Applications are now open for the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) Collaborative Action Grant 2026, a funding opportunity designed to support innovative sport-based initiatives that improve the lives of refugees and displaced communities.

The grant program provides funding of up to USD 50,000 for collaborative projects that use sport as a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and social change. Organizations working in partnership are encouraged to develop initiatives that address challenges related to displacement while ensuring meaningful participation of refugees throughout project design and implementation.

Priority consideration will be given to projects based in Africa and Latin America, particularly those operating within the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, and the Great Lakes region.

About the Grant

The Collaborative Action Grant is implemented through the Sport for Refugees Coalition (SfRC), a global network that promotes the use of sport to improve the well-being and inclusion of displaced populations.

The funding aims to encourage innovation, strengthen partnerships among coalition members, and support pilot initiatives with the potential for long-term impact and scalability.

Organizations are invited to submit joint proposals that align with one of the program’s thematic priorities.

Priority Themes

Proposals should focus on one of the following areas:

1. Promoting Gender Diversity and Inclusion Through Sport

Projects under this theme should use sport as a platform to foster equal participation, empower women and girls, challenge barriers to inclusion, and create safer and more inclusive sporting environments.

2. Mobilizing Sport for Climate-Affected Communities

This theme supports initiatives that use sport to strengthen resilience, social cohesion, and well-being among communities affected by climate-related displacement and environmental challenges.

Geographic Focus

While applications are welcomed from eligible coalition members, preference will be given to projects operating in:

• Latin America
• Horn of Africa
• Sahel Region
• Great Lakes Region of Africa

Program Objectives

The grant seeks to:

• Strengthen collaboration among organizations working on sport and displacement.
• Encourage innovative approaches to refugee inclusion through sport.
• Support projects addressing gender equality and climate-related challenges.
• Increase refugee participation in decision-making and project implementation.
• Generate scalable models that can be replicated in different contexts.

Previous Grant Recipients

In the previous funding cycle, four collaborative projects received grants of USD 50,000 each. These initiatives were implemented across Lebanon, Germany, Cyprus, and Greece and focused on combating discrimination, fostering social inclusion, and strengthening community cohesion through sport.

The selected projects demonstrated strong refugee engagement, innovative partnerships, and the potential for broader impact.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to develop collaborative concepts and submit their proposals before the closing date.

Why Apply?

The Collaborative Action Grant provides organizations with a valuable opportunity to access financial support, build strategic partnerships, and pilot innovative solutions that improve outcomes for refugees and displaced populations. Through sport, successful projects can contribute to greater inclusion, resilience, and social development while addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing vulnerable communities today.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 5 July 2026.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply now.