Apply Now: Global Sport Impact Fund Offers €500,000–€5 Million for Sport for Development Projects

The International Platform on Sport and Development (sportanddev) has announced the first call for expressions of interest from the Global Sport Impact Fund (GSIF), offering between €500,000 and €5 million in funding for sport-focused development projects worldwide.

This opportunity aims to empower civil society organizations, grassroots initiatives, and community-based actors working to use sport as a tool for positive change.

About the Global Sport Impact Fund (GSIF)

The GSIF is spearheaded by the Coalition for Sustainable Development through Sport, a multi-stakeholder partnership that unites public development finance institutions and global partners. Its mission is to expand the role of sport in advancing social and economic development.

The fund builds on commitments made during the Summit on Sport for Sustainable Development—held on the eve of the Paris 2024 Games—where the Coalition and its partners pledged to invest USD 10 billion in sport initiatives worldwide.

The GSIF operates as a blended finance impact fund, designed to de-risk investments and support high-impact sport for development projects. It combines concessional debt, guarantees, and technical assistance to maximize sustainability and long-term impact.

First Call for Expressions of Interest

This inaugural call seeks to identify a first group of eligible projects for investment. To qualify, proposals must:

• Demonstrate a viable revenue-generation model
• Avoid dependence solely on grants
• Include a level of co-financing

According to sportanddev, this opportunity is particularly timely given the global aid crisis, which has limited support for sport-based development initiatives.

Priority Areas for Funding

Projects eligible for GSIF support must fall within at least one of the following categories:

1. Inclusive Community Sports Infrastructure

Construction or rehabilitation of sports facilities that are at least partially open to the public.

2. Human Capital Development

Establishment of residential or semi-residential academies combining education with structured sports training.
Vocational training, life-skills programs, and professional certification initiatives that strengthen the sport-for-development workforce.

3. Multifunctional Sport and Wellness Complexes

Development of urban or peri-urban hubs that integrate sport facilities with broader community services.

4. Community-Based Sport for Development Programs

Grassroots initiatives, often led by NGOs or local organizations, that use sport as a tool for social transformation.

Funding Ranges

• €500,000 – €1.5 million: For a wide range of projects, including pilot initiatives and targeted scale-ups.
• €1.5 million – €5 million: Primarily for infrastructure-heavy projects or larger ecosystem interventions.

Application Requirements

Proposals will be evaluated across six core dimensions:

1. Strategic alignment
2. Project maturity
3. Impact potential
4. Geographic relevance
5. Financial structure
6. Risk profile

Applicants are strongly advised to review the Fund Rules and Eligibility before submitting.

Application Process

• Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Languages: English, French, or Spanish
• Application Limit: One application per organization (no edits allowed after submission).

Steps to Apply

1. Explore the Program – Review objectives, eligibility criteria, and selection procedures.
2. Complete the Application Form – Fill in all required sections with accurate information.
3. Save and Submit – Drafts can be saved, but once submitted, applications cannot be edited.

Applicants are encouraged to provide clear, concise, and evidence-based responses to increase their chances of being selected.

Sportanddev’s Role

Sportanddev continues to work closely with the Coalition and other partners to ensure that organizations across the sport-for-development ecosystem are informed about opportunities like the GSIF. This initiative is expected to play a major role in scaling innovative projects that use sport as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable development.