Sport for Refugees Coalition Collaborative Action Grant

The Sport for Refugees Coalition Collaborative Action Grant is an initiative funded by the Olympic Refuge Foundation, an organization connected to the Olympic Movement that focuses on supporting displaced populations through sport-based programming. The grant is administered through the Sport for Refugees Coalition, which coordinates global efforts to promote inclusion, protection, and well-being for refugees and displaced communities. This funding opportunity represents a collaborative effort to strengthen partnerships across humanitarian, sport, and community-based sectors while advancing innovative solutions at the intersection of sport and displacement. The primary purpose of the grant is to support the development and piloting of new initiatives that leverage sport as a tool for social inclusion and resilience among displaced populations. For the current funding cycle, the program focuses on two thematic priorities: promoting gender diversity and inclusion through sport, and mobilizing sport for communities affected by climate-related displacement. The grant emphasizes collaboration and innovation, encouraging organizations to work together to design and test new approaches that can demonstrate measurable impact and scalability over time. Funding is available in amounts of up to 50,000 USD per project, with the expectation that funds will be used primarily for the implementation of a pilot initiative. Eligible costs include program activities, training and capacity building, personnel, monitoring and evaluation, logistics, and indirect costs, as outlined in the budget template. The funding is intended to support a defined project period and does not guarantee future or continued funding beyond the pilot phase. All awarded funds must be fully utilized within the designated implementation window ending in late October 2027. Eligibility is limited to organizations that are members of the Sport for Refugees Coalition at the time of submission. Applications must be submitted collaboratively by at least two coalition member organizations, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Lead applicants must be legally registered entities, although private entities and informal organizations may participate as partners. Projects must demonstrate meaningful participation of refugees in the design, planning, and implementation phases, and applications from refugee-led organizations are strongly encouraged. Priority is given to projects implemented in Latin America and specific regions of Africa, including the Horn of Africa, Sahel, and Great Lakes regions. The application process requires submission of a concept note using a structured template provided by the funder. Applicants must email their completed concept notes to the designated program email address. Required components include project summary, objectives, target population, activities, innovation, partnership structure, monitoring and evaluation approach, and a detailed budget. Additional due diligence materials may be requested for selected applicants, including legal documentation, safeguarding policies, organizational structure, and references. An informational session is also offered prior to submission to guide applicants through the process. Applications are reviewed by a panel consisting of coalition co-convenors and individuals with lived experience of displacement. Evaluation criteria include relevance and innovation, meaningful refugee participation, feasibility, organizational capacity and partnerships, and potential for scalability and long-term impact. Each criterion carries equal weight in the selection process. The review period occurs in July, followed by notification of selected concepts in mid-August and final grant awards expected by the end of September. The timeline for this opportunity includes a submission deadline in early July, followed by a structured review and selection process. Projects are expected to begin implementation in October and continue for approximately one year. The grant is part of a recurring initiative, with similar calls issued in previous years, indicating an ongoing funding cycle. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals closely with thematic priorities and demonstrate strong collaboration and community engagement to increase competitiveness.

Focus on strong partnerships between coalition members, demonstrate meaningful refugee participation, and clearly align with thematic priorities of gender inclusion or climate resilience through sport