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The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) has released a study reporting on the changing landscape of philanthropy in sport - identifying crucial gaps - and revealing significant opportunities to increase funding for sport during the next decade.

Published today, the Giving for Sport; Towards 2032 A Sporting Chance for all through Philanthropy report, aims to will help stakeholders understand the dramatic impacts that the global pandemic has had on the sport and recreation sectors - also identifies a $300 million per annum funding opportunity for community sport and athletes.

Introducing the study, ASF Chief Executive, Patrick Walker commented “community sport plays a vital and significant role in the Australian way of life and the rebuilding of communities in the aftermath of COVID-19 through its vast physical and mental benefits, promotion of social cohesion, and disease and stress reduction.

“Findings from our sample survey, conducted in June 2021, revealed a loss of $1.1 billion in revenue last year, 9,000 community clubs fearing insolvency, and 61% of Australia's representative athletes experiencing significant career disruption, loss of income and earning opportunities.

“The ASF continues to make a significant contribution to the sustainability of sport in Australia, helping to raise nearly $51 million from philanthropic sources over the course of last year - an increase of 16% on prior year. 

“There is so much more to be done and we want to use this report to demonstrate the critical role that philanthropy and the Australian Sports Foundation can play in creating a healthy and more active Australia.”

Urging that sport will play a vital role in Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic, Walker noted “sport builds physical and mental health, and brings people together in a way that little else does.

“COVID-19 led to enforced inactivity and increased isolation, particularly among our kids and marginal communities. There is so much more to be done and we want to use this report to demonstrate the critical role that philanthropy could play in creating a healthy and more active Australia.”

ASF estimates that, if amateur sport received the same generosity as the arts sector, there could be a $300 million opportunity for philanthropic giving in sport. While the arts has charitable status, amateur sport is yet to receive it, meaning giving to sport can be more complex, and donors are less likely to consider sport when making philanthropic decisions.

Walker pointed out that “sport receives little philanthropic funding compared to the arts, and it is time to grant charitable status to amateur sport in the same way.

“This would unlock boundless opportunities and would enable more Australians to benefit from the health and social aspects of sport.

“There is a real opportunity for philanthropy to do more for sport but it requires a change in legislation that would help the perception in how we value sport and its ability to drastically improve the lives of Australians - from physical to physiological health.”

With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, the Foundation stresses the importance of acting fast and ensuring that appropriate pathways for young, aspiring athletes are provided through adequate funding opportunities, adding “our call for change comes at a time when sport has never been in greater need of funds. COVID-19 has damaged the finances of sporting organisations at all levels, and Brisbane 2032 will place new demands for investment on already cash-strapped organisations.”

Speaking today at a launch event held at Ulverstone Showground in Tasmania, Federal Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck spoke of the importance of fundraising for local athletes and community sporting clubs, commenting “the Australian Sports Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in championing sport at every level across Australia.

 “After a challenging time, clubs and organisations have reset and are looking ahead to a brighter future.

 “There has never been a greater need to widen the philanthropic funding pool to help reinforce the pathway forward.”

With Olympic swimming medallist Tamsin Cook, members of Ulverstone Soccer Club, Football Tasmania and ASF fund recipient, snooker star Lilly Meldrum, at the launch event, the ASF sought to underscore that community sport plays a vital and significant role in the Australian way of life and the rebuilding of communities in the aftermath of COVID-19 through its vast physical and mental benefits, promotion of social cohesion, and disease and stress reduction.

Over the past 30 years, ASF has helped thousands of clubs and athletes raise hundreds of millions of dollars, funding all sports at all levels. ASF is the only organisation in Australia to have Deductible Gift Recipient status for sport, and currently act as leading commentators in the space of philanthropy in amateur sport.

Click here to view the full Giving for Sport; Towards 2032 A Sporting Chance for all through Philanthropy report.

Main image courtesy of Gold Coast City Council.

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