Coalition of Sport Organisations Back New 'Sport for Good Response Fund'
May 15, 2020
Click here for an update on Fund efforts (posted July 31).
As the world grapples with the coronavirus epidemic, sport for development organizations across the globe have been forced to halt their work, unable to provide programming or the support that their communities rely on. To help these vitally important initiatives, the Beyond Sport Foundation is proud to be among a coalition of organizations supporting the Sport for Good Response Fund.
The Fund unites a wide range of partners to help support organisations and young people as part of sport’s role in ending violence, discrimination and disadvantage around the world. Through the Sport for Good Response Fund, organisations will be empowered to deliver new or adaptive provision to continue supporting the communities they serve during the current pandemic.
The Sport for Good Response Fund offers financial support to the sports-based development programmes at the heart of communities around the world so that they can withstand the challenges of this immediate stage and help build stronger communities once restrictions are lifted.
In addition to grant funding up to €10,000, organizations are able to apply for strategic support and network-designed solutions to help them navigate an uncertain future and adapt their initiatives.
"We knew we had to act quickly to not only support organisations to weather the immediate storm, but have a smart way of approaching the future," said Nick Keller, Founder and President of Beyond Sport.
"As we emerge from this situation, sport is going to be vitally important in the way we heal. We want to give the incredible organizations in our network the tools to be able to impact the communities in which they serve — now and for years to come."
The Fund launches with grant funding and in-kind support already committed by partners including the Beyond Sport Foundation, Chivas, Comic Relief, Comic Relief US, Hong Kong Rugby Union Community Foundation, LA84 Foundation, Laureus Sport for Good and Z Zurich Foundation.
These organisations are collectively calling on the wider sporting industry to join us in uniting the sporting world to raise further funds to support the amazing sport for development and community sports organisations that are the bedrock of communities around the world.
Beyond Sport Network organizations, and organizations around the world using sport to deliver development outcomes, were encouraged to apply for a grant and strategic support to deliver new ways of supporting communities in changing circumstances. Funds can also be used to help strengthen organizations to ensure they can continue supporting young people going forward. A full report of recommendations and findings will be available by the end of year.
Over the last 12 years, the Beyond Sport Foundation has supported over 300 organizations worldwide, providing upwards of $2.1 million in funds and distributing over $8.5 million in long-term strategic support through Beyond Sport’s world-renowned Global Awards. Applications for this year’s Collective Impact Awards are currently open.
Sport organisations interested in joining the global coalition to support the Sport for Good Response Fund, can contact our Network and Foundation Manager, Peter, at [email protected].