Four grants of $20,000 each are to be awarded to projects that help encourage sport for all ©IOC

Development grants each worth $20,000 (£14,000/€18,000) are to be awarded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Sport and Active Society Commission to organisations running effective sport for all programmes in their communities, it was announced today. 

The development grants were created by the Commission to fulfil its mission to encourage people everywhere to participate in regular physical activity and to promote the health and social benefits of sport.

It is also in keeping with the reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC’s strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement that was approved in December 2014, it is claimed. 

This year’s grants fall under three themes: sports legacy for the Olympic Games or other major events; community-wide promotion of physical activity; and the engagement of youth.

To be considered for a grant, applicants should demonstrate that their project

  • Has a long-term and sustainable timeline
  • Uses sport or physical activity as a tool to improve social issues
  • Uses available public space and/or sport facilities and venues to promote participation in physical activity
  • Has concretely developed long-term partnerships
  • Has a concrete monitoring/evaluation plan in place

“We are looking for projects that really inspire people to get moving and lead active, healthy lifestyles,” Commission chair Sam Ramsamy said.

“We know from experience that there are many excellent sport for all programmes out there and we are looking forward to learning more about some of the best practices being implemented around the world.

"We wish all the applicants the best of luck.”

The IOC Sport and Active Society Commission claim they are looking for programmes that encourage people everywhere to participate in regular physical activity, particularly youngsters ©Getty Images
The IOC Sport and Active Society Commission claim they are looking for programmes that encourage people everywhere to participate in regular physical activity, particularly youngsters ©Getty Images

Non-governmental organisations, not for profit organisations, International and National Federations, including IOC-Recognised International Federations, and National Olympic Committees are eligible to apply.

The applicants will be shortlisted by a panel of judges from the IOC Sports, Olympic Games, Olympic Solidarity, and Public Affairs and Social Development Through Sport Departments. 

The shortlist will then be presented to the Sport and Active Society Commission Grants Panel to select the winners.

The deadline for submissions is May 15.

Winning entrants will be announced by July, with funding scheduled to be provided to four organisations in September.

For more details contact [email protected].