Unlike limited projects, programmes are larger processes consisting of a number of projects that refer to similar reoccurring events (169). Activity Box to check a complete delimitation of Sport programmes.
Whereas Sport events (runs, festivals, short tournaments, etc.) are key energizers for Sport for All, there are other long-term forms to move society to an active lifestyle, with subsequent effects on mental and physical well-being.
European Commission Erasmus+, is regularly funding Sport for All related initiatives.
Programmes may provide financial sustainability to ISOs.
What you will find here
Different guidelines that support programmes related to Sport for All
Directly implemented
Implemented through third parties
The Guidelines cover the following sections
Programme design
Application and submission
Implementation
Post programme tasks
Who can apply this
ISOs and International networks
National Federations, Sport clubs
Recommendation(s)
Direct Implementation of S4A programme
Programme design
Align objectives to a clear Measurement and Evaluation system
Adapting a Theory of Change framework would be highly recommendable. See a few examples:
Developing a Theory of Change for Sport and Employability. Click here
Set-up project and organisation structure, including reporting and other communication lines
Programmes supported by international cooperation often include goals related to specific target groups
§ The applicant should have guidance of professional in the correspondent field, e.g., refugees, disabilities
Co-funding is in most cases required by cooperants as programmes are rarely 100% funded. In certain calls, in-kind contributions are accepted; in many other implementers should be able to provide financial co-funding
A partnership strategy should also be planned in advance. A proposal able to bring external support is more likely to have a positive valuation
Tip: Organisations should have a base project design that can, later on, be adapted to the demands of a project call.
Application and submission
Before submitting, carefully check the eligibility criteria of the call, including target groups, types of logic frameworks and specific deliverables
Know submission deadlines (exact dates and times). A deadline can be set in a different time zone time
When aiming at children and youths as the main target group, get safeguarding and protection backups
In most cases, supporting documents are required by programme funders, including:
Organisation´s Code of Ethics
Financial reports (audits)
Letter of support and endorsement of project partners (government, Sport bodies, etc.)
Project implementation record
After submission, the final proposal should be kept. This could be useful when submitting a new proposal
Implementation
Understand the dynamics of the area of intervention. This is highly relevant when dealing with marginalized communities (e.g., slums or prisons)
Training of staff in charge of delivering central tasks, such as giving training sessions, is a crucial stage in the process
Alignment to donor (funder) monitoring requirements
Keeping close control of project expenses is another key success factor
Refinement of plans and event designs according to the implementation advances
Keep your partners and other stakeholders informed of the progress and project impact
Post programme tasks:
Submission of reports
Meetings with stakeholders
Follow up with participants (complementing the M&E) plan
It is also advisable to produce a systematization product that can be written or in the video. Example:
Certain programmes of larger scope demand different implementing strategies, not only of qualified staff but also to outsource deliverables to third parties with an intermediary coordinating organisation
Other ISOs with higher attachment to social and development causes account for capacities to develop their own programmes, actions as international cooperations
Structuring Calls
ISOs that make a Call define all the eligibility criteria, which is the basis for the selection process
§ISOs also have the choice of whether to do a public call or a segmented process
Some crucial aspects that an ISO should consider in a bid are:
Framework related to local or international priorities, e.g., SDGs
Specific activities and deliverables
Implementing structure (staff)
Clear budget
Measurement and evaluation system
Long term sustainability
Reference: Festival fortnight: Partner call example. Click here
Selection of applicants
Follow the eligibility criteria defined in the programme call
The selection process should have more than one stage and external evaluators
Remember that applicants devote time and resources. Do not forget to formally confirm the submission and also respond with the final decision
Implementation
Monitoring and follow up procedures are crucial
When possible, the cooperant should consider programmatic visits on field to see advances and key impact
Highlight programme impacts through social media and other communication channels
Post programme
Provide follow up to organisations that received grants and other forms of support
