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Sport

MOST PEOPLE GIVE to sporting charities for personal reasons, grateful to a sport that's enhanced their lives - rather than picking out charities that help less fortunate people enjoy sport. This, plus uneven government funding, means that charities in this area differ wildly in their approach and wealth. Choose carefully. 		A radiant sunflower
     
I want to...
 
 
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   ...improve the public's access to sport in general
 
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   ...improve access to sport in my local area
 
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   ...help improve safety and standards in the provision of sports
 
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   ...help improve people's access to playing a certain sport, and its quality
 
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   ...help a particular group of people gain access to sport
 
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   ...help tackle a wider issue within the world of sport
 
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 Our sport charity listings
 
 
      ...improve the public's access to sport in general
 You could give to one of the big foundations, or spread your money between them. While most concentrate on just one sport, some, such as the Football Foundation fund other sports. Perhaps you are interested in improving the general public's access to sport but you don't mind who, and you have no preference towards a particular sport. If so, your best option is to give to a charity aiming to improve public health by providing access to sport through campaigns or initiatives. This way you can ensure that people's general sporting needs are being addressed. Alternatively you could look for a charity that aims to preserve playing fields and sports facilities, spreading your donation to a wide range of activities.

Examples: Top Foundation, Fields in Trust, Football Foundation
     
    ...improve access to sport in my local area
 A good way to achieve this is to give to your local Community Amateur Sports Club. These are not-for-profit organizations similar to charities, eligible for Gift Aid and rate relief. They do not register as charities as this can result in unwanted regulations. These clubs guarantee low membership fees and therefore increased access to sport.
     
    ...help improve safety and standards in the provision of sports
 Give to a national sports body as these are largely responsible for standards. If you want to direct your money to a charity that improves the quality of, consider giving to a charity which funds courses for athletes or provides coaches or tutors in a particular sport. This way you will know that your money is being channeled into sporting excellence.

Examples: The British Sports Trust (Sport Leaders), The Institute of Sport and Recreation, Sports Aid Foundation
     
    ...help improve people's access to playing a certain sport, and its quality
If a particular sport interests you, you might be able to find a charity that is totally linked to it. Most major sports have a charity dedicated to improving people's access to it or improving conditions of play, although if your hobby is smaller or more obscure such as korfball or caving then consider giving to the governing body of the charity itself.

Examples: The British Tennis Foundation, The National Hockey Foundation, The Golf Foundation Limited, Dragons Rugby Trust
     
    ...help a particular group of people gain access to sport
 Most national governing bodies and major sporting foundations have programmes that focus on particular groups of people who might not otherwise get the chance to be involved. These include marginalised groups like the homeless, disadvantaged people like the disabled, or simply a part of the population that is not generally involved in a particular sport. There are also charities that strive to get particular groups involved in sport.

Examples: Women Sports Foundation, Youth Sports Trust, RYA Sailability
     
    ...help tackle a wider issue within the world of sport
 Sports charities aren't just about getting more people to kick a ball around. A few are dedicated to wider issues such as racism or homelessness. Some focus on stamping out these problems in society at large, as well as on the playing field. If you're a sports fan who wants your donation to go further, look for a sports charity with a broad focus.

Examples: Show Racism the Red Card, Street League, Kick it Out, Dads Against Drugs

Our Sports charity listings