Foundation Donor Spotlight: How Bill Conway is Expanding Access to Triathlon Through Philanthropy

For Bill Conway, triathlon is more than a sport — it’s a community. 

His journey into the sport began in 2007 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since then, he has witnessed triathlon’s transformation into a more widely recognized and diverse endeavor across the country and worldwide. From the sport’s Olympic debut in 2000 to its inclusion as an NCAA Emerging Sport for Women, Conway has seen firsthand how triathlon has evolved, particularly in fostering youth participation and accessibility.

Recognizing the power of access, Conway recently made a significant commitment to the USA Triathlon Foundation’s philanthropic priority: Inspiring Access and Belonging. His initial $20,000 matching gift, followed by an additional $20,000 once the first match was met, sparked remarkable growth in donor support — expanding from just two donors to an impressive 42 new donors championing this initiative. His generosity not only provided financial resources, but also inspired others to contribute, magnifying the impact of the initiative.  

Impressed by these results, Conway has committed to continuing this annual challenge match through 2027. That means more opportunities for donors to double their gift — and their impact. Be sure to keep an eye out for the USA Triathlon Foundation year-end appeal, when this challenge match will relaunch to support Access and Belonging and give even more athletes the chance to thrive in triathlon.

Why Access Matters

Conway believes that community is the heart and soul of triathlon. 

“Athletes of all ages and abilities show up and cheer each other on, celebrating the fact that we all showed up,” he said. “The bigger and more diverse the community, the bigger the celebration.” 

By supporting initiatives that remove barriers to entry, Conway hopes to see triathlon reach more underrepresented groups, ensuring that anyone who wants to participate has the opportunity to do so.

His inspiration for giving came from his involvement with local youth groups in New York and Ohio, where he saw firsthand the transformative power of the sport. He recognized that by providing a matching gift, he could expand his impact to reach beyond local initiatives and encourage others to step up across the nation, investing in the future of triathlon.

A Vision for the Future

Through his philanthropy, Conway hopes to see a growing donor community committed to increasing access to triathlon.

“I want to help identify and support current and future leaders and coaches working in their communities to make the many benefits of triathlon available to as many people as possible,” Conway said. “The physical and mental health benefits, the community, and fun! ”

Conway emphasizes that access is the true starting point for the sport’s future. 

“Competing in even one triathlon is a life-changing event, something to be celebrated by itself. And the more people who have the opportunity to participate, the bigger the pool of potential Olympians, age group champions, and lifelong supporters,” he said.

Paying It Forward

Conway’s own triathlon journey has been shaped by the mentorship of Tove and Jerry Shere, longtime triathletes and coaches he met in Santa Fe. They introduced him to the sport and continued to support his development as an athlete and person, from small local races, to USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships, all the way to the World Triathlon Age Group World Championships. Inspired by the Shere’s passion and generosity, Conway embraced the idea of paying it forward — first as a USA Triathlon Ambassador and now as a major donor.

He sees his philanthropy as an investment in both individuals and the broader triathlon community. 

“I make long-term commitments when and where it makes sense,” he said. “Multi-year pledges help USA Triathlon and the local groups they support gain stability and plan for the future.”

Conway’s impact on the sport is clear — through his giving, mentorship, and passion for access, he is helping shape a future where triathlon is truly a sport for all. His commitment to Inspiring Access and Belonging ensures that more individuals, regardless of background or resources, can experience the transformative power of triathlon.

For more information on how to engage with the USA Triathlon Foundation, contact Christi-Marie Butler, Chief Development Officer of the USA Triathlon Foundation, at christi-marie.butler@usatriathlon.org or (719) 313-0167.

About the USA Triathlon Foundation

The USA Triathlon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the charitable arm of USA Triathlon. With its mission to transform lives through sport by providing opportunities to swim, bike and run, the Foundation serves to generate a greater impact on the multisport community through charitable giveback and grants that advance the Foundation’s three pillars: (1) Encourage youth participation; (2) Inspire pathways to access and inclusion; and (3) Ignite Olympic/Paralympic dreams. Since the Foundation was established in 2014, it has impacted the lives of thousands by providing grants to organizations and individuals in pursuit of its mission and pillars to create a healthier United States through triathlon. To learn more about the Foundation and get involved, please visit usatriathlonfoundation.org.