ISPO unveils new foundation to support community projects
Sports and outdoor trade fair ISPO has launched the ISPO Impact Foundation, which will provide funding to NGOs worldwide for building more active communities.
The Foundation will accept project applications from non-profit organisations globally between 1 and 30 June. A range of grants will be available to ensure that projects with meaningful impact, regardless of size or creativity, can be considered. Applications will open annually across four funding levels.
Micro grants of €2,000 will support grassroots clubs, groups and teams making a difference in local communities, while multi-year grants of up to €100,000 will be available for larger organisations with the potential to create significant international impact.
Through ISPO’s annual donation, the Foundation will support initiatives that protect and restore natural environments while helping to build stronger and more active communities worldwide.
“ISPO has always been more than a trade fair. It is a platform that brings together the people who care most deeply about sport, the outdoors and the natural world,” said Mike Seaman, Group CEO of Raccoon Media Group. “It was always our intention that the Foundation would operate with full independence. Decisions about where this funding goes, and the projects it supports, belong entirely to the trustees, the advisory council and the communities they serve.”
Andrew Denton, Chair of the Trustees and CEO of the Outdoor Industries Association, added: “The ISPO Impact Foundation represents a powerful opportunity to put that belief into action internationally and at scale, year after year. We are grateful to ISPO and Raccoon Media Group for their vision and generosity in making this possible, and we take the responsibility of stewarding this fund very seriously.”
The ISPO Impact Foundation is governed by an independent board of trustees comprising Andrew Denton, Mark Held and Hannah Lewis. The trustees are supported by an advisory council of experts from the outdoor recreation, sport and sustainability sectors, including brands, suppliers and retailers.
