Crowdfunder partners with Sport England, Sport Wales and Sport NI to deliver crucial funding pots for sports clubs

• Powered by funding from Sport England, Sport Wales and Sport Northern Ireland, Crowdfunder will oversee £6.5m of funding for grassroots sports clubs, sports charities already seeking public support
• Funds are launched as new stats reveal almost 100% of sports clubs across England suffered financial losses during the pandemic, with many turning to crowdfunding to stay afloat
• Clubs can apply for match-funding from Sport England, Sport Wales and Sport NI when Crowdfunding
• Crowdfunder also offers 0% platform fees, coaching and access to extra funds for sports clubs and athletes fundraising on the site

Powered by funding from Sport England, Sport Wales and Sport Northern Ireland, leading UK crowdfunding platform Crowdfunder has today announced that it will be delivering £6.5m of funding aimed at helping grassroots sports clubs bounce back from the pandemic

The new individual funding pots  from Sport England, Sport Wales, and Sport NI will enable grassroots sports clubs and organisations to apply for funding boosts via Crowdfunder, providing a vital lifeline for clubs hit by financial loss during the pandemic.

It comes as research from Sport England reveals 97% of local sports clubs in England lost income as a result of lockdowns and covid restrictions, with many facing permanent closure. They include clubs which nurtured some of the UK’s biggest sporting names.

Murry Toms, Campaign Director at Crowdfunder, said: “At Crowdfunder, we saw first hand how many sports clubs struggled during the pandemic. Many of the clubs who came to us for support told us their usual funding streams had dried up. These were clubs which had been the starting points for household names like Tom Daley. Without them UK sport loses a vital pipeline for talent.

“The support we’ve seen for our Olympic and Paralympic teams in Tokyo shows how much passion there is for sport in the UK. Grassroots sports clubs are where our athletes begin their sporting journey so it's vital we support clubs at this level to identify and nurture the next generation of talent and providing a focal point for communities across the country. Our partnerships with Sport England, Sport Wales and Sport NI will help us make a bigger impact, meaning we can channel extra funding into club projects.

"But it's more than just giving. As a rewards-based platform, Crowdfunder is an effective community engagement tool. In most cases the initial aim is to raise some money but the end result can be a re-energised community.”

Mike Diaper, Executive Director Tackling Inactivity at Sport England said: “Crowdfunder is a brilliant platform which enables clubs and organisations to build stronger ties to their communities.    

“Made possible by the National Lottery, we’re delighted to make £5m of funding available as part of our Active Together partnership. 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. 

There are over 72,000 sports clubs across England staffed by 4.6m volunteers and serving over 11m people. 

Fundraisers who want to access match funding from either Sport England, Sport Wales or Sport NI can also benefit from free coaching from Crowdfunder to support them through the fundraising process through practical webinars and in-person coaching from Crowdfunder’s dedicated team. 

Crowdfunder also offers 0% platform fees for non-profit fundraisers and enables rewards-based fundraising and free prize draws - all designed to give fundraisers the best tools to attract public support.

Covid-19 restrictions meant thousands of clubs saw their incomes devastated through a lack of ticket sales, fees, and venue rental.