Identify your funding readiness, access tailored guidance, and explore funding opportunities for sport education projects across Europe.
The STARS Funding Tool helps sport education organisations understand where they stand, what kind of support they need, and which funding opportunities may be relevant to their projects. Through a short self-assessment, users are guided towards the most appropriate section of the Financial Models Portfolio, before exploring practical funding options, resources and recommendations.
1Self-assessment
Answer a few questions to identify the most relevant Portfolio section for your profile.
Your organisation should focus first on strengthening its internal financial foundations, including budgeting, reserves, eligibility, reporting systems, grant expertise and funding diversification. Start with the Universal Framework before moving to more advanced funding opportunities.
Your organisation has several foundations in place and is ready to pursue targeted investment opportunities. Focus on the Contextual Annexes to compare relevant European and country-specific routes, eligibility criteria, deadlines and practical application steps.
Your organisation demonstrates strong financial readiness and can focus on expansion, diversification and long-term sustainability. Use the KPI section to assess financial sustainability, accessibility, long-term impact and the monitoring of funding models over time.
3Funding Opportunities Database
Search and filter relevant funding programmes by country, type, level and difficulty.
Convocatoria de Ayudas 2025 para la protección… Convocatoria de Ayudas 2025 para la protección social de los Deportistas de Alto Nivel
Higher Sports Council
SpainPublicMedium
Funding amount: 11.000.000,00 €
Target beneficiaries: Spanish Sports Federations applying on behalf of athletes and coaches belonging to them who can prove their eligibility under the terms set out in…
Convocatoria de Ayudas 2025 para la protección social de los Deportistas de Alto Nivel
Higher Sports Council
SpainPublicNationalMedium
Funding amount
11.000.000,00 €
Target beneficiaries
Spanish Sports Federations applying on behalf of athletes and coaches belonging to them who can prove their eligibility under the terms set out in the call for applications as final recipients.
Funding objectives
Promote social protection for high-level athletes through grants awarded by the CSD, covering the cost of Social Security contributions paid in 2024. Additionally, finance through grants awarded by the CSD the preparation and participation of athletes in international competitions representing Spain.
Application process
"Deadline: 2nd-20th of June, 2025
Documents required:
– Copy of the enabling Power of Attorney, in case of signature by a person other than the President of the requesting Federation.
– If you have applied for or received any other subsidy, grant, or public or private resources for the project being subsidized, please provide a copy of the application submitted or the award resolution.
– List of contributions, according to the standardized model, in Excel format (688019_2025_1_1_CUOT) and a copy of the document in PDF format and electronically signed.
– List of athletes for whom aid is requested, according to the standardized model, in Excel format (2a) (688019_2025_2a_AYUDASRESULCSD) and a copy of the document in PDF format and electronically signed.
– Sports project for the specialty of sports for people with disabilities (2b) to be developed in the 2025 season, in PDF format and electronically signed.
– Aid regulations, in the event that the application (2b) includes direct aid to athletes, in PDF format and electronically signed.
– Report of the sports project developed in 2024 and budget, for the specialty of sports for people with disabilities (2b), in PDF format and electronically signed.
– Explanatory report on the destination of the aid for the development of Special Plans (2c) that complement the general sports project already submitted to the CSD for evaluation, in PDF format and electronically signed.
– List of activities for which the Special Plan is requested according to the standard model (2c) in Excel format (688019_2025_2c_PLANESPECIAL) and a copy of the document in PDF format and electronically signed.
Requirements:
1. Recipients of social protection contributions for high-level athletes. DANs will be recipients of aid provided by the FFDDEE when they meet the
following requirements:
a. That the athletes have been officially recognised as such during 2024, in accordance with the provisions of Royal Decree 971/2007, of 13 July, on high-level and high-performance athletes, and that they have not been definitively sanctioned for doping offences during any period of subsidised contributions.
b. That in 2024 they were affiliated to the National Social Security System under one of the schemes indicated in point 1 of section one.
c. That in 2024 they did not play for football teams affiliated to clubs and sports companies registered in the
National Professional Football League, or in their affiliated or dependent football teams. Athletes from sports other than football are not affected by this restriction.
d. That high-level sports practice was their main activity at the time when the sporting results that determine the recognition of their status as high-level athletes were obtained.
e. That they have had a valid licence from the corresponding Spanish Federation for the years 2024 and 2025.
f. That in 2024 they have not obtained gross annual income linked to their sporting activity or any other economic activity exceeding 43, 200 €, i.e. 6 times the Public Multiple Effect Income Indicator for 2024, excluding financial aid in line with the preparation programmes established by the CSD with the Spanish sports federations or with the Spanish Olympic and Paralympic Committees, and who also comply with the conditions established in Royal Decree 439/2007, of 30 March, which approves the Personal Income Tax Regulations and modifies the Pension Plans and Funds Regulations.
2. Recipients of aid for participation in international competitions.
a. In relation to the provisions of section Three 2 a) of this call for applications, those athletes who have won medals in World or European Championships in 2024 or have been reclassified due to their results and who meet the criteria included in Annex II of the Resolution on grants for athletes.
b. In relation to the provisions of section Three 2 b) of this call, athletes and their coaches from single-sport FFDDEEs that have the sport for people with disabilities included in their statutes and that are included in the catalogue of eligible specialities, to finance sports programmes aimed at preparing athletes.
c. In relation to the provisions of section Three 2 c) of this call for applications, athletes and their coaches from FFDDEE who meet the following requirements:
– Spanish sports federations with specialities and events included exclusively in the programme of the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to the classification by groups set out in Annex I of the Resolution of the Presidency of the CSD, which announces grants for Spanish Sports Federations for the year 2025.
– Spanish sports federations with specialities and events newly included in the programme of the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympic Games.
– Spanish multi-sport federations for people with disabilities with events included in the programme of the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games,
according to the classification by groups set out in Annex I of the Resolution of the Presidency of the CSD, calling for applications for grants to Spanish Sports Federations for the year 2025.
– Spanish sports federations for team sports with events included in the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games, according to the classification by groups set out in Annex I of the Resolution of the Presidency of the CSD, calling for applications for grants to Spanish Sports Federations for the year 2025, and which have applied for said grants.
– Spanish sports federations newly included in the programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, according to the classification by groups set out in Annex I of the Resolution of the Presidency of the CSD, which calls for grants to Spanish Sports Federations for the year 2025.
– Spanish motor sports federations with more than 15,000 licences not included in the Olympic or Paralympic Games programmes, according to the classification by groups set out in Annex I of the Resolution of the Presidency of the CSD, calling for grants to Spanish Sports Federations for the year 2025.
Past beneficiaries
Spanish Federation of Handball (RFEBM):1.306.504,75 € Spanish Boxing Federation (RFEBox): 327,600 € Spanish Federation of Football (RFEF): 887,025 € (examples)
Ayudas a deportistas madrileños por participar en competiciones deportivas oficiales (2025)
Higher Sports Council
SpainPublicRegionalEasy
Funding amount
1.420.000,00 €
Target beneficiaries
Madrilian sportspeople/athletes
Funding objectives
Improvement and refinement of Madrid athletes who stand out for their results in 2024, in their participation in official national and international competitions in the various recognised sports, both individual and team sports.
Application process
"Deadline: From 5th – 25th of March 2025
Documents requiered:
1. Application. Click PROCESS to access the processing area where you’ll find the online form.
2. Documentation. The documents you must provide and the data the Community of Madrid may access are listed.
Documents to be submitted with the application:
1. Certificate of registration since at least 01/01/2024.
2. Copy of the applicant’s valid passport or resident card.
3. Certificate from the corresponding federation according to the form called “Certificate of the Federation”.
The Community of Madrid will electronically consult the data in the following documents unless you object, in which case you must provide them:
1. NIF or NIE.
2. In the case of acting through a representative, the representative’s NIF or NIE.
Remember that you are responsible for the accuracy of the documents you submit.
Requirements:
1. Be registered in the municipal register of a City Council in the Community of Madrid since at least January 1, 2024.
2. Have a valid license from a Madrid sports federation, at least since January 1, 2024, with which you have been able to represent the Community of Madrid and the Spanish National Team if selected, during the qualifying years.
3. Not serving a final sanction for a disciplinary or administrative infraction in sports matters, classified as serious or very serious.
4. Not to be included in any of the causes contemplated in the subsidy regulations , for which purpose a responsible declaration will be signed.
5. Having obtained one of the following results in 2024:
a. Be an individual medalist in the Spanish Championship in the case of individual sports.
b. Being a team medalist in the case of team sports.
c. Being among the top three in the national ranking.
d. To be a medalist in a top-level international competition.
e. In the event that the federation does not have a national ranking, they must be among the top three Spaniards in the respective international ranking.
A ranking is considered to be a document containing the classification of athletes in a sport, specialty, or event, established in a unique and official manner by the respective federative entity or legally recognized organization.
6. Declare other subsidies, grants, and income, derived directly or indirectly from sports activities, that you received in 2024, which may be reviewed by the Administration. The declaration is included in the application form.
Documentation requirements
1. Certificate of registration: must expressly indicate the date of registration, and must cover at least the entire eligible year.
2. Copy of the applicant’s valid passport or resident card: In the case of minors, the father’s, mother’s, or guardian’s passport must be attached.
Past beneficiaries
Cyclism- Luis Javier Arcega Castillo- 4.000 €
Fencing- Lucia Abajo Salcedo- 1.000 €
Rugby- Marta Estelles Chaparro- 3.000 €
(examples)
Call for Expression of Interest – Skills and Jobs of th…Call for Expression of Interest – Skills and Jobs of the Future (AMI CMA) (Compétences et Métiers dAvenir)
Banque des Territoires – Caisse des Dépôts, on behalf of the French government
FrancePublic
Funding amount: Funding per project may range from €500,000 to over €10 million, depending on the scope, innovation level, and duration of the project.…
Target beneficiaries: Public and private vocational training providers, higher education institutions, consortia involving companies, research bodies, and regional authorities.
Call for Expression of Interest – Skills and Jobs of the Future (AMI CMA) (Compétences et Métiers dAvenir)
Banque des Territoires – Caisse des Dépôts, on behalf of the French government
FrancePublicNational
Funding amount
Funding per project may range from €500,000 to over €10 million, depending on the scope, innovation level, and duration of the project. Co-financing is generally required.
Target beneficiaries
Public and private vocational training providers, higher education institutions, consortia involving companies, research bodies, and regional authorities.
Funding objectives
This national scheme aims to support the transformation of training systems to meet the strategic needs of emerging sectors such as digital, green transition, health, mobility, food systems. It promotes large-scale, innovative, and replicable models aligned with regional development strategies and labour market needs.
Application process
Applications must be submitted via the "Ma Démarches Simplifiées" platform. The process includes eligibility screening, technical and financial evaluation, and a strategic interview. Applicants must provide a project description, governance model, budget, timeline, and partnership details. Several waves of selection take place annually.
Past beneficiaries
Examples include national or regional clusters of excellence in sustainable construction, food innovation, sport-health, and inclusive mobility; consortia led by CREPS, universities, or large training operators.
Concesión de ayudas a deportistas deputacion de segovia…Concesión de ayudas a deportistas deputacion de segovia 2025
Segovia Provincial Council
SpainPublicEasy
Funding amount: 50.000,00 €,
Target beneficiaries: Atheltes who participate in official competition up to the absolute category, both individual and team sports that are part of official federacions are considered.
Concesión de ayudas a deportistas deputacion de segovia 2025
Segovia Provincial Council
SpainPublicRegionalEasy
Funding amount
50.000,00 €,
Target beneficiaries
Atheltes who participate in official competition up to the absolute category, both individual and team sports that are part of official federacions are considered.
Funding objectives
To cover expenses incurred as a result of sport practice
Application process
" Deadlines: April 21, 2025 to may 21th of 2025
Documentation Required:
– Application Form (ANEXO 1): Only if submitting a paper application. If applying electronically, the application form is completed directly on the electronic platform.
– Photocopy of the applicant athlete’s Tax Identification Number (NIF). For minors, a photocopy of the NIF, Family Book, or any document proving representation of the person signing the aforementioned documents must also be attached.
– Updated Certificado o volante de empadronamiento: Issued by the city council, confirming residency in a municipality within the province of Segovia with a population under 20,000 inhabitants for at least one year prior to the publication of these rules in the Official Gazette of the Province of Segovia. If the athlete’s change of address is due to sports activity, a document proving this must be provided.
– Photocopy of a valid federative license.
– Certificate of Sporting Merits: Issued by the federation or delegation of the respective sport (ANEXO 2). This must be signed by the president or secretary of the federation. The signature can be manual or electronic. In the case of a manual signature from the federation or delegation, it must be accompanied by the corresponding stamp.
– Certificate from the Tax Agency and Social Security: Proving that all obligations are up to date. This is only required if you expressly deny consent for the Provincial Council of Segovia to check your tax and Social Security data.
Requirements:
To be eligible for these grants, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• – Born in 2011 or earlier.
– Registered as a resident in a municipality within the province of Segovia with a population under 20,000 inhabitants for at least one year prior to the publication date of the extract of these rules in the Official Gazette of the Province of Segovia.
– Hold a valid federative license at the time of application submission.
– Have participated in an official sports competition during the years 2023 and 2024.
– Not have been sanctioned by a final decision in matters of sports discipline during the years 2023, 2024, and 2025.
– Not have outstanding tax or other non-tax debts or sanctions with the Provincial Administration that are in enforcement proceedings, unless these debts or sanctions are deferred, installment-based, or their enforcement has been suspended. The Provincial Council of Segovia will verify compliance with these obligations ex officio by issuing a positive administrative certification.
– Not fall under any of the circumstances outlined in Article 13 of the General Subsidies Law (LGS) that would prevent them from being beneficiaries. Applicants must declare under their own responsibility to the granting authority that they do not fall under any of these prohibitions."
Convocatoria de ayudas economicas a estudiantes curso 2…Convocatoria de ayudas economicas a estudiantes curso 2024-25
Government of Aragon
SpainPublicEasy
Funding amount: 5.400€
Target beneficiaries: Students participating in the University of Zaragoza’s healthy physical activity promotion programs and sports schools during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Convocatoria de ayudas economicas a estudiantes curso 2024-25
Government of Aragon
SpainPublicRegionalEasy
Funding amount
5.400€
Target beneficiaries
Students participating in the University of Zaragoza’s healthy physical activity promotion programs and sports schools during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Funding objectives
Subsidizing 100% of the public price of the Sports Card and 100% of the registration fee for activities organized by the University of Zaragoza for the 2024-2025 academic year for the programs detailed below: Unify in Form Sports Schools Uniaventura Activities up to 100% of the public price and up to €50 of aid per activity
Application process
Deadline: From June 1 to 15, 2025.
Documents required:
1. Annex I , indicating that they meet the conditions established in base 3.
2. Proof of having been awarded a scholarship, if applicable.
3. Academic certificate, if you wish to apply for aid for obtaining an honors degree
4. Public Price Refund Application Form
a. Request for assistance at the time of registration:
Requirements:
5. Have been awarded a scholarship from the Ministry responsible for education, or a study grant from the University of Zaragoza for tuition fees during the 2023-24 or 2024-25 academic years, or have obtained at least an honors degree in official studies at the University of Zaragoza during the 2023-24 or 2024-25 academic years.
6. Have enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year in any official program at the University of Zaragoza: bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate, or submit a declaration of responsibility with the commitment to enroll.
Applicants for aid must submit a declaration of responsibility (according to the model in Annex I) when registering for activities and, if applicable, must pay 50% of the public registration fee. They may also opt for the remaining 50% of the registration fee and 100% of the TD fee.
by application, within the period established in base 5, for type b aid.
b. Request for assistance once the activity and academic year have ended:
Requirements:
Have enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year in any official course at the University of Zaragoza (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate) and, at the time of processing the application:
• Meet at least one of the following conditions:
1. Have been awarded a scholarship from the ministry responsible for education during the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 academic years.
2. Have been awarded a study grant from the University of Zaragoza for tuition fees during the 2023-24 or 2024-25 academic years.
3. Having obtained at least a first-class honors degree in official studies during the 2023-24 or 2024-25 academic years.
4. Have served as a delegate for an activity group, a Rector’s Trophy team, or a Social Tournament team during the 2024-25 academic year and received a favorable report from the Sports Activities Service in the latest edition.
5. Having obtained a medal representing the University of Zaragoza at the CEU during the 2023-24 or 2024-25 academic years.
• In addition, having actively participated in any of the activities of the programs indicated in base 2, understanding active participation as:
1. For UEF and ED program activities, you must have attended at least 75% of the scheduled classes and/or training sessions or a minimum of 15 sessions in each four-month period.
2. For activities related to internal university competition programs, comply with the provisions for the recognition of ECTS credits as a delegate.
3. For Uniaventura activities, passing the evaluation process established for each of the activities.
4. Have a valid TD for the 2024-25 academic year if you wish to qualify for a subsidy on the public price of the same.
Convocatoria pública de subvenciones en régimen de conc…Convocatoria pública de subvenciones en régimen de concurrencia destinadas a entidades sin ánimo de lucro para el apoyo a la celebración en nuestra ciudad de eventos deportivos tanto de promoción deportiva como grandes eventos 2025
Community of Madrid
SpainPublicEasy
Funding amount: 750.000,00€
Target beneficiaries: "1. Madrid sports federations affiliated with Spanish sports federations recognised by the Community of Madrid and the Higher Sports Council. 2. Spanish sports federations…
Convocatoria pública de subvenciones en régimen de concurrencia destinadas a entidades sin ánimo de lucro para el apoyo a la celebración en nuestra ciudad de eventos deportivos tanto de promoción deportiva como grandes eventos 2025
Community of Madrid
SpainPublicRegionalEasy
Funding amount
750.000,00€
Target beneficiaries
"1. Madrid sports federations affiliated with Spanish sports federations recognised by the Community of Madrid and the Higher Sports Council.
2. Spanish sports federations recognised by the Higher Sports Council.
3. Madrid sports entities with their own legal personality as provided for in Chapter II of Title IV of Law 15/1994, of 28 December, on Sport in the Community of Madrid and regulated by Decree 199/1998, of 26 November, of the Regional Ministry of Education and Culture of the Community of Madrid, registered in the Register of Sports Entities of the Community of Madrid, as well as entities that have established sports sections within them subject to the aforementioned legal framework and that are registered in the aforementioned Register of Sports Entities of the Community of Madrid.
4. Legally recognised foundations, classified and registered in the Register of Foundations, whose activities include those related to sport.
5. Other non-profit organisations registered in the Register of Associations of the Ministry of the Interior when the sporting activity they organise is authorised by the corresponding sports federation or related to the sport they practise, or by the Madrid City Council.
Funding objectives
"To support the city’s associative network by providing grants to non-profit organizations to hold major events and sports promotion events in the municipality of Madrid during 2025.
Major events and sports promotion events.
Major events are considered to be those of a:
-International, with a minimum participation of 3 countries.
-National, with a minimum participation of 6 autonomous communities.
-Inter-autonomous, with participation of between 2 and 5 autonomous communities.
Application process
"Deadline: From 27th of May to 9th of June
Documents required:
Application in standardized form, available in ""Process online"" (Electronic Registry).
The Application must be completed in full and accompanied by the corresponding supporting documentation:
• Brief draft of the act, digitally signed by the legal representative of the requesting entity.
• Budget of income and expenses generated by the event organization, digitally signed by the legal representative of the requesting entity .
• Calendar of the corresponding Spanish Federation for inter-regional, national or international events.
Requirements:
Entities legally registered and recognized in their corresponding registry for at least one year at the date of publication of this call in the ""Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid"" and with their registered offices in the municipality of Madrid may be eligible for aid (except for Madrid and Spanish sports federations, which may have their registered offices at the national level), as listed below:
• The Madrid sports federations affiliated with the Spanish sports federations recognized by the Community of Madrid and the Higher Sports Council, respectively.
• Spanish sports federations recognized by the Higher Sports Council.
• Madrid sports entities with their own legal personality provided for in Chapter II of Title IV of Law 15/1994, of December 28, on Sport of the Community of Madrid and regulated by Decree 199/1998 of November 26 of the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Community of Madrid registered in the Registry of Sports Entities of the Community of Madrid, as well as entities that have established sports action sections within themselves subject to the aforementioned legal framework and that are registered in the aforementioned Registry of Sports Entities of the Community of Madrid.
• Legally recognized foundations, classified and registered in the Registry of Foundations, whose activities include sports.
• Other non-profit entities registered in the Registry of Associations of the Ministry of the Interior when the sporting activity they organize is authorized by the corresponding sports federation or one related to the sport they operate, or by the Madrid City Council.
Past beneficiaries
Examples; CLUB ALUCHE DE PATINAJE ARTISTICO, ESCUELA DE FÚTBOL C.D. MAR ABIERTO or CDE ARROYO FRESNO
Convocatoria para la concesión de subvenciones destinad…Convocatoria para la concesión de subvenciones destinadas a clubes, entidades deportivas y federaciones de la provincia de valencia para la realización de eventos deportivos especiales, extraordinarios o anuales
Provincial Council of Valencia
SpainPublicMedium
Funding amount: 400.000,00 €
Target beneficiaries: Official World, European or Spanish championships classified as such by the corresponding sports federations; Other international and national competitions in the senior or absolute…
Convocatoria para la concesión de subvenciones destinadas a clubes, entidades deportivas y federaciones de la provincia de valencia para la realización de eventos deportivos especiales, extraordinarios o anuales
Provincial Council of Valencia
SpainPublicRegionalMedium
Funding amount
400.000,00 €
Target beneficiaries
Official World, European or Spanish championships classified as such by the corresponding sports federations; Other international and national competitions in the senior or absolute category, or the category immediately below, classified by the corresponding sports federation.
Funding objectives
Regulate the granting of financial aid on a competitive basis, in accordance with the procedure set out in the General Subsidy Ordinance of the Provincial Council of Valencia, to clubs, sports organisations and federations in the province of Valencia for the staging of special, extraordinary or annual sporting events during the 2024 financial year.
Application process
"Deadline: 11th – 30th of July 2024
Required documents:
a) Registration in the Register of Clubs, Federations and other sports entities of the Valencian Community.
b) Copy of the Tax Identification Card.
c) Certificate from the person holding the position of secretary of the entity, stating the identification of
the members of the governing and representative body of the entity, as well as the date of their
appointment and method of election.
d) For the events included in sections 2.A) and 2.B) of the FIRST paragraph, a report from the corresponding sports federation must be submitted, stating
Requirements:
a) They must have been legally established at least one year prior to the date of submission of applications.
b) They must be registered in the Register of Clubs, Federations and other sports entities of the Valencian Community.
c) Entities of economic interest in which the income is
considered to be from its members or participants and distributed among them, or those in which the provision of paid professional services is carried out by the members of the Board of Directors or representative body, even if the legal entity is not for profit in itself.
Decathlon Foundation – Grant Programme for Social Impac…Decathlon Foundation – Grant Programme for Social Impact Projects
Fondation Decathlon
FrancePhilanthropic
Funding amount: Grant amounts vary. The Foundation typically funds expenses directly related to sports practice: equipment, training costs, sport instructors’ salaries, sport facility construction…
Target beneficiaries: Non-profit organisations working with vulnerable populations (social, economic or physical vulnerability), using sport as a tool for inclusion and personal development.
Decathlon Foundation – Grant Programme for Social Impact Projects
Fondation Decathlon
FrancePhilanthropicNational
Funding amount
Grant amounts vary. The Foundation typically funds expenses directly related to sports practice: equipment, training costs, sport instructors’ salaries, sport facility construction or renovation, scholarships, awareness campaigns, and communication actions.
Target beneficiaries
Non-profit organisations working with vulnerable populations (social, economic or physical vulnerability), using sport as a tool for inclusion and personal development.
Funding objectives
To support sustainable and long-term projects (minimum one year) that improve access to sport for underserved or marginalised populations. Projects must include active involvement of Decathlon employees as volunteers, mentors, or project sponsors.
Application process
To apply, the non-profit must be partnered with a Decathlon employee (project sponsor). Together, they prepare a detailed application including project rationale, timeline, budget, and expected social impact. Proposals are reviewed and validated by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Projects must demonstrate long-term impact and social utility.
Past beneficiaries
Examples include: Toulon Roulby Club (wheelchair rugby), Happy Syklett (bike outings for seniors and people with disabilities), and numerous local inclusion projects using sport to promote social cohesion and health.
Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports / General Secretariat of Sports
GreecePublic
Funding amount: Funding amounts vary annually. In 2025, approx. €31.7 million was distributed to over 6,374 clubs, including bonuses for clubs serving youth, women’s…
Target beneficiaries: Amateur sports clubs in Greece that are: • Registered in the National Sports Registry • Holders of a valid Special Sports Recognition • Active…
e‑Kouros Digital Platform
Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports / General Secretariat of Sports
GreecePublicNational
Funding amount
Funding amounts vary annually. In 2025, approx. €31.7 million was distributed to over 6,374 clubs, including bonuses for clubs serving youth, women’s sport, and persons with disabilities.
Target beneficiaries
Amateur sports clubs in Greece that are:
• Registered in the National Sports Registry
• Holders of a valid Special Sports Recognition
• Active on the e Kouros digital platform
Funding objectives
To ensure operational sustainability and development of recognized amateur clubs, promote participation, equity, and quality across national grassroots sport structures.
Application process
There is no formal application form. Eligible clubs receive funding automatically provided that:
They are fully registered and up to date on the e‑Kouros platform
They submit all necessary documentation (statutes, board composition, bank account, athlete registry)
They comply with annual reporting requirements
The process is overseen by the General Secretariat of Sports, with allocations published annually in the Government Gazette (FEK).
Past beneficiaries
In 2025, over 6,374 amateur clubs received funding. Additional allocations were granted to federations and clubs for women’s sports, youth development, and athletes with disabilities.
Erasmus+ Programme – Cooperation Partnerships in the fi…Erasmus+ Programme – Cooperation Partnerships in the field of Sport and Education
Erasmus+ France Éducation Formation (French National Agency)
FrancePublic
Funding amount: For Cooperation Partnerships: from €100,000 to €400,000 per project; maximum 80% of eligible costs covered.
Target beneficiaries: Public and private education institutions, VET providers, NGOs, municipalities, sport clubs and federations involved in education, inclusion or social innovation through sport.
Erasmus+ Programme – Cooperation Partnerships in the field of Sport and Education
Erasmus+ France Éducation Formation (French National Agency)
FrancePublicNational
Funding amount
For Cooperation Partnerships: from €100,000 to €400,000 per project; maximum 80% of eligible costs covered.
Target beneficiaries
Public and private education institutions, VET providers, NGOs, municipalities, sport clubs and federations involved in education, inclusion or social innovation through sport.
Funding objectives
The aim is to strengthen the role of sport and physical activity as a driver for education, social inclusion and skills development. Projects must promote innovation in teaching and training through sport, support inclusion of disadvantaged groups, or foster transnational cooperation in lifelong learning.
Application process
Calls are published annually in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide. Applications are submitted via the national agency platform. Required documents include a detailed project proposal (with objectives, partners, work plan, impact and dissemination), budget breakdown, and legal entity files.
European Commission – Erasmus+ is managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).
EuropeanPublic
Funding amount: Grants range from small-scale partnership lump sums of €30,000 or €60,000, up to larger cooperation partnership grants of €120,000, €250,000 or €400,000…
Target beneficiaries: Grassroots sport clubs, federations, schools, non-profits, local authorities, and other organizations in education, training, youth or sport – typically forming partnerships of at least…
Erasmus+ Sport (2021–2027)
European Commission – Erasmus+ is managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).
EuropeanPublicEuropean
Funding amount
Grants range from small-scale partnership lump sums of €30,000 or €60,000, up to larger cooperation partnership grants of €120,000, €250,000 or €400,000 (depending on project scope). Not-for-profit European sport events can be funded up to ~€450,000 for large events. In 2025, about €61.6 million was available to fund ~335 sport projects under Erasmus+sport.ec.europa.eu.
Target beneficiaries
Grassroots sport clubs, federations, schools, non-profits, local authorities, and other organizations in education, training, youth or sport – typically forming partnerships of at least 3 countries.
Funding objectives
Erasmus+ Sport aims to promote participation in sport and physical activity and address societal challenges via sport. Priorities include social inclusion, equality, health-enhancing physical activity, education and dual careers for athletes, good governance, and fighting issues like discrimination, doping and match-fixing. Projects often use sport as a tool for learning and community cohesion.
Application process
Annual calls are published in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide and EU Funding & Tenders portal. Proposals are usually due in early March each year. Applicants must form an international consortium (minimum 3 organizations from 3 different eligible countries) and submit a detailed project proposal addressing the Erasmus+ Sport priorities. Grants are awarded via a competitive evaluation by EACEA. Key requirements include adherence to Erasmus+ award criteria (relevance, quality, impact, etc.) and co-financing (usually EU covers 80% of project costs). Documentation required includes a detailed description of activities, budget, partner info, etc., as outlined in the Erasmus+ Programme Guideerasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu.
Past beneficiaries
Hundreds of grassroots initiatives and educational sport projects across Europe. For example, Streetball4Inclusion in Italy and Spain (an Erasmus+ project) provided at-risk youth the chance to play basketball under guidance of coaches, promoting inclusion and life skills through sport. Many sports clubs, youth associations, and universities have benefitted – e.g. projects to improve coaches’ education, promote gender equality in sport, and support dual career programs for student-athletes have all been funded.
Contact information
sonia.degroote@evbb.eu
Manuals / guides
The official Erasmus+ Programme Guide (2025) – a comprehensive manual on Erasmus+ Sport funding rules and application procedureserasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu. The European Commission’s Erasmus+ sport website also provides guidance (“How to apply” instructions and FAQs). (Refer to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide and EACEA resources for step-by-step application details.)
Erasmus+ Sport Actions (EU Programme)
European Union ( DG Education, Youth, Sport and Culture)
GreecePublic
Funding amount: Competitive grants vary by action (typically projects receive tens of thousands of euros). There are dedicated calls for sport: Cooperation Partnerships, Small-Scale…
Target beneficiaries: Greek educational institutions, sports clubs, NGOs, and local authorities engaged in sport projects. Individuals (students, staff, coaches) can also benefit via mobility schemes.
Erasmus+ Sport Actions (EU Programme)
European Union ( DG Education, Youth, Sport and Culture)
GreecePublicEuropean
Funding amount
Competitive grants vary by action (typically projects receive tens of thousands of euros). There are dedicated calls for sport: Cooperation Partnerships, Small-Scale Partnerships, Sport Events, and Capacity Building projects
Target beneficiaries
Greek educational institutions, sports clubs, NGOs, and local authorities engaged in sport projects. Individuals (students, staff, coaches) can also benefit via mobility schemes.
Funding objectives
Promote sport participation, social inclusion, and integrity. Actions fund collaborative projects to develop sport initiatives (e.g. dual-career education for athletes, community sports events, anti-doping campaigns). Erasmus+ Sport explicitly supports inclusion, good governance, dual careers, and volunteerism in sport
Application process
Organizations apply in annual Erasmus+ calls through Greece’s National Agency or via Funding & tenders platform. Detailed guidelines and calls are on the EC’s Erasmus+ website (Sport Opportunities section). Proposals require partnerships (often transnational) and adherence to Erasmus+ project formats.
Past beneficiaries
Many Greek universities and sports NGOs have led or joined Erasmus+ Sport projects.
EU Structural Fund, co-financed with national funds
European Social Fund+ via Greek Operational Programmes (Ministry of Development & Investments, Greece, with European Commission).
GreecePublic
Funding amount: Varies by call. ESF+ typically funds projects ranging from small local actions (~€50k) to large multi-year programs (€millions). Grants often cover 75%–100%…
Target beneficiaries: Public or non-profit entities implementing projects in education, training, and social inclusion – including sports education institutions, vocational training providers, municipalities, NGOs, etc., especially…
EU Structural Fund, co-financed with national funds
European Social Fund+ via Greek Operational Programmes (Ministry of Development & Investments, Greece, with European Commission).
GreecePublicRegional
Funding amount
Varies by call. ESF+ typically funds projects ranging from small local actions (~€50k) to large multi-year programs (€millions). Grants often cover 75%–100% of eligible costs. For example, an ESF-supported training program might offer €100k+ for curricula development, or a social inclusion through sport project might get a few hundred thousand euros, depending on scope. (Exact min/max defined in each call’s guidelines.)
Target beneficiaries
Public or non-profit entities implementing projects in education, training, and social inclusion – including sports education institutions, vocational training providers, municipalities, NGOs, etc., especially those targeting youth, unemployed, or vulnerable groups through sport and education.
Funding objectives
To promote social inclusion, education, and employment through sport. ESF+ can fund: training of sports professionals and coaches to gain in-demand skills, initiatives encouraging youth participation in sports (to develop soft skills), programs using sport to integrate disadvantaged groups, and healthy lifestyle education. Projects align with ESF’s broader goals of reducing inequalities, improving skills, and fostering social cohesion – using sport as a tool for engagement
Application process
Managed via calls under Greece’s ESF Operational Programmes (e.g. “Human Resources Development, Education and Lifelong Learning”). Steps: Calls are published on the Greek ESF portal (espa.gr). Applicants (eligible organisations) submit proposals including project plan, target groups, budget, and justification of how the action meets call objectives. Deadlines: fixed per call (usually a 1-3 month window to apply). Required documents: proposal form, partnership declarations, budget breakdown, eligibility proofs (statutes, financial data), etc., as specified in each call’s guide. Evaluation by managing authority on criteria like relevance, impact, capacity. If approved, a grant agreement is signed with the managing authority.
Past beneficiaries
Greek students in Sport Science and Physical Education departments at public universities
EU4Health Programme (2021–2027) – the EU’s dedicated he…EU4Health Programme (2021–2027) – the EU’s dedicated health funding program.
European Commission (DG SANTE), with the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) managing calls.
EuropeanPublic
Funding amount: Grants vary by call. Many EU4Health project grants are in the €1–5 million range per project. For example, the 2021 HealthyLifestyle4All call…
Target beneficiaries: Public health authorities, ministries, health NGOs, universities/research institutes, and sometimes sport organizations or municipalities – essentially any legal entities focusing on health promotion, disease…
EU4Health Programme (2021–2027) – the EU’s dedicated health funding program.
European Commission (DG SANTE), with the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) managing calls.
EuropeanPublicEuropean
Funding amount
Grants vary by call. Many EU4Health project grants are in the €1–5 million range per project. For example, the 2021 HealthyLifestyle4All call had a total budget of €4.4 million, with individual projects funded under that envelope. A single project might receive a few hundred thousand up to a couple of million euros, depending on scope. There is no fixed minimum, but projects are expected to be significant in scale (involving multiple countries or large target populations).
Target beneficiaries
Public health authorities, ministries, health NGOs, universities/research institutes, and sometimes sport organizations or municipalities – essentially any legal entities focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, or healthcare. In the context of sport and education, typical beneficiaries are NGOs promoting physical activity, schools or youth organizations (often in partnership with health agencies), and municipal public health/sport departments. Projects should benefit the public across multiple regions/countries or develop models that can be shared EU-wide.
Funding objectives
EU4Health’s mission is to improve public health and disease prevention across the EU. It explicitly recognizes physical activity and sport as tools for health promotion and prevention of diseases. Key objectives relevant to sport education include reducing risk factors for chronic diseases (like inactivity and obesity) and improving health literacy and healthy lifestyles, especially among children and young people. For example, EU4Health funds projects to create healthy school environments that encourage physical activity and good nutrition, campaigns to increase exercise in various age groups, and initiatives under the HealthyLifestyle4All banner (which links the sport sector with health and food sectors). Overall goals are to encourage EU citizens to adopt healthy habits through education, with sport and physical education being central methods.
Application process
The Commission publishes annual Work Programmes for EU4Health with specific calls for proposals. Applicants usually form partnerships across several countries (though some calls allow single-country applications if outcomes have EU-wide value). Proposals are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders portal. Calls often focus on set themes (e.g. “promoting healthy lifestyles in schools” or “health-enhancing physical activity for vulnerable groups”). Applications require a detailed proposal outlining objectives, activities (such as awareness campaigns, curriculum development, training, etc.), EU added value, and a budget. Deadlines are fixed per call (typically one call per topic per year). Key requirements include alignment with call objectives, involvement of target stakeholder groups, and a plan for evaluating health outcomes. Applicants must provide supporting documents (work plan, partner descriptions, etc.) as specified in the call documents. The evaluation is competitive and based on relevance, impact, quality, and budget/value for money.
Past beneficiaries
One notable example is the HealthyLifestyle4All initiative projects (2022–2024) which received EU4Health grants to promote healthy living in schools across Europe. These projects helped schools implement “health-promoting school” models – including daily physical education, active breaks, healthy canteens, and engagement of families – aiming to reduce childhood obesity. Another example: various public health NGOs have received funding to run EU-wide campaigns on physical activity (like #BeActive initiatives linked to the European Week of Sport, in cooperation with health authorities). The EU4Health program in 2023 allocated over €25 million to disease prevention actions, including those highlighting sport and physical activity’s role in preventing chronic conditions. Past beneficiaries include alliances of universities and city councils creating toolkits for active living, and projects like “EU Childhood Obesity Monitoring” which included physical activity promotion components in schools. These illustrate how EU4Health is actively funding sport-in-education efforts for better health.
Contact information
sonia.degroote@evbb.eu
Manuals / guides
The EU4Health Programme Guide/Work Programme (on the EC health funding website) provides details on objectives and priorities each year. Each call comes with a Guide for Applicants (by HaDEA) detailing application requirements. For example, guidance documents for the HealthyLifestyle4All call (2021) explained how to design school-based projects. Additional resources: the EU4Health section of the Funding & Tenders portal for templates, and the HealthyLifestyle4All initiative page for best practices and policy context. (Applicants should review the specific call documentation and the EU4Health legal basis which emphasizes physical activity promotion.)
European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (2021–2027), part of E…European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (2021–2027), part of EU Cohesion Funds
European Commission (DG Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion) in partnership with national Managing Authorities in each Member State. ESF+ is mostly managed at national/regional level (shared management).
EuropeanPublic
Funding amount: Varies widely by country program. ESF+ grants can range from small local grants (tens of thousands of euros) to large multi-year programs…
Target beneficiaries: Public and private organizations that deliver education, training, or inclusion services. This includes NGOs, schools, vocational training centers, local authorities, sports associations, youth centers,…
European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (2021–2027), part of EU Cohesion Funds
European Commission (DG Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion) in partnership with national Managing Authorities in each Member State. ESF+ is mostly managed at national/regional level (shared management).
EuropeanPublicEuropean
Funding amount
Varies widely by country program. ESF+ grants can range from small local grants (tens of thousands of euros) to large multi-year programs in the hundreds of thousands or millions. For example, Ireland’s ESF+ program is investing €11 million (95% EU-funded) into a Sport Inclusion initiative by Sport Ireland through 2027. Many local projects might receive funding in the €50k–€200k range (depending on scope and national rules), while bigger initiatives (e.g., nationwide training schemes) can be much larger.
Target beneficiaries
Public and private organizations that deliver education, training, or inclusion services. This includes NGOs, schools, vocational training centers, local authorities, sports associations, youth centers, and social enterprises. Projects often target vulnerable groups – NEET youth, unemployed, marginalized communities – and can use sport as a tool for engagement and skills development.
Funding objectives
ESF+ is the EU’s main tool for investing in people – its core aims are employment, education, skills, and social inclusion. In the context of sport, ESF+ supports projects where sport is used to promote social inclusion, education, and life skills. For example, programs may encourage disadvantaged youth to participate in sport to gain soft skills and confidence, train unemployed people as sports coaches or referees (skill development for jobs), or use sport to re-engage school dropouts. Healthy lifestyles and combating youth inactivity are also objectives: ESF+ can fund initiatives to promote active and healthy living, especially among young people and in communities with health inequalities. Overall, the objective is to harness sport as an educational and inclusion tool – reducing inequalities, improving employability, and building social cohesion.
Application process
Unlike centralized EU programs, ESF+ funding requires applying through national or regional Operational Program calls. Each country (or region) publishes calls or tenders aligned with their ESF priorities (e.g., youth employment, social inclusion, education/training). Organizations should monitor their national ESF managing authority’s website for calls that could fund sport-related education projects. The application typically involves a project proposal in the national language, aligning with ESF+ program objectives and eligibility criteria. Deadlines and documentation vary by country. Key requirements: projects should deliver measurable social or educational outcomes (training hours, people assisted into jobs or education, etc.), and applicants often must demonstrate capacity and provide match funding. Because ESF+ is results-oriented, strong monitoring and evaluation plans are needed. Tip: Check your country’s ESF+ Operational Programme for any priority on “social inclusion through sport” or similar.
Past beneficiaries
Numerous examples across Europe. For instance, in Slovenia, an ESF-funded project “Training of Professionals in Sport 2018–2022” helped sports sector employees gain new qualifications and skills in demand by the job market. In Croatia, the “Take Part – Foster Social Inclusion through Sport” project engaged children, youth (including those with disabilities), and seniors in community sports activities to improve social services and inclusion. Ireland integrated a Sport Inclusion Programme into its ESF+ innovation strand, securing €11 million to expand sports opportunities for disadvantaged groups (with only €0.5 million national co-financing). These examples show how ESF+ has funded sports clubs, youth organizations, and public bodies to use sport for educational, employment, and inclusion outcomes.
Contact information
sonia.degroote@evbb.eu
Manuals / guides
The European Social Fund+ official website provides an overview and links to national contacts. Each country’s Managing Authority often publishes a program guide or applicants’ manual for their ESF calls (e.g., guidelines on eligibility, application forms, and reporting). Additionally, the SHARE initiative has a database of best practices and guidance on using Cohesion Funds for sport, which can inspire project ideas. Prospective applicants should refer to their national ESF+ Operational Programme documentation and any application guide specific to the relevant call.
European Social Fund Plus (FSE+) Regional Calls Hauts-d…European Social Fund Plus (FSE+) Regional Calls Hauts-de-France (exists for each region)
Regional council of Hauts-de-France
FrancePublic
Funding amount: Min around 70k – 100k – No official maximum but usually around 500k-600k
Target beneficiaries: Here is a non-exhaustive list, other might apply in specific cases : – Associations, Foundations – Professional branches, OPCO – CFA – Consular chambers…
European Social Fund Plus (FSE+) Regional Calls Hauts-de-France (exists for each region)
Regional council of Hauts-de-France
FrancePublicRegional
Funding amount
Min around 70k – 100k – No official maximum but usually around 500k-600k
Target beneficiaries
Here is a non-exhaustive list, other might apply in specific cases :
– Associations, Foundations
– Professional branches, OPCO
– CFA
– Consular chambers
– Training organizations
– Public higher education establishments, private higher education establishments of general interest
– Health and social training institutes and schools
– Local missions
– Local authorities and EPCIs
– Hauts-de-France region
– Public establishments, GIP
– Academic authorities
Funding objectives
Based on the needs and challenges identified for the region, the Hauts-de-France Region has selected 4 priorities to cover the following themes: supporting young people with no qualifications into employment, improving the level of training and qualifications for all publics, whether or not they are far from employment, and diversifying choices in terms of orientation, discovering professions and training. The budget for the period 21-27 amounts to €232,447,433.
Application process
Grant applications can be submitted in 3 ways:
– On a rolling basis / permanent call for projects: grant applications can be submitted throughout the program, with no deadline. The DOMO form is the reference for information on expectations, eligibility and selection criteria.
– Calls for projects: one-off applications are submitted by a specific, pre-determined date. A set of specifications specifies the expected projects and selection criteria. Validated by the monitoring committee, these calls for projects can be more specific than the DOMO.
– Territorial investment calls can be made with applications submitted directly to certain regional urban areas.
Past beneficiaries
The "Missions Locales", community-based organisations, sports clubs running educational or inclusion projects, non-profit organizations, Campus des Métiers et des Qualifications, VET schools, …
European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program (2018–2027).
European Commission – DG Education & Youth, implemented via National Agencies in each EU country (for most actions) and by EACEA for some centralized actions.
EuropeanPublic
Funding amount: For Volunteering: funding is calculated based on number of volunteers and duration. It covers a monthly allowance for volunteers, travel to the…
Target beneficiaries: Young people aged 18–30 and the organizations that host them. In the sports context, this means sports clubs, community centers, youth organizations, or NGOs…
European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program (2018–2027).
European Commission – DG Education & Youth, implemented via National Agencies in each EU country (for most actions) and by EACEA for some centralized actions.
EuropeanPublicEuropean
Funding amount
For Volunteering: funding is calculated based on number of volunteers and duration. It covers a monthly allowance for volunteers, travel to the host country, health insurance, and sometimes project coordination costs. A volunteer’s placement might equate to roughly €600–€800 per month in support (not paid as salary to volunteer but as covered costs). Large volunteering projects (sending/hosting many volunteers) can have budgets up to hundreds of thousands of euros (the ESC Guide mentions up to €650,000 for extensive projects)youth.europa.eu, but a typical small project hosting 2-3 volunteers might be on the order of €10,000–€30,000 total. For Solidarity Projects: these are small grants – up to €500 per month for 2–12 months (maximum €6,000 for a one-year project)oceanznanja.hr. This is meant to fund materials, rental, etc., for the youth-led activity. The ESC overall had ~€142 million available in 2023 for all its projects EU-wideyouthnetworks.net, indicating substantial support is available.
Target beneficiaries
Young people aged 18–30 and the organizations that host them. In the sports context, this means sports clubs, community centers, youth organizations, or NGOs can host ESC volunteers to help run sport or education activities. Also, informal groups of minimum 5 young people can receive Solidarity Project grants to start a sport-related community project. Typical beneficiaries include, for example, a sports NGO hosting volunteers from across Europe to help organize inclusive sports events, or a group of youth launching a neighborhood sports tournament as a solidarity project. Any nonprofit or public body with a Quality Label can participate in Volunteering projects, and must adhere to standards for mentoring and safety.
Funding objectives
The European Solidarity Corps aims to engage youth in solidarity and community serviceeusa.eu. In practice, many objectives align with non-formal education and inclusion through volunteering. In sports, the program’s objective is to support projects where sport is a vehicle for solidarity: for example, using sports activities to integrate disadvantaged youth, promote healthy lifestyles, or assist in events that benefit the community. The ESC emphasizes learning for volunteers (developing skills, intercultural experience) and benefit to the community. So an objective might be “volunteer coaches help increase access to sports for children with disabilities” – simultaneously giving volunteers a learning experience and addressing a social need. ESC projects often foster values like teamwork, inclusion, and active citizenship through sport. In summary, the goal is to promote social cohesion and youth development; sports projects fit in as they naturally build solidarity and community engagement.
Application process
For Volunteering Projects, organizations must first obtain an ESC Quality Label (certification to host or send volunteers). Then they can apply to their National Agency for funding, typically through regular application rounds (usually two or more deadlines per year as per the ESC Programme Guide). The application entails describing the volunteering activities, number of volunteers, learning outcomes, and community impact. Key requirements: partners (sending/hosting) must be identified; activities should be of public benefit (e.g., coaching youth, assisting in sports events for charity, etc.); and adequate mentoring and support plans for volunteers must be in place. For Solidarity Projects, a group of young people (5 or more, residing in the same country) applies directly via the portal, without needing an organization – they must outline their grassroots project idea addressing a local challenge (which could be organizing sports workshops for local kids, for example). Deadlines for Solidarity Projects are also a few times a year, and the application is simpler but requires a clear description of objectives, roles, timeline, and budget. All applications are done online (through the European Youth Portal or EU login system), and the ESC Programme Guide provides the template and evaluation criteria. Documentation needed includes the project description, budget breakdown (for solidarity projects, mainly a flat monthly grant), and evidence of young people’s active role in planning. National Agencies select projects based on relevance to solidarity and inclusion, quality of design, impact, and budget feasibility.
Past beneficiaries
Many sports-related volunteer projects have been funded. For instance, through ESC volunteering, young people have served as coaches or activity leaders in projects like “Live for Sport – Live for Solidarity” in Romania (volunteers helped run sports programs for orphaned children). The European University Sports Association (EUSA) regularly hosts ESC volunteers to assist in organizing university sports championships and eventseusa.eueusa.eu. Another example: the Inclusive Learning through Volunteering in Sports (iLIVE) project brought together volunteers with disabilities to help run sporting events, thereby both benefiting the volunteers’ personal development and raising awareness on inclusionyouth.europa.eu. Solidarity Projects examples: a group of youths in Italy received funding to start free after-school soccer trainings for refugee children, and in Poland a youth group ran a “Sport for All” campaign promoting adapted sports for people with special needs. These cases show the range – from helping major sport events (like volunteering at the European Games) to hyper-local community sports initiatives – all enabled by the Solidarity Corps.
Contact information
sonia.degroote@evbb.eu
Manuals / guides
The European Solidarity Corps Programme Guide is the key manual (updated for each year; it details all rules, funding rates, and instructions)youth.europa.eu. The European Youth Portal provides guidance pages for Volunteering Projects and Solidarity Projectsyouth.europa.eu, including how to find partners and submit applications. Additionally, many National Agencies publish tips or hold info sessions – often there are guides or Q&A documents on their websites. For sports organizations, resources from umbrella bodies (e.g., ENGSO Youth or EUSA) share best practices on using ESC in sport. In sum, interested applicants should consult the ESC Guide and their National Agency’s website for application forms, deadlines, and support materials.
Förderung von J-Teams
LSB NRW
GermanyPrivate
Funding amount: 200 EUR per project (follow-up in the following years can be funded with 250-350 EUR per year)
Target beneficiaries: Individuals (at least 4) founding a "J-Team"
Förderung von J-Teams
LSB NRW
GermanyPrivateRegional
Funding amount
200 EUR per project (follow-up in the following years can be funded with 250-350 EUR per year)
Fondation FDJ United – Grant Programme for Associations
Fondation FDJ United
FrancePhilanthropic
Funding amount: The typical grant amount is between €10,000 and €40,000, depending on the project’s scale, reach, and societal impact.
Target beneficiaries: Non-profit organisations and associations based in France working to promote equal opportunities through education, sport, or social inclusion.
Fondation FDJ United – Grant Programme for Associations
Fondation FDJ United
FrancePhilanthropicNational
Funding amount
The typical grant amount is between €10,000 and €40,000, depending on the project’s scale, reach, and societal impact.
Target beneficiaries
Non-profit organisations and associations based in France working to promote equal opportunities through education, sport, or social inclusion.
Funding objectives
The Foundation supports projects that foster equal opportunities, particularly those promoting education, access to sport, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and the empowerment of young people through collective action and structured programmes.
Application process
Applications must be submitted via the online platform. Applicants are required to complete a detailed form describing the project’s objectives, target audience, expected impact, and budget. Calls are opened regularly (one a year) and announced on the Foundation’s website. Projects are reviewed by a selection committee.
Past beneficiaries
Grassroots sport clubs, social innovation associations, local educational NGOs working on school dropout prevention through sport.
Hellenic Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and S…Hellenic Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports
Hellenic Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports
GreecePublic
Funding amount: 1.700.000 total grant amount for Sports for All Programs
Target beneficiaries: Local Authorities and NGOs which implement sport for all programs
Hellenic Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports
Hellenic Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports
GreecePublicNational
Funding amount
1.700.000 total grant amount for Sports for All Programs
Target beneficiaries
Local Authorities and NGOs which implement sport for all programs
Funding objectives
The basic concept of the Sport for All programs and events is that Sport exercise or physical activity with systematic guidance is an essential social investment because it improves human quality of life, contributes to the prevention of degenerative tendencies, the development of interpersonal relationships and a better relationship between man and the natural environment. The purpose of the Sport for All programs for General Secretariat of Sports is to improve the biological level of citizens-athletes, to cultivate athletic character and athletic awareness, to take advantage of leisure time and to recreate citizens-athletes.
Application process
The percentage of funding for the implemented Sports for All Programs is set each year. The amount is granted as a contribution to the implementation of the Sports for All Programs by the cooperating Entities (Local Authorities, NGOs). The General Secretariat of Sports funds each program at a rate of €6.35 per hour of operation. Specifically, for activities targeting individuals with disabilities, detention facilities (prisons), rehabilitation centers, and mental health centers, the rate is set at €7.15 per hour of operation.
The proof of hourly operation of the program is the payroll expenditure of the Implementing Entity for the employed PE Graduated Trainers.
Past beneficiaries
Municipalities of Athens, Thessaloniki, Volos, Kalamata, Kalamaria, The Down Syndrome Association of Greece, etc
Horizon Europe (EU Framework Programme for Research and…Horizon Europe (EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, 2021–2027).
: European Commission – DG Research & Innovation, with calls managed by agencies like the European Research Executive Agency (REA).
EuropeanPublic
Funding amount: Varies by call topic. Collaborative R&I projects usually receive €1–5+ million per project from the EU, depending on scope. Some sports-related R&I…
Target beneficiaries: Research institutes, universities, private companies, SMEs, sport-tech firms, and sometimes public bodies or sport organizations forming research consortia. Projects often involve academia-industry partnerships, including…
Horizon Europe (EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, 2021–2027).
: European Commission – DG Research & Innovation, with calls managed by agencies like the European Research Executive Agency (REA).
EuropeanPublicEuropean
Funding amount
Varies by call topic. Collaborative R&I projects usually receive €1–5+ million per project from the EU, depending on scope. Some sports-related R&I projects have multi-million Euro budgets. (For example, a sports innovation project like Sport Infinity in Horizon 2020 had a multi-million budget to develop recyclable sports gear.) There is no fixed minimum—small research projects or feasibility studies might be smaller, while large consortium projects can exceed €3–5 million.
Target beneficiaries
Research institutes, universities, private companies, SMEs, sport-tech firms, and sometimes public bodies or sport organizations forming research consortia. Projects often involve academia-industry partnerships, including sports science labs, equipment manufacturers, health institutions, etc.
Funding objectives
Horizon Europe supports cutting-edge research and innovation, and sports-related research is included as a means to address societal challenges and technological development. Objectives include advancing sports science, improving athlete health and performance, developing innovative sports equipment and materials, promoting healthy lifestyles through exercise science, and using sport as a vehicle for social and technological innovation. Sport R&I topics often fall under Health (e.g. physical activity’s impact on health), Inclusive Society (social cohesion through sport), or Industrial technologies (sport equipment innovation) clusters. The program seeks to leverage sport to drive innovation in materials (e.g. sustainable equipment), digital fitness solutions, data analytics, and to study sport’s social impact.
Application process
The European Commission publishes work programmes with specific call topics. Organizations must form a consortium (often 3+ independent entities from different countries) and submit proposals via the EU Funding & Tenders portal. Calls relevant to sport may be found under various clusters/missions (e.g. health, climate, culture) – applicants need to align proposals with the call’s specific scope. Deadlines and requirements are indicated in each call (typically one stage or two-stage submissions with deadlines once or twice a year per topic). Proposals undergo expert peer review. Key documentation: detailed research proposal, work plan, consortium description, and budget. Horizon Europe calls are highly competitive; success requires demonstrating excellence, impact, and quality implementation. (Consult the Horizon Europe Work Programme and the online Funding & Tenders Portal for current sports-related calls.)
Past beneficiaries
Examples of sports innovation projects funded: Sport Infinity (led by Adidas in Germany) developed recyclable football shoes using waste-based materials. Another example is the SMART Sport project focusing on smart training equipment (fictitious example for illustration). Universities and companies across Europe have received Horizon grants for sport-tech R&D, such as projects on anti-doping science, wearable fitness trackers, e-sports and youth engagement, and research on the role of sport in social inclusion. These projects illustrate how Horizon Europe is fueling advances in sports science and education through innovation
Contact information
sonia.degroote@evbb.eu
Manuals / guides
Horizon Europe Programme Guide and the Online Manual on the EU funding portal (provide guidance on preparing proposals). The European Commission’s “Funding & Tenders” portal offers templates, guidelines, and FAQs for Horizon Europe. Additionally, sport-specific guidance like the “EU funding for sport – MFF 2021–2027 guidance” by the EU Sport Unit can help identify relevant calls. (See the Horizon Europe section on the EU portal for step-by-step application help.)
INTERREG France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen
GECT Eurodistrict France–Wallonie–Flandre, in partnership with the Hauts-de-France Region and Walloon authorities
FrancePublic
Funding amount: Project budgets typically range from €50,000 to €500,000, depending on the thematic priority and scale of cross-border cooperation. Up to 60% of…
Target beneficiaries: The programme targets cross-border stakeholders such as local authorities, non-profit organisations, sports clubs, youth associations, and vocational training providers operating in the eligible cooperation…
INTERREG France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen
GECT Eurodistrict France–Wallonie–Flandre, in partnership with the Hauts-de-France Region and Walloon authorities
FrancePublicRegional
Funding amount
Project budgets typically range from €50,000 to €500,000, depending on the thematic priority and scale of cross-border cooperation. Up to 60% of eligible costs may be co-financed by the programme, except for Micro-Project who are 100% financed.
Target beneficiaries
The programme targets cross-border stakeholders such as local authorities, non-profit organisations, sports clubs, youth associations, and vocational training providers operating in the eligible cooperation area.
Funding objectives
This Interreg program aims to promote economic and social exchanges between four border regions:
– in France: the departments of Nord, Pas de Calais, Aisne, Ardennes, Oise, Somme and Marne;
– in Wallonia: the provinces of Hainaut, Namur and Luxembourg;
– in Flanders: the provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders (only the districts of Gent and Oudenaarde).
A major challenge for these regions, which represent 62,000 km² and over 11 million inhabitants.
For the period 2021 – 2027, a budget of 268 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will be allocated to the program to support projects addressing the 5 cooperation themes (Research & Innovation, Climat and envrionnement, Mobility, Social Cohesion, Governance). The programme aims to strengthen territorial cohesion by supporting cross-border initiatives in education, training, health, culture, and sport. It encourages innovative projects that improve social inclusion and community wellbeing through Franco-Belgian cooperation.
Application process
Calls are regularly launched, usually with 3 months period to respond. All the submission process happens on the "JEMS" platform.
Past beneficiaries
Past beneficiaries include CREPS de Wattignies (sport and training), the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, cross-border municipalities, and associations leading inclusive sports initiatives.
Funding amount: 90% reduction in operating costs, 10–50% reduction in equipment costs
Target beneficiaries: Sports clubs from the district of Central Saxony and the Central Saxony District Sports Association (Kreissportbund Mittelsachsen e. V.)
Landkreis Mittelsachsen
Landkreis Mittelsachsen
GermanyPublicRegional
Funding amount
90% reduction in operating costs, 10–50% reduction in equipment costs
Target beneficiaries
Sports clubs from the district of Central Saxony and the Central Saxony District Sports Association (Kreissportbund Mittelsachsen e. V.)
National Call for Projects – French National Sport Agen…National Call for Projects – French National Sport Agency (ANS)
French National Sport Agency (Agence Nationale du Sport)
FrancePublic
Funding amount: Grants usually range between €10,000 and €300,000 depending on the project scope, duration, and alignment with national sport priorities.
Target beneficiaries: National sport federations, national umbrella associations, recognised public and private institutions delivering sport education or developing sport-related public interest projects.
National Call for Projects – French National Sport Agency (ANS)
French National Sport Agency (Agence Nationale du Sport)
FrancePublicNational
Funding amount
Grants usually range between €10,000 and €300,000 depending on the project scope, duration, and alignment with national sport priorities.
Target beneficiaries
National sport federations, national umbrella associations, recognised public and private institutions delivering sport education or developing sport-related public interest projects.
Funding objectives
The national calls for projects aim to support the structuring of the sport sector, particularly in terms of access to sport for all, professionalisation of the workforce, sport-health promotion, and educational innovation. Priorities include equal opportunities, youth development, and high-level performance structures.
Application process
Calls are published annually on the ANS website. Applications must be submitted via the "Le Compte Asso" portal. Required documents include a detailed project description, financial plan, legal status, and impact indicators. Selection is made through a national expert committee based on relevance, feasibility, and expected impact.
Past beneficiaries
Fédération Française d’Athlétisme, CREPS networks (VET Schools), Sport dans la Ville, and national sport-health pilot programs.
A. G. Leventis Foundation (Main Funding Organisaion) , Hellenic Olympic Committe , Cyprus Olympic Committee , Latsis Foundation
GreecePrivate
Funding amount: €4,000 per athlete annually
Target beneficiaries: Talented Greek & Cypriot athletes in individual Olympic sports preparing for upcoming Olympic Games (ages ~18–30).
Olympic Preparation Scholarship Programme
A. G. Leventis Foundation (Main Funding Organisaion) , Hellenic Olympic Committe , Cyprus Olympic Committee , Latsis Foundation
GreecePrivateRegional
Funding amount
€4,000 per athlete annually
Target beneficiaries
Talented Greek & Cypriot athletes in individual Olympic sports preparing for upcoming Olympic Games (ages ~18–30).
Funding objectives
To enable athletes to continue elite-level training despite financial barriers, foster Olympic excellence, and inspire youth through athletic success
Application process
Annual open call (e.g., November 2024). Applicants submit via Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) with athletic CV, performance records, training plan, and federation endorsement. A selection panel conducts evaluations. Results announced by year-end . Applications must be submitted electronically by Friday, 20 December 2024, to the email address: info@whatandwhyresearch.cosmotemail.gr. The required documents include: a completed application form, a detailed athletic and academic CV, an official confirmation letter from the relevant national sports federation verifying the applicant’s sporting achievements for 2024, and a solemn declaration regarding any other sponsorships or grants received.
Applicants must be athletes in individual Olympic sports from Greece or Cyprus. Priority is given to national team members, internationally accomplished athletes, and those lacking other financial support. Past scholarship recipients are also eligible to apply again.
All applications are reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the Foundation, with emphasis on athletic performance in 2024 and Olympic potential leading up to Los Angeles 2028. Submission of an application implies full acceptance of all terms in the public call. The process is governed by the Foundation’s data privacy policy (GDPR compliant).
Past beneficiaries
Over 810 scholarships awarded since 1999. 74 athletes supported in 2024–25 across 29 Olympic disciplines
OPAP Sports Academies Program – Corporate Social Respon…OPAP Sports Academies Program – Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative.
OPAP S.A.
GreecePrivate
Funding amount: N/A
Target beneficiaries: Grassroots football and basketball academies across Greece, serving children aged 6–13. Beneficiaries include: • Amateur sports clubs • Coaches • Parents and local communities
OPAP Sports Academies Program – Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative.
OPAP S.A.
GreecePrivateNational
Funding amount
N/A
Target beneficiaries
Grassroots football and basketball academies across Greece, serving children aged 6–13. Beneficiaries include:
• Amateur sports clubs
• Coaches
• Parents and local communities
Funding objectives
To promote physical activity and structured sports training for children, support coaching excellence, ensure player safety through medical care, and strengthen family engagement in grassroots sports.
Application process
Clubs must apply through OPAP’s open call, published annually on their CSR portal. Selection is based on:
Compliance with OPAP’s social responsibility criteria
Commitment to youth development
Geographic and demographic balance
Selected clubs receive multi-dimensional support for the full academic year.
The process is structured, detailed, and intended for legal entities such as amateur sports clubs and non-profit organizations. Applications must be completed in full and submitted electronically.
Main Steps & Required Information:
1. Organization & Legal Registry Information
o Official entity title and Tax Identification Number (TIN)
o Legal representative’s name, position, contact details
o Legal address and registry proof (e.g., Articles of Association)
o Background: founding date, mission, number of staff/volunteers, and beneficiaries
o Financial data: current year’s budget, revenue and outflow for current and previous year
o Declaration of main revenue sources (state, private, donations, etc.)
2. Activity Request Details
o Pillar (type of initiative)
o Type of activity and detailed description (purpose, objectives, target social group, area of implementation, calendar of execution – up to 3,000 characters)
o Launch and end dates
o Estimated total project budget and specific amount requested from OPAP
o Clarification on any past OPAP support received
3. Expected Outcomes
o Estimated number of direct beneficiaries
o Description of social impact and expected results (up to 3,000 characters)
4. Consent and Public Disclosure
o The applicant must consent to:
OPAP’s evaluation of the funded activity
Public communication of the supported initiative (press, online)
Use of submitted data for promoting OPAP’s social responsibility actions
5. Contact Person Information
o Contact person’s name, role, mobile phone, and email (can be copied from legal representative details)
Submission
• Once submitted, the application cannot be edited.
• Only complete applications with all required fields and attachments will be considered.
• Applicants are advised to prepare their financial and legal documentation in advance.
Past beneficiaries
Since launch, the program has supported over 178 sports academies nationwide, benefiting more than 40,000 children and 25,000 parents.
Funding amount: Varies per student and scholarship cycle; specific amounts are not publicly disclosed but are awarded individually after evaluation.
Target beneficiaries: Undergraduate and postgraduate students in: • Physical Education & Sport Science faculties • Health and life sciences related to sports and exercise • Research…
Pavlos Giannakopoulos Public Benefit Foundation
Pavlos Giannakopoulos Foundation
GreecePrivateNational
Funding amount
Varies per student and scholarship cycle; specific amounts are not publicly disclosed but are awarded individually after evaluation.
Target beneficiaries
Undergraduate and postgraduate students in:
• Physical Education & Sport Science faculties
• Health and life sciences related to sports and exercise
• Research programs related to athletic performance, training, and public health in sport contexts
Funding objectives
Promote academic excellence in sports-related education and research
Highlight and reward students contributing to the advancement of professional and amateur sports in Greece
Encourage careers in physical education, coaching, and sports science
Foster health, fair play, and community-based sports values
Application process
Open calls are periodically published on the Foundation’s website.
Eligible students submit application forms and supporting academic documentation according to the official announcement.
Selection is based on academic criteria, field of study, and alignment with the Foundation’s goals.
Past beneficiaries
Greek students in Sport Science and Physical Education departments at public universities
Plan de Resiliencia, Transformación y Resiliencia ̵…Plan de Resiliencia, Transformación y Resiliencia Componente 26 Sector del deporte
Government of Spain
SpainPublicMedium
Funding amount: 300.000.000,00 €
Target beneficiaries: Ministry of Culture and Sport, High Sport Council, Spanish Agency for Health Protection in Sport, Autonomous Communities and local entities, sports federations, sport organizations…
Plan de Resiliencia, Transformación y Resiliencia Componente 26 Sector del deporte
Government of Spain
SpainPublicNationalMedium
Funding amount
300.000.000,00 €
Target beneficiaries
Ministry of Culture and Sport, High Sport Council, Spanish Agency for Health Protection in Sport, Autonomous Communities and local entities, sports federations, sport organizations entities owning sports facilities (public and private); sports facilities (private and public) local entities and rural population; female sports clubs, sportswomen, professionals of the sports sector
Funding objectives
Revitalisation, restructuring and modernisation of the sports sector, adapting it to the new socio-economic reality through digital transformation and adaptation to the ecological transition, in order to help minimise the impact of the economic crisis and seize the opportunity to create a new framework for the sector itself.
Application process
Not specified– it depends on the call for proposals
Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports
SpainPublicMedium
Funding amount: 2.632.679.245,00 €
Target beneficiaries: Professional leagues; sports federations; top female athletes; primary, secondary, university level students; students on the Autism Spectrum; Autonomous Communities and cities; circus enterprises; sport…
Plan estratégico de subvenciones
Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports
SpainPublicNationalMedium
Funding amount
2.632.679.245,00 €
Target beneficiaries
Professional leagues; sports federations; top female athletes; primary, secondary, university level students; students on the Autism Spectrum; Autonomous Communities and cities; circus enterprises; sport associations; students of autonomous communities; high performance centres; public and private universities; physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians, medics; technological centres
Funding objectives
Promote the international projection of Spanish education, language and culture and international cooperation in education; promote continuing education and teacher mobility; guarantee educational inclusion and quality education for all students; guarantee equal opportunities in the exercise of the right to education and access to sports*; promote territorial cohesion and participation in education; promote professional development and training opportunities in the Vocational Training System; promote foreign language learning; encourage non-professional sporting activity*; promote high-level sport*; promote the development of sports medicine*. (*directly related to sports)
Application process
Dependant on kind of subsidy.
Past beneficiaries
Examples include; sports federations, research projects in public and private entities.
Timeframe
Fast
Contact information
Different ways to contact, phone, set an apointment…
Funding amount: The foundation typically supports projects from €10,000 up to €100,000, depending on their scope and expected impact. Multi-year funding may be possible.
Target beneficiaries: Registered non-profit organisations in France working to support the education, training, and integration of young people facing social or economic difficulties.
Société Générale Foundation – Call for Projects
Fondation Société Générale pour la Solidarité
FrancePhilanthropicNational
Funding amount
The foundation typically supports projects from €10,000 up to €100,000, depending on their scope and expected impact. Multi-year funding may be possible.
Target beneficiaries
Registered non-profit organisations in France working to support the education, training, and integration of young people facing social or economic difficulties.
Funding objectives
The foundation aims to strengthen equal opportunities through education and professional integration. Projects must focus on long-term impact, measurable outcomes, and real inclusion potential, especially for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sport can be supported as a lever for social transformation.
Application process
Applications are submitted through the foundation’s online platform. Projects are evaluated based on alignment with strategic priorities, innovation, social utility, and feasibility. Required documents include the legal status of the organisation, detailed project description, budget, and impact indicators. Calls for projects are open year-round with specific evaluation sessions.
Past beneficiaries
NGO Sport dans la Ville, Écoles de la 2e Chance, Réseau Etincelle, and various local education and youth empowerment initiatives.
Funding amount: The maximum grant is 50 percent of the total costs. The upper limit for grants is €75,000.
Target beneficiaries: State sports associations, District and city sports associations, Sports clubs, LSB Saxony-Anhalt
Sportförderung LOTTO Sachsen-Anhalt
Saxony-Anhalt
GermanyPublicRegional
Funding amount
The maximum grant is 50 percent of the total costs. The upper limit for grants is €75,000.
Target beneficiaries
State sports associations, District and city sports associations, Sports clubs, LSB Saxony-Anhalt
Funding objectives
Promotion of National sporting events/competitions, Purchase of sports equipment/materials, Promotion of preventive, target group-specific sports projects (e.g. against violence, xenophobia, etc.) and projects for disabled sports
Funding amount: €300 per student in voucher value. (total outlay ≈€10.5M for 35,000 students).
Target beneficiaries: Students in the 1st grade of Gymnasium (≈12–13 years old) meeting income/social criteria.
SportPass Voucher Program
Ministry of Education
GreecePublicNational
Funding amount
€300 per student in voucher value. (total outlay ≈€10.5M for 35,000 students).
Target beneficiaries
Students in the 1st grade of Gymnasium (≈12–13 years old) meeting income/social criteria.
Funding objectives
To promote youth sports participation and healthy exercise. The Ministry’s action plan states the goal is “to strengthen children’s sports and steer youth towards healthy forms of exercise” by giving students the opportunity to join sports clubs of their choice
Application process
Scheduled to launch in Q3 2024, students (via their schools or parents) will apply for the voucher. Eligibility is determined by family income and social criteria; applications will be processed through school administrations under guidelines from the Ministry
Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) – Health & Sport…Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) – Health & Sports Grant Programme
Stavros Niarchos Foundation
GreecePhilanthropic
Funding amount: In 2025, SNF’s Health & Sports funding exceeded USD 1.5 billion globally, with €10.2 million allocated in 16 sports/health grants
Target beneficiaries: Non-profit organisations, NGOs, public institutions, and community groups running youth sports, inclusion, adapted sports, and mental/physical health programmes through athletics
Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) – Health & Sports Grant Programme
Stavros Niarchos Foundation
GreecePhilanthropicEuropean
Funding amount
In 2025, SNF’s Health & Sports funding exceeded USD 1.5 billion globally, with €10.2 million allocated in 16 sports/health grants
Target beneficiaries
Non-profit organisations, NGOs, public institutions, and community groups running youth sports, inclusion, adapted sports, and mental/physical health programmes through athletics
Funding objectives
To promote youth participation, sports education, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and community wellbeing. Examples include mass sport literacy, adapted exercise for persons with disabilities, and mobile mental-health sport programs .
Application process
SNF issues periodic, theme-based calls or rolling grants for “Recharging the Youth” and Health & Sports initiatives. Applicants apply via SNF’s portal under the “Grants” section. Funding decisions are made by the Foundation’s Board through thematic committees.
Application Process
Grant applications to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) must be submitted through its official online portal and are open exclusively to non-profit organizations. Requests from individuals or for-profit companies are not eligible.
To begin the application, the organization must provide its Tax Identification Number (TIN). The process is divided into the following sections:
1. Organization Details
Includes basic information such as the organization’s name, legal status, registration number, and contact information.
2. Legal Representative
Requires full details of the person authorized to submit the grant request on behalf of the organization.
3. Organizational Background
Applicants must describe the organization’s history, mission, and activities, including its founding date, scope of operations, number of staff and volunteers, and population served (maximum 3,000 characters).
4. Request Description
Applicants must provide a detailed explanation of the purpose of the funding request. This includes:
o Intended beneficiaries
o The geographic area of implementation
o A general timeline for implementation
o The total amount requested (entered as an integer, without commas or periods)
o The currency in which the grant is requested
(Description limited to 3,000 characters)
5. Review & Submission
Before submitting, applicants must review all entered data. Once submitted, no changes can be made. Edits can be done prior to submission using the back button or top navigation bar.
Past beneficiaries
“Sports Paths” island-wide summer sports programme: 450 children, delivering 45,900 instructor-led hours
“Action for Kids with Disabilities”: Over 460 children/young adults across 27 special units participated in adaptive sports programmes
Partnership with Special Olympics: A multi-year, US $10 million global inclusion initiative including Greek activities, supporting coach training and Unified Schools
UEFA Foundation for Children – a charitable foundation…UEFA Foundation for Children – a charitable foundation established by UEFA (Union of European Football Associations).
UEFA Foundation (an independent nonprofit under Swiss law, founded 2015). It is governed by a board of trustees (including the UEFA President) and financed by UEFA’s contributions and donations.
EuropeanPhilanthropic
Funding amount: The Foundation’s grants typically range from €20,000 up to around €200,000 per project, though most are on the smaller side. In total,…
Target beneficiaries: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities, associations, and community groups that use sport (especially football) for social good and education of children. Eligible projects must focus…
UEFA Foundation for Children – a charitable foundation established by UEFA (Union of European Football Associations).
UEFA Foundation (an independent nonprofit under Swiss law, founded 2015). It is governed by a board of trustees (including the UEFA President) and financed by UEFA’s contributions and donations.
EuropeanPhilanthropicEuropean
Funding amount
The Foundation’s grants typically range from €20,000 up to around €200,000 per project, though most are on the smaller side. In total, about €4–5 million is granted each year across dozens of projects. For example, in 2023/24 the Foundation awarded €4.5 million to 64 projects (average ~€70,000 each)uefa.com. In a recent cycle, €5 million was shared among 72 projects across the world. There is no rigid min/max per project published, but a common grant might cover equipment, facility refurbishment, education materials, and staffing for a 1-3 year project.
Target beneficiaries
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities, associations, and community groups that use sport (especially football) for social good and education of children. Eligible projects must focus on children or youth (up to 18 years), especially those in vulnerable or underprivileged situations. This includes organizations working with at-risk youth, refugees, disabled children, or those in deprived communities. Schools and local sport clubs can benefit indirectly if they partner with an NGO for a project. Essentially, any organization worldwide that “shares the values of the Foundation and proposes practical measures to help children” through sport can apply.
Funding objectives
The UEFA Foundation’s core mission is to help children in need through sport, leveraging football’s power to improve lives. Key objectives include: access to sport (giving all children the chance to play in safe conditions), personal development and education (teaching life skills, values, improving self-esteem through sport), health and well-being (promoting exercise for healthy lifestyles), social inclusion of minorities, refugees, or disabled children, conflict resolution and peace-building, gender equality in sports participation, and youth employability via sport. Projects funded typically use football or sport as a tool to convey education and societal values – for example, using football training to impart lessons in teamwork, respect, and conflict management to children. The Foundation aligns projects with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Sustainable Development Goals. Overall goal: harness sport to improve children’s lives, especially the most disadvantaged.
Application process
The Foundation conducts an annual Call for Projects, usually open in June and July each year. Applications are submitted through an online platform. Any organization meeting the criteria can apply by detailing their project proposal, objectives, target children, and budget. The Foundation provides guidelines and has certain criteria (e.g., projects must be sustainable, meet children’s needs, respect ethics and child protection standards). After submission, every project is examined and evaluated by the Foundation’s team. A working group of the board shortlists proposals, and the board of trustees makes final selections at its autumn meeting. Notifications are typically given by end of year. Key documentation includes a description of activities (often sport sessions, educational workshops, etc.), intended outcomes for children, and a detailed budget. There are no formal EU procedural requirements (being a private foundation), but strong emphasis is placed on the project’s social impact and alignment with the Foundation’s values.
Past beneficiaries
The Foundation has financed 577 projects in 138 countries in its first 10 years, reaching about 5 million children. Notable beneficiaries and projects: Streetfootballworld network members have received support to run football-for-good programs in refugee camps and inner cities. For example, “Football for Unity” in Europe and “Team Up for Ukraine” are projects using football to integrate refugees and conflict-affected youth. In Africa and Asia, projects like Just Play (Oceania Football Confederation) promote sports and life skills for children. In Europe, the Foundation has funded organizations such as Kick It Out (UK, fighting discrimination in football), Sport dans la Ville (France, using sport for youth employability), and many local clubs’ community programs (e.g., in Belgium, Poland, Greece as listed in their beneficiaries). National football associations have also received support for social projects (the foundation recently gave €1 million split among UEFA member associations to help disadvantaged children nationally). These past beneficiaries illustrate the breadth: from small NGOs teaching kids through sport in slums, to big organizations scaling up inclusion projects, all leveraging sport as an educational and developmental tool.
Contact information
sonia.degroote@evbb.eu
Manuals / guides
The UEFA Foundation “Call for Projects” page is the primary guide – it outlines eligibility, focus areas, and provides the link to the online application portal. The site also lists the Foundation’s focus themes and criteria for selection (and an Ethics Code) which applicants should follow. Additionally, the Foundation publishes an annual Activity Report highlighting funded projects, which can serve as inspiration and informal guidance on what types of projects get funded. (There is no lengthy application manual as with EU programs; instead, guidelines are given on the website and applicants fill out a form on the Foundation’s platform.)
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