Grassroots sports clubs received a boost today with the news we’re investing a further £5 million of National Lottery funding into our partnership with Crowdfunder.
The Return to Play: Active Together fund evolved from our 2018 collaboration with Crowdfunder and sees us match-fund up to £10,000 for not-for-profit organisations that raise funds via the crowdfunding website.
As we continue to help grassroots organisations bounce back from the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, we know public support is vital to help local sports clubs promote health and wellbeing in our communities.
A crowdfunding campaign demonstrates that support and to date, since May 2020, the fund’s supported 475 clubs and raised a total of £7,103,289 – with, on average, each club raising £10,508 from their crowd alone.
Research last year showed that 97% of local sports clubs in England lost income as a result of lockdown, with many facing permanent closure, and for our executive director of tackling inactivity, Mike Diaper, crowdfunding is a good way to help those in need.
“Crowdfunder is a brilliant platform which enables clubs and organisations to build stronger ties to their communities,” he said.
“Made possible by the National Lottery, we’re delighted to make £5m of funding available as part of our Active Together partnership.”
There are more than 72,000 sports clubs across England, staffed by 4.6m volunteers and serving more than 11m people.
All sports clubs, charities and other community organisations who deliver sport or activity in England are able to apply for up to £10,000 in match funding to help their communities get active.