As many of us turned our attention to the Olympics last summer, the ActionFunder team got to thinking about the role of sport in the community. Our experience in grassroots sport has ranged from getting funding into clubs as part of Greene King’s Proud To Pitch In funds, to a recent collaboration with GB Snowsports (getting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into snowsports). Throughout our work in this area, we’ve seen how sports can break down barriers, and provide much needed community connection, while improving physical and mental health.
Right now, many grassroots sports groups are struggling to bounce back from the continued impacts of the pandemic. Sported projected that 25% of sports clubs were unlikely to return after the Winter 2021 lockdown. More recently, the same publication reported that “The biggest challenge facing groups is immediate and continued funding needs with groups struggling to cover costs accrued.” 47% of sporting organisations reported that they needed support in increasing knowledge of funding opportunities to support them to recover.
What can grassroots sports clubs do?
It’s important that grassroots groups get their funding from a variety of sources. By tapping into a variety of funding streams (from grants to donations) groups avoid putting all their eggs in one basket and so increase the sustainability of their finances.
When it comes to grant funding, ActionFunder can help groups to get quick and easy access to small-scale grants from businesses that want to support community sport. Groups can sign up, fill out their profiles and wait to be notified when relevant funds launch. When they’re matched with a relevant fund the application process is simple and accessible, offering users the opportunity to apply for funding in writing or by video.
What can businesses do to support grassroots community sports?
Greene King recently launched a £100,000 fund to support grassroots sports projects through the Proud to Pitch In fund. At ActionFunder, we work with all sorts of businesses and foundations, from big corporations like Greene King to small SME businesses, interested in supporting community sports in the UK.
If you’re a business or foundation interested in supporting community sports groups then get in touch with us or book a demo today. We can support your organisation to find, fund and follow the impact of community action.
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Community sports on ActionFunder
There are many brilliant sports projects looking for funding on ActionFunder. Here are just a few:
- Sports Therapy Programme, Portsmouth
- A New Chapter – London Seaward FC, London
- Get Active Sailing/Watersports, Chorley
- Getting more women playing cricket, Woore
- Grand sports club, Gravesend
- Adult boxing classes, London
