Fare has launched a grants programme to support organisations and groups of individuals to explore the themes of #BlackLivesMatter through football.

The Fare network is an umbrella organisation that brings together individuals, informal groups and organisations driven to combat inequality in football and use the sport as a means for social change. Fare’s commitment to tackle discrimination through football’s inclusive power is based on the principle that the game, as the most popular sport in the world, belongs to us all and can propel social cohesion.

An article posted on the Fare website said, "We believe that racial injustice is a long and historical problem and deeply affects many countries and many sectors, including football. The pledges to action that have been prompted by the global outcry over the killing of George Floyd (and many others) are too important to be allowed to dissipate, we all have a responsibility to act and build a future in which everyone is equal".

"We know the power of grassroots action and the way that it can set agendas, reach communities and create change. We want to encourage action and focus from below. If you have an idea for an impactful activity this is a unique opportunity to get some small funding and make the idea a reality".

The deadline for grants applications is Monday 20 July, and interested parties must complete an online form to apply.

To support applicants, Fare has published a list of suggested activities that the grants could be used to fund. This includes:

• Community sporting events in solidarity and for equality
• Events that develop agendas for change and have a plan to implement them
• Educational and learning sessions for young people or students
• Record a podcast, youtube video or develop a photo exhibition about BLM in sport
• Online: Set up a platform or website on the issues
• Celebrate the history of black athletes and those from other minority groups in your country
• Develop a policy or new practices for sports bodies in your region or country
• Intersectional activities, for example between the LGBTIQ community and black (and other ethnic minority) groups
• Women: Explore the role of black (and other ethnic minority) women within sport
• Conduct research for example into representation and diversity in coaching or administrative leadership in sport in your country

You can discuss your application with Fare by emailing Niels van Muijden at [email protected].

To find out more about the Fare #BlackLivesMatter grants programme, please visit the Fare website.

Published 8/7/2020