2026 Grants Available by Adidas Foundation to Drive Gender Equality Through Sport Moving for Change East Africa, The adidas Foundation, founded in 2023 by adidas and based in Nuremberg, Germany, is an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to harnessing the power of sport to tackle pressing social and environmental issues worldwide. Working closely with non-profits and other mission-aligned partners, the Foundation promotes inclusive, community-led development through its mission of uniting communities through sport.

Through its Moving for Change (MfC) programme, the Foundation encourages the integration of Sport for Development (S4D) approaches into long-term development strategies, helping create more inclusive, resilient, and equitable communities. The initiative supports organisations in using sport as a tool to drive meaningful social change while advancing sustainable development goals.

As part of the programme, the adidas Foundation provides support to International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and local Sport for Development organisations to embed S4D practices into their programmes, organisational systems, and strategic planning. The initiative also seeks to build evidence demonstrating how sport can contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality).

To advance these objectives, the Foundation has launched an open Request for Proposals (RFP), inviting joint applications from eligible INGOs and local S4D organisations whose projects align with the programme’s goals and expected outcomes.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.

Last Date of Submission: 21^st August 2026

2026 Grants Available by Adidas Foundation to Drive Gender Equality Through Sport Moving for Change East Africa Purpose of the Call

This Request for Proposals (RFP) invites International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) to partner with local Sport for Development (S4D) organisations to implement projects that use sport as a catalyst for positive social change while embedding S4D approaches into organisational strategies and programmes.

Proposals should:

• Align with SDG 5 – Gender Equality and address local community needs.
• Present a practical and well-designed project with achievable outcomes.
• Demonstrate a strong partnership with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
• Build organisational capacity and promote the long-term adoption of S4D approaches.
• Support learning, evidence generation, and the sharing of best practices.

2026 Grants Available by Adidas Foundation to Drive Gender Equality Through Sport Moving for Change East Africa Eligibility Criteria

Applications must meet the following mandatory requirements:

Lead Applicant (INGO)

Only International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) are eligible to apply. The lead applicant must:

• Be a legally registered non-profit organisation with at least three years of operations in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda.
• Be politically and religiously independent.
• Demonstrate inclusive practices, strong safeguarding policies, transparent governance, and effective internal controls.
• Participate in the adidas Foundation’s due diligence process and conduct due diligence for local partners.
• Submit only one proposal per country.
• Have proven experience in SDG 5 (Gender Equality) programming, working with girls, women, and marginalized communities.
• Show interest in Sport for Development (S4D) and a commitment to integrating S4D approaches into future programmes.

S4D Partner

Each application must include a local Sport for Development (S4D) organisation that:

• Is a legally registered non-profit with at least three years of operations in the project country.
• Has demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing S4D programmes.
• Possesses adequate organisational and financial capacity.
• Receives at least 20% of the total project budget to ensure meaningful participation in the partnership.

Financial Eligibility

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity.

• The annual grant request cannot exceed 50% of the lead applicant’s most recent audited annual income.
• Organisations with lower annual income may apply for a smaller grant amount that falls within this limit.

Funding & Project Duration

Funding Overview

The adidas Foundation has allocated a total budget of €2.2 million under this funding call.

• Maximum funding per project: €700,000
• Maximum cumulative funding per organisation: €1.5 million across all affiliated entities (excluding existing adidas Foundation grants awarded outside this call).

Co-funding & Budget Requirements

• Lead applicants must contribute at least 10% co-funding of the total project budget through a financial contribution.
• Up to 15% of the requested grant may be used for indirect cost recovery by both the lead applicant and the S4D partner.
• Up to 5% of the total budget may support participation in the Community of Practice, including peer learning, capacity-building, and related travel.
• Applicants are encouraged to allocate around 5% of the project budget to Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities.

Project Duration

• Project length: 3 years
• Selected projects are expected to begin during the first half of 2027.

Why This Funding Opportunity Is Important

The adidas Foundation Moving for Change (MfC) Request for Proposals offers a unique opportunity for organisations to use sport as a driver of social change while advancing gender equality and strengthening local communities. Here’s why this funding is significant:

• Promotes Gender Equality: Supports projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), helping improve opportunities and outcomes for girls and women.
• Uses Sport as a Tool for Development: Encourages organisations to leverage sport to address social challenges, foster inclusion, and empower vulnerable communities.
• Builds Strong Partnerships: Brings together International NGOs and local Sport for Development (S4D) organisations, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Strengthens Organisational Capacity: Helps organisations integrate Sport for Development approaches into their long-term strategies, programmes, and systems.
• Provides Significant Multi-Year Funding: With grants of up to €700,000 over three years, organisations can implement sustainable, high-impact initiatives.
• Encourages Learning and Innovation: Supports evidence generation, monitoring, evaluation, and the sharing of best practices that can influence future development programmes.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Align Clearly with SDG 5: Demonstrate how your project will advance gender equality and empower girls and women through sport.
• Build a Strong Partnership: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of both the INGO and the local S4D partner, highlighting complementary strengths.
• Design a Practical Project: Present realistic objectives, activities, timelines, and measurable outcomes supported by a well-structured budget.
• Show S4D Expertise: Explain how sport will be used as a meaningful tool for social development rather than simply as a recreational activity.
• Highlight Organisational Capacity: Showcase previous experience in gender equality, safeguarding, and working with underserved or marginalised communities.
• Prepare a Strong Budget: Ensure your budget meets co-funding requirements, includes appropriate allocations for MEAL activities, and remains financially realistic.
• Focus on Sustainability: Describe how Sport for Development approaches will continue to benefit the organisation and community after the grant period ends.

How to apply?

If you have any questions or wish to amend or withdraw your application, please contact programs@adidasfoundation.org. To help us process your request efficiently, please include “Moving for Change RFP Application” in the subject line.

<<<<Apply Here Now>>>>

Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below

Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this funding?

Only International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) can serve as lead applicants. Applications must be submitted jointly with an eligible local Sport for Development (S4D) organisation.

2. How much funding is available?

The adidas Foundation has allocated €2.2 million for this funding round, with grants of up to €700,000 per project.

3. Is co-funding required?

Yes. Lead applicants must contribute a minimum 10% financial co-funding of the total project budget.

4. Which countries are eligible?

Projects must be implemented in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda, where the lead applicant has at least three years of operational presence.

5. What types of projects are the adidas Foundation looking for?

The Foundation seeks projects that use Sport for Development (S4D) to promote gender equality, strengthen organisational capacity, generate evidence of impact, and create sustainable social change through strong partnerships between INGOs and local organisations.

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