Open Call for Moving for Change Grant Program for Gender Equality

The adidas Foundation’s Moving for Change program provides grants of up to €700,000 to International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) working with locally based Sport for Development (S4D) organizations to promote gender equality through sport. The three-year program supports projects that empower girls and women, prevent gender-based violence, strengthen organizational capacity, and integrate Sport for Development into long-term development strategies.

adidas Foundation Moving for Change Program: Grants for Sport for Development and Gender Equality

The adidas Foundation is inviting International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), in partnership with locally based Sport for Development (S4D) organizations, to submit proposals for the Moving for Change program.

The initiative uses sport as a tool for social change to advance gender equality, strengthen community inclusion, empower girls and women, and build the institutional capacity of organizations working in the Sport for Development sector.

About the Moving for Change Program

The Moving for Change program supports collaborative projects that integrate Sport for Development (S4D) into development programming and organizational strategies. The initiative aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Gender Equality and promotes inclusive, safe, and equitable sport-based environments.

Projects should combine sport with education, leadership development, safeguarding, and community engagement to create long-term social impact while strengthening both international and local partner organizations.

Program Focus Areas

The funding supports projects focused on:

Sport for Development (S4D).
Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality.
Gender-transformative programming.
Women’s and girls’ empowerment.
Prevention of gender-based violence and harassment.
Positive masculinity initiatives.
Safe and inclusive sport participation.
Education through sport.
Mentorship programmes.
Economic opportunities for girls and women.
Community inclusion and social cohesion.
Organizational capacity strengthening.
Institutional development.
Safeguarding systems.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL).
Knowledge sharing.
Evidence generation.
Organizational learning.
Policy integration of Sport for Development.

Program Objectives

The initiative aims to:

Advance gender equality through sport.
Reduce gender-based violence and discrimination.
Promote positive gender norms and healthy masculinity.
Increase opportunities for girls and women.
Improve access to education and mentorship.
Strengthen social cohesion through inclusive sports activities.
Build stronger local Sport for Development organizations.
Integrate S4D principles into INGO policies and programmes.
Improve safeguarding practices.
Encourage long-term organizational learning and collaboration.

Funding Details

Funding Organization: adidas Foundation
Program: Moving for Change
Maximum Grant: Up to €700,000
Total Program Budget: €2.2 million
Project Duration: 3 years
Project Start: First half of 2027
Applicant Co-funding Requirement: Minimum 10% of total project cost.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

Be legally registered International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs).
Operate in at least one eligible country.
Apply jointly with a legally registered local Sport for Development (S4D) organization.
Demonstrate experience implementing gender equality programmes.
Have experience working with girls and women.
Maintain strong safeguarding policies and practices.
Demonstrate transparent governance and financial management.
Participate in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning activities.
Engage in the Moving for Change Community of Practice.
Submit all applications and partnership communication in English.

Partnership Requirements

Applications must demonstrate a genuine partnership between the INGO and the local Sport for Development organization.

The partnership must ensure that:

The local S4D organization is legally registered.
The local partner receives at least 20% of the total project budget.
The local organization actively participates in project design.
The local partner contributes to implementation.
Institutional capacity strengthening benefits both organizations.
Decision-making responsibilities are shared appropriately.

Eligible Project Activities

Projects may include:

Community sport programmes.
Leadership development for girls.
Mentorship initiatives.
Gender equality education.
Prevention of gender-based violence.
Positive masculinity campaigns.
Safe sport initiatives.
Capacity-building workshops.
Safeguarding training.
Community engagement activities.
Organizational development.
Monitoring and evaluation systems.
Research and evidence generation.
Knowledge exchange and learning activities.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Confirm eligibility as a registered International NGO.
Identify and establish a partnership with a locally registered Sport for Development organization.
Develop a joint project focused on gender equality through sport.
Ensure the local partner receives at least 20% of the project budget.
Prepare a detailed project proposal, implementation plan, and budget.
Include the required minimum 10% co-funding contribution.
Demonstrate safeguarding systems, governance capacity, and gender expertise.
Submit the complete application in English before the application deadline.

Why This Program Matters

Sport has the power to create safe spaces, build confidence, promote leadership, and challenge harmful gender norms. The Moving for Change program recognizes sport as a powerful development tool that can improve educational outcomes, strengthen community cohesion, reduce violence, and expand opportunities for girls and women.

By supporting long-term partnerships between international NGOs and local organizations, the program also strengthens institutional capacity and creates sustainable systems for delivering inclusive, gender-transformative development programmes.

Application Tips

Applicants should:

Build a genuine and equitable partnership with the local S4D organization.
Clearly demonstrate gender equality expertise.
Present measurable outcomes and indicators.
Include a strong safeguarding framework.
Show how Sport for Development is integrated throughout the project.
Develop a realistic implementation timeline.
Prepare a balanced budget with the required co-funding.
Explain how project outcomes will continue beyond the funding period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Moving for Change program?

It is an adidas Foundation funding initiative that supports Sport for Development projects designed to advance gender equality through partnerships between international NGOs and local S4D organizations.

How much funding is available?

Successful projects may receive up to €700,000 for a three-year implementation period.

Who can apply?

Legally registered International Non-Governmental Organizations applying jointly with legally registered local Sport for Development organizations.

Is a local partner mandatory?

Yes. Every application must include a locally based Sport for Development organization that plays an active implementation role and receives at least 20% of the total project budget.

Is co-funding required?

Yes. Applicants must contribute a minimum 10% financial co-funding in addition to the requested grant.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects promoting gender equality through sport, including leadership, education, safeguarding, mentorship, prevention of gender-based violence, community inclusion, and organizational capacity strengthening.

What language should applications be submitted in?

All applications and partnership communications must be submitted in English.

Conclusion

The adidas Foundation’s Moving for Change program offers significant funding for collaborative Sport for Development initiatives that advance gender equality, empower girls and women, and strengthen community resilience. By supporting long-term partnerships between international NGOs and local organizations, the initiative promotes inclusive sport, institutional capacity building, safeguarding, and sustainable social change that extends well beyond the life of the funded project.