The Next Move Grant 2026: Up to €250,000 in Multi-Year Funding for Sport-Based Nonprofits in Brazil, Colombia and Argentina

Organizations using sport and physical activity to tackle gender-based violence, discrimination, exclusion and harmful gender norms can apply for The Next Move, a multi-year general support funding opportunity under the United by Sport program. The initiative is designed to strengthen organizations that use sport as a vehicle for social impact and help create safer, more inclusive and cohesive communities.

Selected organizations can receive €150,000, €200,000 or €250,000 over three years, with the funding divided equally across the 36-month partnership. The total funding pool is €2 million.

The opportunity is particularly relevant for nonprofit and grassroots organizations working directly with communities through sport, including organizations addressing gender equality, gender-based violence prevention, inclusion, leadership opportunities for girls and young women, and positive gender norms.

The Next Move Grant 2026

The Next Move is part of the United by Sport program and focuses on supporting organizations that use sport intentionally to address barriers to social cohesion.

The program recognizes that sport can sometimes reproduce existing inequalities, but it can also serve as a powerful platform for positive social change. Through sport and physical activity, organizations can help people build trust, develop positive relationships, challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

The funding opportunity specifically focuses on communities in:

• Brazil
• Colombia
• Argentina

Organizations must apply based on one country of implementation, meaning applicants cannot submit a single multi-country application covering several countries.

What Is the Purpose of The Next Move?

The Next Move aims to strengthen organizations that are working to create communities where people feel:

• Safe
• Valued
• Connected
• Included
• Able to participate meaningfully
• Treated fairly and equitably

The program identifies several issues that can prevent people from fully participating in sport and community life. These include gender-based violence, discrimination, exclusion, unequal opportunities and harmful gender norms.

Through general support funding, the adidas Foundation intends to provide organizations with the flexibility to strengthen their overall work rather than requiring them to implement one narrowly defined project.

This means selected organizations can identify their own organizational priorities and determine how the funding can best support their charitable mission, programs and organizational development within the funding guidelines.

Key Focus Areas

The Next Move is particularly interested in organizations working on issues connected to gender, inclusion and social cohesion through sport.

1. Gender-Based Discrimination and Sexism

Organizations may work to address:

• Gender stereotypes
• Sexism
• Unequal opportunities
• Discriminatory attitudes
• Exclusion from participation
• Barriers affecting girls and women in sport

The objective is to help create environments where people can participate in sport and community life without facing discrimination based on gender.

2. Gender-Based Violence

The program also focuses on preventing and addressing gender-based violence, including:

• Sexual harassment
• Abuse
• Intimate partner violence
• Unsafe environments
• Other forms of gender-based violence

Sport can be used as a platform to promote safety, awareness, respectful relationships and non-violent behaviors.

3. Inclusion and Equal Participation

Organizations can also contribute by creating opportunities for groups that experience exclusion or unequal access to sport.

This may include initiatives that increase participation, representation and opportunities for girls, young women and non-binary young people.

4. Positive Gender Norms and Masculinities

The Next Move seeks to support organizations promoting healthy, respectful and non-violent gender norms.

This can include work that challenges harmful expectations surrounding gender and encourages healthier relationships and behaviors.

5. Community Connection and Social Cohesion

Sport can bring people together and create opportunities for communities to build trust and stronger relationships.

Organizations may therefore use sport to promote:

• Belonging
• Trust
• Positive relationships
• Community participation
• Cooperation
• Social cohesion

How Much Funding Is Available?

The Next Move offers three possible grant amounts:

• €150,000
• €200,000
• €250,000

The selected amount is provided over three years, meaning the grant is divided equally over the 36-month partnership.

The total funding pool for the opportunity is €2 million.

Organizations are not automatically guaranteed the amount they request. Following the assessment process, the adidas Foundation may offer a lower amount than the organization initially requested. Any adjustment will be discussed with the organization before the grant agreement is finalized.

The partnership is expected to begin in Q1 2027, with the grant start and first disbursement expected around March 2027.

What Is General Support Funding?

Unlike a grant that requires an organization to deliver one predefined project, The Next Move provides General Support funding.

This approach is designed to support the organization as a whole and give partners greater flexibility to determine their priorities.

Selected organizations can use the funding to support their charitable activities and organizational priorities, provided that the proposed expenditure remains within the eligible funding categories and complies with the Foundation’s requirements.

Organizations will identify a small number of priorities and planned activities and report on what the funding supported, what changed and how the money was used at category level.

This structure allows organizations to make adjustments during implementation when necessary, provided those adjustments remain within the approved scope and eligible uses of the grant.

What Can the Grant Be Used For?

The funding can support activities that directly advance an organization’s charitable work or help the organization deliver its work safely, effectively, inclusively and accountably.

Examples include:

Sport and Community Programs

Funding can support:

• Community-based sport and physical activity programs
• Inclusive sporting events
• Participant activities
• Community engagement
• Outreach initiatives
• Advocacy and awareness campaigns
• Coalition-building and networking
• Peer-learning activities
• Participant transportation
• Venue costs
• Activity costs
• Sports equipment
• Adaptive equipment
• Materials required for implementation

Organizations can also use eligible funding for staff time and related expenditure directly connected to charitable program activities.

Training and Capacity Building

Organizations may support training for:

• Coaches
• Facilitators
• Community stakeholders
• Staff members
• Other individuals involved in program delivery

The objective is to strengthen the organization’s ability to deliver its programs effectively and safely.

Safeguarding and Participant Protection

Funding may also contribute to:

• Safeguarding policies and procedures
• Safeguarding training
• Incident reporting systems
• Referral procedures
• Participant protection measures
• Community protection measures
• Inclusion and accessibility measures
• Data protection
• Information security

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning

Organizations can also use eligible funding to strengthen their ability to understand and demonstrate their impact.

This includes:

• Monitoring and evaluation
• Accountability systems
• Learning processes
• Participant feedback
• Community feedback
• Outcome measurement
• Evaluation activities
• MEAL systems
• Specialist advice related to charitable programs

Organizational and Administrative Costs

The grant includes an indirect cost recovery component equivalent to 20% of eligible direct costs.

This component is intended to recognize that strong programs require strong organizational systems behind them.

Eligible indirect costs can include areas such as:

• General management and administration
• Finance and accounting
• Payroll and staff resources
• General office expenses
• Operating costs
• Audit expenses
• Insurance
• Legal and compliance costs
• Organization-wide IT systems
• Administrative systems
• General fundraising and income-generation activities

Organizations do not need to provide a separate expenditure breakdown for the indirect cost recovery component, although they must maintain appropriate financial records.

What Cannot Be Funded?

Although The Next Move provides flexible General Support funding, the grant is not completely unrestricted.

The following are not eligible:

• Sub-granting or onward granting
• Non-charitable activities
• Activities outside the scope of the program
• Commercial or primarily profit-seeking activities unrelated to charitable work
• Support for political parties or candidates
• Partisan campaigning
• Lobbying outside the organization’s charitable mission and legally permissible activities
• Religious proselytization or missionary work
• Repayment of historic deficits
• Unrelated loans
• Penalties or liabilities unrelated to eligible charitable activities
• Private benefits
• Disproportionate remuneration
• Illegal activities
• Harmful or discriminatory activities
• Sanctioned activities
• Costs that cannot be properly documented

Organizations should therefore ensure that their intended use of funding is directly connected to their charitable mission and the objectives of The Next Move.

Who Can Apply?

The Next Move is not an individual scholarship or fellowship opportunity. It is specifically designed for non-profit organizations.

Eligible organizations must be legally registered and operating in one of the three eligible countries:

• Brazil
• Colombia
• Argentina

Organizations must use sport or physical activity as a core vehicle for creating social impact.

This means sport should be central to the organization’s mission, programs and approach to creating positive change in the communities it serves.

Potentially eligible organizations include:

• Community-based sport organizations
• Sport-for-good organizations
• Sport clubs with a demonstrated social impact mission
• Sport foundations
• Women’s sport networks
• Advocacy organizations that combine advocacy with sport-based programs
• Grassroots organizations delivering sport-based community services

Sport clubs can qualify where their charitable mission extends beyond simply providing sporting activities to their own members.

APPLY HERE

Organizational Eligibility Requirements

In addition to being a nonprofit organization operating in an eligible country, applicants must satisfy several organizational requirements.

The organization must:

1. Be a legally registered non-governmental organization or equivalent established for charitable or public-benefit purposes under applicable national law.
2. Have been registered and operational for at least two years in the country where it will implement its activities at the time of full application submission.
3. Be legally permitted to receive foreign charitable funding under applicable local law.
4. Not engage in partisan political activity or religious proselytization.
5. Have a statutory purpose and core mission aligned with the objectives of The Next Move and the United by Sport program.
6. Demonstrate commitment to non-discriminatory practices across race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion and ethnicity.
7. Have an annual grant request that does not exceed 50% of the organization’s total income in its most recent completed financial year.
8. Have appropriate governance oversight and checks and balances, such as a board or equivalent oversight body.
9. Have basic financial controls and reliable financial records.
10. Be able to identify, track, document and report how the adidas Foundation’s funds are used.
11. Have documented safeguarding policies and procedures.
12. Have a safeguarding reporting mechanism explaining how concerns are raised and addressed.
13. Have appropriate safer recruitment measures.
14. Have documented rules covering expected and prohibited behavior, such as a Code of Conduct or Ethics Policy.
15. Have guidance or established practices for protecting participant data and images.
16. Not be subject to international sanctions or restrictions that would prevent a partnership.
17. Be willing to undergo the Foundation’s due diligence process.
18. Be willing to support communications and storytelling activities in accordance with the adidas Foundation’s ethical communication guidelines.
19. Be committed to Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning processes.

Income Requirements Based on the Grant Requested

The organization must also have an annual income proportionate to the amount of funding it is requesting.

Based on the most recent financial statement, covering 2025 or 2024, the requirements are:

Organizations requesting €150,000

• Minimum annual income: €100,000
• Maximum annual income: €1.5 million

Organizations requesting €200,000

• Minimum annual income: €135,000
• Maximum annual income: €2 million

Organizations requesting €250,000

• Minimum annual income: €165,000
• Maximum annual income: €2.5 million

These financial requirements are intended to ensure that the level of funding is proportionate to the organization’s existing financial capacity.

Geographic Eligibility

The Next Move is specifically open to organizations operating in:

Brazil, Colombia and Argentina.

Organizations must be legally registered and implementing their activities in the country where they are applying.

Importantly, applicants cannot submit one application covering multiple countries. Each application should focus on one country of implementation.

Organizations based outside Brazil, Colombia or Argentina should not assume they are eligible simply because they work internationally. The guidelines specifically identify these three countries as the geographic scope of the call.

Race and Diversity Eligibility

The opportunity does not specify a particular race or ethnic group that applicants must belong to because the applicants are organizations rather than individuals.

However, eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to non-discriminatory practices across:

• Race
• Gender
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Age
• Disability
• Religion
• Ethnicity

The program itself is designed around inclusion, equality, safety and social cohesion.

The Application Process

The Next Move uses a two-stage application process designed to allow organizations to determine whether the opportunity is suitable before investing significant time in a full application.

Stage 1: Expression of Interest

Organizations begin by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through an online application form.

The EOI includes:

• Eligibility screening
• Questions about the organization
• Questions about the organization’s work
• Required document uploads

The eligibility screening includes yes/no questions covering the non-negotiable organizational requirements.

Stage 2: Full Application

Only organizations that are shortlisted following the EOI stage will move to the full application stage.

Shortlisted organizations may be asked to:

• Complete a self-assessment
• Develop a proposed plan for the first year
• Provide an indicative first-year budget
• Answer additional questions
• Participate in an interview with the adidas Foundation

The Foundation may also arrange a short call to clarify outstanding information.

This approach means applicants do not have to prepare a lengthy full proposal at the initial stage.

How Applications Are Assessed

After organizations submit their Expressions of Interest, the adidas Foundation reviews applications against the eligibility criteria.

The process includes:

1. EOI submission
2. Eligibility screening
3. Conflict-of-interest checks
4. Shortlisting
5. Full application
6. Interview and additional submissions
7. Review and final selection
8. Due diligence
9. Contracting
10. Grant disbursement

The Foundation intends to select a minimum of eight organizations to receive grants, subject to successful completion of the subsequent due diligence process.

Due Diligence Requirements

Being selected following the assessment process does not immediately guarantee funding.

Organizations selected for funding must successfully complete the adidas Foundation’s organizational due diligence process before funding is formally confirmed.

The due diligence process examines areas including:

Legal Status and Governance

Organizations may need to provide:

• Registration or incorporation documents
• Current proof of legal existence
• Tax-status documentation
• Governing documents
• Organizational charts
• Governance arrangements
• Information about authorized representatives

Financial Management

The Foundation may assess:

• Financial position
• Financial sustainability
• Sources of income
• Financial statements
• Audit reports
• Accounting systems
• Financial controls
• Approval procedures
• Grant-tracking systems
• Financial records

Safeguarding

Organizations may need to demonstrate:

• Safeguarding policies
• Reporting mechanisms
• Incident-management procedures
• Safer recruitment practices
• Safeguarding responsibilities
• Training arrangements

Integrity and Organizational Standards

The review can also include:

• Codes of conduct
• Ethics policies
• Whistleblowing systems
• Complaints mechanisms
• Anti-fraud measures
• Anti-bribery measures
• Data protection procedures
• Public-domain reviews
• Sanctions screening
• Adverse-media screening
• Other integrity checks

Organizations that do not meet the Foundation’s due diligence requirements will not be eligible for funding.

Community of Practice and Peer Learning

Selected organizations will participate in a Community of Practice designed to encourage peer learning, exchange and collective reflection.

The Community of Practice can help participating organizations:

• Share experiences
• Exchange promising practices
• Strengthen organizational capacity
• Learn from other organizations
• Reflect on implementation challenges
• Develop approaches related to gender equity
• Share lessons around gender-based violence prevention
• Explore safe sport practices
• Strengthen inclusion
• Improve community-building through sport

Organizations are encouraged to designate at least one relevant staff member to participate.

This could include staff working in:

• Programs
• Safeguarding
• MEAL
• Organizational development
• Leadership
• Other relevant areas

Organizations are encouraged to plan for up to 60 hours per year, or approximately five hours per month, for Community of Practice activities, peer exchanges, learning events and related preparation.

Participation costs, including relevant staff time, can be covered through the grant and should be reflected in the organization’s proposed use of funds.

Communications and Storytelling

Selected organizations should also be prepared to participate in communications and storytelling activities connected to the partnership.

This may involve:

• Contributing to storytelling pieces
• Providing relevant content
• Following approval processes
• Following the adidas Foundation’s ethical communication guidelines
• Respecting brand guidelines
• Providing feedback and approvals within five business days

The Foundation will provide selected organizations with the relevant communication and brand guidance.

Reporting and Evaluation

The reporting requirements are designed to be proportionate and focused on learning rather than requiring organizations to report every individual expenditure line.

During the three-year partnership, selected organizations can expect several reporting and learning requirements.

At the Start

Organizations will complete an Organizational Self-Assessment to identify areas for growth.

During the Partnership

There will be:

• Bi-annual check-in calls with the Foundation
• Annual narrative reporting
• Annual financial reporting at category level
• Annual reach data
• Photos and videos from activities, where appropriate and with consent
• Annual partner feedback

Financial reporting will show planned and actual expenditure, significant variances and a transaction tracker.

Individual receipts and invoices do not have to be submitted as part of routine annual reporting, but organizations must retain the relevant documentation because the Foundation may request supporting records.

At the End

Organizations will complete:

• An organizational self-assessment
• Change stories at organizational and individual level

They may also be invited to participate in a learning exercise during or after the funding period.

Grant Disbursement

The three-year grant period begins after the grant agreement is signed.

The grant is expected to begin in Q1 2027, with the first disbursement expected around March 2027.

Funding will be distributed in three instalments over the three-year partnership.

The first instalment will be released after:

• Successful completion of due diligence
• Approval of the initial plan
• Approval of the budget
• Signing of the grant agreement

Subsequent instalments will normally depend on the Foundation reviewing and accepting reporting from the previous period and approving the updated plan and budget.

Key Dates and Deadline

Applicants should pay close attention to the following dates:

• Call launch: 7 September 2026
• Q&A Webinar: 21 September 2026 at 11:00 AM BRT
• EOI submission deadline: 4 October 2026 at 11:59 PM BRT
• Screening and shortlisting: October 2026
• EOI outcome notification: October 2026
• Full application, interviews and submissions: November 2026
• Review and final selection: December 2026
• Vetting and due diligence: December 2026/January 2027
• Contracting: January/February 2027
• Expected grant start and first disbursement: March 2027

The deadline to submit the Expression of Interest is 4 October 2026 at 11:59 PM BRT. Dates after the EOI deadline are indicative and may be adjusted by the adidas Foundation.

Visit HERE to learn more about  The Next Move Grant 2026

How to Apply

Eligible organizations should begin with the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage.

The application process requires organizations to provide information about their legal status, organizational structure, work, eligibility and activities, together with the required supporting documents.

The guidelines state that English is the working language throughout the application process, including the application, supporting documents, interview and partnership.

At the EOI stage, unofficial translations of documents are sufficient.

Organizations should ensure that the information submitted accurately reflects their own experience, activities and organizational context. Applicants are encouraged to provide specific and concrete examples from their work.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Organizations considering The Next Move should assess themselves against the eligibility requirements before submitting an EOI.

In particular, applicants should confirm that they:

• Are a legally registered nonprofit organization.
• Have operated for at least two years in the implementation country.
• Are legally permitted to receive foreign charitable funding.
• Operate in Brazil, Colombia or Argentina.
• Use sport or physical activity as a central part of their social-impact approach.
• Work directly with communities.
• Do not intend to sub-grant the funding.
• Have appropriate governance structures.
• Have adequate financial controls.
• Meet the applicable annual-income requirement.
• Have safeguarding systems in place.
• Have appropriate data protection practices.
• Can participate in monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning.
• Are prepared to undergo organizational due diligence.
• Can commit to a three-year partnership.

Organizations should also ensure that their requested grant amount is proportionate to their annual income and that their planned activities clearly align with the objectives of The Next Move.

Who Qualifies for This Opportunity?

Qualifying category: Nonprofit organizations, NGOs, sport organizations, sport clubs, foundations, women’s sport networks and advocacy organizations that use sport or physical activity as a core vehicle for social impact.

Required organizational qualifications

Applicants must generally:

• Be legally registered as a nonprofit/non-governmental or equivalent charitable/public-benefit organization.
• Have operated for at least two years in the country of implementation.
• Be legally allowed to receive foreign charitable funding.
• Directly implement activities in the country of operation.
• Use sport or physical activity as a central part of their mission and programs.
• Align their mission with The Next Move and United by Sport objectives.
• Meet the applicable annual-income requirements.
• Have appropriate governance and financial systems.
• Have safeguarding and reporting mechanisms.
• Demonstrate commitment to nondiscrimination.
• Be willing to undergo due diligence and integrity screening.
• Commit to the three-year partnership and MEAL requirements.

Eligible countries/regions

The opportunity is open specifically to organizations implementing activities in:

Brazil, Colombia and Argentina.

Applications must focus on one country of implementation rather than combining multiple countries in one application.

Race and ethnicity

There is no specific racial or ethnic group requirement for applicants. The applicant is an organization rather than an individual. However, eligible organizations must demonstrate nondiscriminatory practices across race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion and ethnicity.

Conclusion

The Next Move Grant 2026 provides a significant opportunity for established nonprofit organizations in Brazil, Colombia and Argentina that are using sport to tackle social challenges and build stronger communities.

With grants of €150,000, €200,000 or €250,000 distributed over three years, the program can support much more than individual sporting activities. Eligible funding can contribute to community programs, equipment, participant activities, training, safeguarding, monitoring and evaluation, organizational capacity and appropriate administrative costs.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to organizations addressing gender-based violence, discrimination, exclusion, unequal participation and harmful gender norms through sport.

Organizations interested in applying should carefully review their eligibility, financial capacity, governance, safeguarding systems and alignment with the program before submitting an Expression of Interest.

The key deadline is 4 October 2026 at 11:59 PM BRT. Since the application process begins with an Expression of Interest and shortlisted organizations subsequently move to a more detailed application and due diligence process, eligible organizations should begin preparing their documentation well before the deadline.

For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.