Sport has long been more than just a game; it can transform lives, build communities, and drive sustainable development. The Global Sport Impact Fund (GSIF), launched by the Coalition for Sustainable Development through Sport, presents a major opportunity for organizations using sport as a force for good.
What is the Global Sport Impact Fund?
The GSIF is a call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for projects that harness sport to advance sustainable development. It is a multi-stakeholder initiative involving public development finance institutions and international partners. Its goal: scale up sport-based programs that contribute to positive outcomes in communities around the world.
Key Details at a Glance
| Item | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Deadline | September 30, 2025 |
| Languages accepted | English, French, Spanish |
| Who can apply | Organizations that have a project using sport as a tool for development, projects that are in the concept stage, pilot, ongoing, or scaling. |
| Application components | Organization profile, project overview, strategic & impact alignment, financial info, attachments (feasibility studies, business plan, etc.) |
Why This Fund Matters
Here are several reasons why the GSIF is important:
-
Amplifies sport’s development potential
Sport can improve health, education, gender equality, inclusion, and environmental awareness. By channeling funding toward sport-based initiatives, GSIF aims to scale those impacts. -
Encourages community participation
Projects that meaningfully involve local communities and partners (local authorities, civil society, and sports federations) tend to have more lasting impact. GSIF’s criteria emphasize this. -
Blends sustainability and innovation
The fund looks for projects that treat sport as more than physical activity: ones that incorporate environmental sustainability, gender equality, and measurable outcomes. -
Opportunity for organizations at various maturity levels
Whether you’re just designing a sports-initiative (concept stage) or operating at scale, there is space to apply. That means smaller or newer organizations still have a chance if their ideas are solid.
What GSIF Is Looking For
To stand out, an application should clearly address the following:
- Strategic alignment with development goals like inclusion, gender equality, health, and environment.
- Community engagement & institutional partnerships – rather than working in isolation, show how you’ll collaborate with local authorities, sports bodies, and NGOs.
- Clear impact metrics – both qualitative (stories, inclusion, social change) and quantitative (number of people reached, health metrics, gender balance, etc.).
- Feasibility & financial sustainability – how much funding you need, what you already have, and how you plan to sustain the project afterwards.
Who Should Apply
- NGOs or civil society organizations working in sport for development programs
- Community-based organizations using sports for inclusion, health, education
- Entities building sport infrastructure or programs (youth sports, wellness, mixed gender, etc.)
- Innovators combining sport with environmental or gender-focused goals
The Global Sport Impact Fund is a compelling chance to scale up sport’s power in affecting positive social change. If you have a vision that connects sport with development—whether in health, gender, inclusion, or environment; this is one opportunity you don’t want to miss.
