Sport Together Fund is a global grant initiative launched in 2022 by Beyond Sport in partnership with the New Balance Foundation to support sport-based development organizations serving displaced populations worldwide.

Originally created in response to the Ukraine humanitarian crisis, the fund has since expanded its reach to assist nonprofits working with refugees, asylum seekers, and forcibly displaced communities across multiple regions. In addition to financial support, grantees receive capacity-building resources to strengthen organizational effectiveness.

This fund is well-suited for sport-for-development nonprofits with established programming that uses athletics as a vehicle for social cohesion, mental health, and community integration among vulnerable migrant and displaced populations.

Sport Together Fund - Beyond Sport Rebuilding Community in Times of Crisis Sport has the power to bring people together, offering belonging and a welcome escape for those forced to flee their homes. It can improve mental health, build confidence and help develop leadership skills. In times of crisis, the world of sport has consistently stepped up with solutions and hope.

But with 120 million displaced people worldwide and rising, it’s vital that the sports community joins together to act now. By addressing the multifaceted challenges displaced individuals face, we can provide them with the tools to heal, integrate and thrive in their new communities.

SPORT PROVIDING A HOME AWAY FROM HOME In 2022, Beyond Sport launched the Sport Together Fund, initially responding to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which displaced an estimated 14 million people. The Fund began by supporting community sport organizations and sports clubs across Europe dedicated to aiding affected populations.

The Sport Together Fund has since expanded to additional countries and affected groups to address the broader, systemic issue of forced displacement impacting millions worldwide. Sport and physical activity are powerful tools in improving the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of those undergoing displacement and resettlement.

The Sport Together Fund provides crucial funding and capacity-building support to sport-based development nonprofits and clubs that use sport to assist individuals and communities dealing with trauma and instability. The Fund specifically targets projects that promote well-being, inclusivity and leadership development.

By empowering displaced individuals and assisting communities affected by conflict, human rights violations and climate change disasters, Sport Together Fund fosters resilience and understanding. As of May 2024, a staggering 120 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to conflict, violence, human rights violations, persecution and climate disasters.

That’s more than 1 in 67 people on Earth forced to flee their lives, homes and sense of stability. Refugees, asylum seekers, displaced people and vulnerable communities face numerous challenges, including political, economic, social and personal hurdles related to housing, safety, employment and trauma. These difficulties compound their daunting experiences during resettlement.

Personal characteristics such as age, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, educational background, sexual orientation and religion also impact resettlement experiences. Photo: Girl Power Organisation The Sport Together Fund delivered by Beyond Sport, provides grants and capacity-building support to nonprofit organizations, sports clubs and collectives that assist communities facing humanitarian crises.

The Fund also supports the transit and host communities where people rebuild their lives. It helps provide essential resources, support and programming that fosters inclusion, develops refugee leadership and ensures safety, creating a sense of belonging and a respite from their challenges.

The Fund was co-designed with our Expert Advisory Group , comprised of activists, practitioners, athletes, researchers and individuals with lived refugee experiences. The Sport Together Fund is guided by targeted principles and with strategic support from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

GRANTS & CAPACITY BUILDING The Sport Together Fund delivered by Beyond Sport provides funding and development tools to organizations that support displaced and refugee populations, asylum seekers and vulnerable communities. Our grantee-partners have already created safe spaces in 14 countries, supporting displaced and vulnerable people from 32 countries.

The organizations vary in approach, but all use sport to cultivate inclusivity and healthy communities. Additionally, Beyond Sport offers grantee-partners opportunities to connect and learn through expert-led workshops on key issues like gender equity, conflict and displacement. Recent sessions provided strategies for better supporting refugee and migrant women in their programs.

In 2023, the Sport Together Fund began a partnership with the New Balance Foundation to support organizations promoting positive youth development, health and wellness and helping children and young people with refugee experiences rebuild their lives . Photo: Yoga & Sport With Refugees