Fundraising is an essential aspect for most community sport organisations, particularly in the currently economic climate - our research has show that 2/5 community sport organisations rely on external funding to make ends meet.
However, applying for funding is not a straightforward process, and funders generally want sport organisations to be able to report back on various data points relating to their sport activities. Funders tend to require specific data segments to assess the impact of their funding and ensure it benefits their intended target audience.
In this article, we will explore some of the key data points sport funders look for from their beneficiaries.
Who are you engaging?
When it comes to sport funding, it's important to consider who you are engaging in your activities. Sport funders, whether they are government organisations or private sponsors, are often interested in gathering information about the participants in the sports programs they are funding. Specifically, they want to know the demographics of the individuals taking part in these activities, including details such as their age, gender, and location.
By collecting this information, sport funders can evaluate if the sports programs they are investing in are reaching their intended target audience. For example, if a funder is focusing on increasing female participation in sports, they would expect to see a higher proportion of female participants in the activities that were delivered.
This helps them to ensure that their funding is being used effectively to support the development of sport within specific communities or target groups. Therefore, it's important for sports organisations and clubs to gather and report this information accurately to demonstrate the impact of their activities and secure future funding opportunities.
What type of sessions are you delivering?
Sport funders are interested in gathering information about the specifics of the activities, including the type of sports being offered (such as football, rugby, cricket, etc.) and the types of participation, whether it's individual or team-based.
In addition, funders may also be interested in the intensity of the engagement, which refers to how often participants are engaging in sport activities and for how long. This can provide valuable insights into the level of commitment and interest from participants, as well as how well the programs are meeting the needs of the target audience.
Furthermore, funders may also inquire about where the activities are being delivered. This includes the location of the activities, whether it's in a gym, park, or community center. This information helps funders to determine if the activities align with their funding objectives and if they are being delivered in suitable locations for the target audience.
How often are people engaging?
In addition to knowing the retention rates of participants, funders may also be interested in the frequency and duration of the sport activities. For example, they may want to know if the participants are engaging in sport activities on a weekly basis, biweekly, or monthly. They may also want to know the duration of each session and whether the frequency and duration are appropriate for the target audience.
Furthermore, funders may be interested in understanding the reasons behind participant dropouts, such as lack of interest, scheduling conflicts, or other barriers. This information can help funders to identify any issues and address them to improve the retention rates and overall impact of the funded sport activities.
What are the reasons people are missing or not coming back for sessions?
In addition to knowing the retention rates, funders may also want to know the reasons why people may not be returning for sessions. This information helps funders to identify any issues that may be hindering the effectiveness of their funding. For instance, if participants are missing sessions due to transportation issues, funders may consider providing transport services to improve attendance rates.
In conclusion, sport funders are interested in specific data segments when applying for funding. These include the demographics of the participants, the type of activities being delivered, the intensity of engagement, the location of the activities, participant retention rates, and reasons why people may not be returning for sessions. Providing this information helps funders to assess the impact of their funding and ensure that it is benefiting the intended target audience.
How can SportFin help manage the requirements of funders for your sport organisation?
SportFin, a social impact analytics platform, offers a solution to automate the collection and analysis of data required by sport funders and sponsors. With SportFin, sport organisations can easily provide funders and sponsors with the necessary information, including demographics, participation types, activity intensity, and participant retention rates.
The platform provides a comprehensive suite of features to help sport organisations collect and analyse data, allowing them to better understand the impact of their activities and make informed decisions. SportFin's social impact analytics platform helps sport organisations to showcase their social impact to funders, sponsors, and stakeholders.
Additionally, the platform offers an intuitive dashboard, custom reports, and real-time monitoring to help sport organisations track their progress towards their social impact goals. By using SportFin, sport organisations can save time, reduce costs, and make better decisions, ultimately helping them to achieve their social impact objectives.
