Applications open for BeActive Sport Awards Volunteering

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards – Volunteering 2026 recognize organizations and individuals that have made exceptional contributions to sport through volunteer work across Europe. The award celebrates initiatives that strengthen community engagement, inclusivity, and participation in sport, with a €25,000 prize awarded to the winning initiative.

#BeActive EU Sport Awards – Volunteering 2026

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards – Volunteering 2026 celebrate outstanding organizations and stakeholders that promote sport and physical activity through volunteer engagement across Europe.

The Volunteering category recognizes initiatives that demonstrate how volunteers contribute to building stronger communities, encouraging inclusive participation, supporting grassroots sport, and fostering long-term development within the sporting sector. The award is part of the European Union’s commitment to promoting active lifestyles, social inclusion, and civic participation through sport.

Overview

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards – Volunteering recognize exceptional volunteer-led initiatives that strengthen sport and community participation.

The award supports projects that:

• Promote volunteering in sport.
• Encourage community participation.
• Strengthen grassroots sport.
• Increase inclusion and equal access to sport.
• Support healthy and active lifestyles.
• Build inter-generational connections.
• Empower disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.
• Encourage civic engagement through volunteer action.

Purpose of the Awards

The programme aims to:

• Recognize outstanding volunteer contributions to sport.
• Promote volunteering as a key pillar of community sport.
• Encourage active participation across all age groups.
• Strengthen inclusive sporting environments.
• Support grassroots sports organizations.
• Highlight leadership through volunteer service.
• Increase awareness of the social value of volunteering.
• Inspire similar volunteer initiatives across Europe.

Focus Areas

The Volunteering category supports initiatives related to:

• Volunteering in sport
• Community engagement
• Grassroots sports development
• Social inclusion
• Health and physical activity
• Inter-generational participation
• Leadership through volunteering
• Diversity and equality
• Active citizenship
• Youth engagement
• Community resilience
• Equal opportunities in sport
• Volunteer capacity building

Funding Information

Successful applicants receive:

• Award prize of €25,000
• European-level recognition
• Increased visibility for volunteer initiatives
• Opportunities to promote best practices
• Recognition for outstanding volunteer leadership in sport

Award Benefits

Winning the #BeActive EU Sport Awards – Volunteering offers several benefits:

• €25,000 financial award
• Recognition by the European Union
• Increased international visibility
• Enhanced organizational credibility
• Opportunities to showcase successful volunteer programmes
• Networking opportunities within the European sports sector
• Promotion of best practices in volunteer management and engagement

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include legal entities established in eligible countries.

Applicants may include:

• Sports organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Community organizations
• Public organizations
• Private organizations
• International organizations
• Educational institutions
• Local authorities
• Public agencies
• Other legally established entities

Applicants must be established in:

• EU Member States
• Overseas Countries and Territories
• Non-EU countries associated with the Erasmus+ Programme
• Countries currently negotiating association with Erasmus+

Eligible Initiatives

Projects should demonstrate outstanding volunteer engagement within sport.

Examples include initiatives that:

• Recruit and retain sport volunteers.
• Strengthen grassroots sports clubs.
• Promote inclusive volunteer participation.
• Support youth volunteer programmes.
• Encourage older adults to volunteer.
• Build leadership through volunteer training.
• Increase community participation in sport.
• Improve access to sport for disadvantaged groups.
• Foster long-term volunteer engagement.
• Strengthen local sporting communities.

How the Award Process Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization is a legal entity established in an eligible country.

Step 2: Review Award Objectives

Confirm that your initiative aligns with the goals of promoting volunteering, community engagement, and inclusive sport participation.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Compile documentation that includes:

• Project objectives
• Volunteer activities
• Community impact
• Beneficiary information
• Measurable outcomes
• Evidence of volunteer engagement
• Sustainability of the initiative

Step 4: Submit the Application

Complete and submit the application before the official deadline, ensuring all required documentation is included.

Step 5: Evaluation

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Contribution to volunteering in sport
• Innovation
• Community impact
• Inclusion
• Sustainability
• Leadership
• Quality of implementation

Step 6: Award Selection

Outstanding volunteer initiatives are selected for recognition under the #BeActive EU Sport Awards – Volunteering 2026.

Why It Matters

Volunteers play a vital role in making sport accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards – Volunteering help to:

• Recognize volunteer leadership.
• Encourage community participation.
• Strengthen grassroots sport.
• Promote social inclusion.
• Support healthier communities.
• Inspire civic engagement.
• Increase appreciation for volunteer contributions across Europe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to demonstrate measurable volunteer impact.
• Providing insufficient evidence of community benefits.
• Focusing only on sporting achievements instead of volunteer contributions.
• Submitting incomplete application materials.
• Ignoring inclusion and diversity outcomes.
• Not demonstrating sustainability beyond the project period.
• Missing eligibility requirements.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the role of volunteers in your initiative.
• Provide measurable evidence of volunteer impact.
• Highlight community engagement and participation.
• Demonstrate leadership and innovation.
• Include testimonials, statistics, or success stories.
• Show long-term sustainability.
• Align your project with the award objectives.
• Ensure all supporting documents are complete.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the #BeActive EU Sport Awards – Volunteering?

It is a European Union award recognizing outstanding organizations and initiatives that strengthen sport through volunteer engagement and community participation.

2. What is the award prize?

The winning initiative receives €25,000.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include legal entities such as sports organizations, public bodies, private organizations, community organizations, international organizations, and other eligible entities established in participating countries.

4. What types of projects are eligible?

Projects that promote volunteering, strengthen grassroots sport, encourage community participation, and support inclusive sporting opportunities.

5. Which countries are eligible?

Applicants must be established in EU Member States, Overseas Countries and Territories, Erasmus+ associated countries, or countries currently negotiating association with the programme.

6. What do evaluators look for?

Applications are assessed based on volunteer impact, innovation, inclusion, sustainability, leadership, community engagement, and overall contribution to sport.

7. Why are these awards important?

The awards recognize the essential contribution of volunteers to sport, encourage stronger community participation, and promote best practices that inspire volunteer initiatives across Europe.

Conclusion

The #BeActive EU Sport Awards – Volunteering 2026 celebrate the dedication of organizations and volunteers who strengthen sport through community service, leadership, and inclusive participation. By recognizing exceptional volunteer initiatives with €25,000 and European-level recognition, the awards encourage greater civic engagement, healthier communities, and the continued growth of grassroots sport across Europe.