Arnold and Winnie Palmer at The Masters Tournament.
Our History of Giving

Throughout their lives together, Arnold and Winnie Palmer dove into supporting many worthy causes that were “not just about golf, but possible because of golf.” In true partnership, Arnold and Winnie devoted their time away from golf to philanthropy — focused especially on young people — which created a blueprint for other modern athletes to use their fame and fortune to serve others.

Soon after Arnold Palmer’s first tour win in 1955, a new energy began to resonate through the golfing world. Admiring golf fans rapidly transformed into “Arnie’s Army”: passionate supporters who loved the way he played on the golf course and admired the values he championed off of it.

Arnold and Winnie Palmer at The Masters Tournament.

From the start, Arnold — along with Winnie’s support — encouraged his fans to rally behind causes and ideals that transcended golf. Arnie’s Army followed their example, supporting children through the March of Dimes, the Arnold Palmer Hospital, and many additional worthy causes.

Arnold and Winnie quickly identified three key areas to focus their efforts on: children’s health, character development, and nature-focused wellness.

By forming relationships with hospitals and research centers throughout the United States — including ones that bear their names — Arnold and Winnie Palmer provided critical support to children around the world. They helped spread awareness and raise national funding to facilitate high-quality maternal and infant care, and enhance children’s lives through the innovative treatment of health challenges.

Instilling a love and respect for nature in future generations.

Arnold and Winnie helped facilitate opportunities for young people to live a Life Well Played through investments in organizations that champion character development, integrity, respect for others, and leadership, as well as personal growth and development through sports.

One area of giving played a particularly important role throughout Winnie’s life: nature-focused wellness. Together with Arnold, Winnie advocated for environmental education, recreation and conservation. The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation advances these efforts to this day, through providing access to place-based ecology education for children, protecting and enhancing natural lands, and facilitating youth exploration of nature and its positive impact on wellness.

A long history of putting golf clubs in the hands of children.

As Arnold Palmer’s success on the golf course continued to grow, as did his business acumen and reputation as a world-leading philanthropist. The Arnold Palmer Group of companies, the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by Mastercard, and the Palmer family, became several of the leading contributors to the Palmer Foundation. As ever, thousands are members of Arnie’s Army, providing generous support and embracing our Founders’ spirit that, together, we can make a difference for people around the world.

Not only did Arnold Palmer achieve success on the golf course and in business off of it, he completely reinvented what it meant to be a professional athlete and what it now means to be engaged in the business of sports.

Through our grantmaking and initiatives today, Arnie’s Army carries on the Palmers’ devotion to children — especially those facing challenges — and honors their commitment to nature and its ability to enrich and heal us.

Today, the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation continues the Palmer tradition of impactful philanthropy and leadership. Led by members of the Palmer family, and strategic advisors, Arnie’s Army champions a #LifeWellPlayed for all of our children.