Beyond Sport Foundation

Beyond Sport Foundation, established in 2008 as a UK-headquartered international charity, harnesses the power of sport to drive positive social change, tackling inequality, division, mental health challenges, and exclusion. Its mission fosters resilient, inclusive societies by supporting initiatives that intentionally use sport to promote equity, opportunity, and community cohesion, guided by values of ambition, transparency, empathy, accessibility, passion, and adaptability. With deep sector expertise, it emphasizes community listening, data-driven innovation, collaboration, and global networks spanning 81+ countries and 1,500+ organizations.

It funds charities and NGOs leveraging sport for youth development, racial justice, gender inclusion, mental health, education, employment, and empowering marginalized groups, through unrestricted grants, project funding, capacity-building workshops, advocacy, and convenings like the Beyond Sport Awards and Return to Play Fund. Recent examples include grants to Foundation 92 and HYPE Merseyside for inclusive youth wellbeing programs. Support covers core costs, staff training, and multi-year operations, prioritizing sustainability, impact evaluation, and organizational strengthening.

Eligible applicants are registered non-profits with at least 24 months' operation; no overarching geographic restrictions (global, excluding sanctioned countries), though some programs target regions like Australia or are invitation-only. Preference for smaller/medium orgs, with some requiring income at least double the award (e.g., £40,000+). Typical grants: £32,000–£41,000 ($40,000–$50,000) annually, up to £123,000 over three years. Applications via online forms for open calls (deadlines vary, e.g., annual/biannual; check website); shortlisting in 6 weeks.

Distinctive for its participatory, co-designed funding with corporate partners, Beyond Sport amplifies stories and connects practitioners in the sport-for-development ecosystem, avoiding non-sport-aligned activities while offering bespoke leadership and safeguarding support—no religious or explicit thematic exclusions.