Purpose, Perspective & Paying It Forward: Understanding Community Contribution in Current & Retired Elite Athletes - An Exploratory Study

This exploratory mixed-methods study examined the motivations, barriers, enablers, and perceived benefits shaping Australian elite athletes’ engagement in community contribution activities within the not-for-profit (NFP) sector. Conducted in partnership with Athletes for Hope Australia, the study involved an online survey of 31 current and retired elite athletes across 16 sports, followed by semi-structured interviews to provide qualitative depth. Findings indicated that community contribution was associated with high levels of life satisfaction and psychological wellbeing, with retired athletes reporting particularly strong flourishing, suggesting enduring benefits beyond athletic careers. Engagement was primarily motivated by values-based drivers, including altruism and humanitarian concern, alongside learning-oriented motivations, while career and social motives were comparatively weak. Time constraints emerged as the principal barrier for current athletes, whereas alignment with personal values, social encouragement, and opportunities for autonomy and legacy-building facilitated involvement. Overall, the findings indicate that actively supporting athletes to engage in meaningful community and charitable activities enhances their wellbeing and sense of purpose, while simultaneously strengthening NFP organisational impact through values-driven partnerships.