Refugee Olympic Team members on their journey to the Games.
Community Integrated Care collaborates with Team GB to promote inclusive sports experiences, ensuring people with care and support needs are part of the Olympic story.
Through the “26 for 26” Winter Games Challenge, Disability Snowsport UK is working to make snowsports more accessible to people with disabilities. The initiative highlights inclusion as a core Olympic value, ensuring winter sport opportunities extend beyond elite competition.
Team GB has partnered with StreetGames and YoungMinds to support young people through sport, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and mental health. These collaborations aim to use sport as a tool for confidence, connection, and resilience.
Founded in memory of British snowboarder Ellie Soutter, The Ellie Soutter Foundation provides mental health resources and financial support to young winter athletes. Its work addresses the often-unseen pressures of elite sport, particularly for teenagers on the Olympic pathway.
The Special Olympics movement continues to benefit from Olympic-linked fundraising initiatives such as the Polar Plunge. These events raise awareness and funding for athletes with intellectual disabilities, reinforcing the Games’ inclusive spirit.
Cover Image Credit: Sam Mellish
