Grassroots sports organisations play a critical role in shaping opportunities for young athletes, particularly girls who often face barriers to participation, access, and long-term development. Recognising this challenge, the Simply Sport Foundation (SSF) has launched the Multi-Year Grant Partnership Program 2026, a comprehensive three-year initiative designed to strengthen grassroots sports organisations and create safe, sustainable pathways for girls to participate and thrive in sports.

Unlike traditional funding schemes that provide short-term financial support, the SSF Multi-Year Grant Partnership goes far beyond monetary assistance. The program combines structured financial grants, technical support, organisational development, and long-term collaboration, enabling sports organisations to grow sustainably while improving opportunities for girl athletes.

Applications for the 2026 cycle opened on March 11, 2026, and will remain open until April 10, 2026, giving eligible grassroots sports organisations the opportunity to join a transformative three-year journey focused on impact, growth, and empowerment through sport.

Understanding the SSF Multi-Year Grant Partnership Program

The SSF Multi-Year Grant Partnership Program is a structured development model created to support grassroots sports organisations working to promote sports participation among girls. The initiative is built around a three-year partnership framework in which SSF collaborates closely with selected organisations to strengthen their programs, improve athlete development pathways, and ensure safer sports environments.

Rather than acting as a distant donor, SSF positions itself as an active partner throughout the entire program duration. Its team works alongside participating organisations, providing not only financial resources but also expert guidance, technical assistance, and institutional knowledge.

This approach ensures that partner organisations are equipped with the tools and systems required to deliver sustainable sports programs that can continue benefiting communities long after the funding period ends.

The program’s core objective is simple yet powerful:

To create safe, inclusive, and sustainable sporting opportunities for girls while strengthening grassroots sports organisations that nurture future athletes.

What Makes the SSF Grant Partnership Different from Traditional Funding?

Many grant programs offer financial support for a limited time and expect organisations to independently manage program delivery afterward. The SSF model challenges this traditional approach by establishing a long-term partnership built on collaboration, accountability, and shared goals.

Key distinguishing features include:

Long-Term Collaboration

SSF remains actively involved throughout the full three-year period, ensuring that partner organisations receive continuous support and mentorship.

Integrated Development Support

Beyond funding, the program provides technical expertise, institutional guidance, and strategic development support that strengthens both the organisation and its sports programs.

Focus on Girls in Sport

The initiative specifically prioritises increasing opportunities for girls, addressing barriers to participation, retention, and development in sports.

Structured Growth Model

The program’s phased framework allows organisations to build strong foundations before scaling their activities and impact.

This unique model transforms the grant into a holistic development partnership rather than a one-time funding opportunity.

Financial Support: ₹15 Lakhs Over Three Years

One of the most visible aspects of the SSF Multi-Year Grant Partnership Program is its structured financial assistance. Selected organisations receive a total grant of ₹15 lakhs distributed across three years, enabling them to gradually scale their programs while strengthening operational capacity.

The funding is allocated as follows:

• Year 1: ₹4 Lakhs

• Year 2: ₹5 Lakhs

• Year 3: ₹6 Lakhs

This progressive funding structure reflects the program’s philosophy of supporting sustainable growth, allowing organisations to build capacity before expanding their reach and impact.

However, SSF emphasises that the grant amount represents only one part of the partnership’s value. The broader benefits include technical guidance, institutional development support, and capacity building initiatives that significantly enhance the effectiveness of grassroots sports organisations.

Comprehensive Support Beyond Financial Grants

While the financial grant provides the foundation for program activities, the SSF Multi-Year Grant Partnership extends far beyond funding alone.

Partner organisations gain access to a wide range of development resources designed to strengthen both their programs and internal structures. This holistic support includes:

Institutional Capacity Building

Organisations receive guidance on improving governance structures, operational systems, and program management practices.

Technical Expertise

SSF provides expert insights and mentorship to help organisations refine training programs, improve athlete development pathways, and implement effective sports management practices.

Child Safeguarding Implementation

One of the program’s key priorities is ensuring safe sporting environments. SSF supports partners in adopting and implementing child safeguarding policies that protect young athletes.

Monitoring and Evaluation Support

Organisations are encouraged to integrate monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress, measure outcomes, and strengthen program effectiveness.

Health and Well-Being Integration

SSF promotes the integration of health awareness initiatives within sports programs, particularly those addressing issues affecting girl athletes.

Through these combined resources, the program ensures that organisations develop strong institutional foundations capable of sustaining long-term impact.

SSF’s Track Record and Demonstrated Impact

The Simply Sport Foundation has already demonstrated the potential of its partnership model through previous yearly grant initiatives. Over the years, SSF has collaborated with numerous grassroots sports organisations across India, helping them improve program quality and expand opportunities for young athletes.

Key impact highlights from past partnerships include:

• Implementation of child safeguarding policies across partner organisations to strengthen athlete protection.

• Organisation of child safeguarding workshops and awareness sessions for coaches, staff, and stakeholders.

• Strengthened institutional practices within grassroots sports organisations.

• Increased participation among girl athletes through targeted health and awareness programs.

These achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of SSF’s approach in creating safer, more inclusive sports environments while empowering grassroots organisations to grow sustainably.

Voices from Past Partner Organisations

Feedback from previous partner organisations illustrates the real-world impact of SSF’s support.

One partner organisation highlighted how the grant enabled access to better sports infrastructure and athlete development resources:

“Grants of this nature, designed to support initiatives across the spectrum from grassroots to elite youth, are virtually non-existent in India. This collaboration has enabled our residential hockey program to access quality equipment and competitive exposure opportunities. It has also opened doors to essential sports science resources that will meaningfully enhance the performance of these young athletes at elite levels.”

Another organisation reported a significant increase in girls’ participation after health education initiatives supported by SSF:

“The workshop on female athletes’ menstrual health has motivated many girls to take up sports. The awareness about menstrual cycles and menstrual health resulted in a 30% increase in girls’ participation in sports.”

These testimonials highlight the transformative potential of a partnership model that combines funding, education, and institutional support.

The Three-Year Partnership Framework

The SSF program is structured as a phased development model, ensuring that organisations grow gradually and sustainably over the three-year period.

Each year builds upon the progress of the previous one:

Year 1: Foundation Building

Organisations focus on establishing strong program structures, improving training systems, and adopting safeguarding policies.

Year 2: Program Strengthening

Partners refine their sports programs, improve athlete development pathways, and expand participation.

Year 3: Sustainability and Scaling

By the final year, organisations are expected to operate with stronger institutional systems and the capacity to sustain programs independently.

This gradual progression ensures that the partnership leads to long-term organisational resilience rather than short-term program expansion.

Expected Outcomes of the Program

The SSF Multi-Year Grant Partnership Program aims to achieve several measurable outcomes that directly impact the lives of girl athletes.

Key targets include:

• 20–30% reduction in dropout rates among girl athletes enrolled in partner programs.

• Institutionalisation of child safeguarding practices as a routine part of sports operations.

• Engagement of senior girl athletes as mentors, coaches, and role models for younger participants.

• Development of replicable program models that can inspire similar initiatives across the country.

These outcomes reflect SSF’s broader mission of ensuring that sport becomes a lasting and empowering space for girls.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicant Organisations

To ensure that selected organisations can fully benefit from the program, SSF has established a set of eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to progress to the second round of the selection process.

Eligible organisations must:

1. Be legally registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.

2. Have been operational for at least three years with ongoing sports activities.

3. Conduct a minimum of three structured weekly training sessions for girl athletes.

4. Have access to safe and consistent training infrastructure.

5. Employ at least one designated coach responsible for girls’ training programs.

6. Be located in rural or semi-urban areas.

7. Demonstrate active involvement of founders or senior leadership in daily operations.

8. Have existing girl athlete enrolment or a clear plan for expansion.

9. Show willingness to implement child safeguarding practices and maintain program records.

10. Commit to monitoring, evaluation, health integration, and youth development principles.

Organisations that meet these requirements will be eligible to proceed to the next stage of the application process.

Application Process and Timeline

The SSF Multi-Year Grant Partnership Program uses a two-round selection process designed to ensure both fairness and thorough evaluation while remaining manageable for grassroots organisations.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: March 11, 2026

• Application Deadline: April 10, 2026

• Results of Round 1: Within four weeks after the deadline

• Partnership Awards Announced: By May 2026

Round 1 – Eligibility Screening

Applicants submit basic organisational and program information through the initial application form. This stage determines whether organisations meet the foundational criteria.

Round 2 – Comprehensive Evaluation

Shortlisted organisations are invited to submit detailed proposals including:

• Program proposal

• Budget plan

• Monitoring and evaluation framework

• Participation in a panel interview with SSF’s expert review committee

This two-stage process allows SSF to identify organisations that are best positioned to create meaningful impact through the partnership.

How to Apply

Interested organisations can access the Round 1 Application Form starting March 11, 2026, and must submit their applications before April 10, 2026.

Since program capacity is limited, SSF strongly encourages eligible organisations to apply early to increase their chances of consideration.

Organisations that are unsure about their eligibility are encouraged to contact the SSF team for clarification and guidance before submitting an application.

Building a Future Where Girls Thrive in Sport

The Simply Sport Foundation’s Multi-Year Grant Partnership Program represents a powerful commitment to strengthening grassroots sports and expanding opportunities for girls across India. By combining financial investment, institutional support, and long-term collaboration, the program empowers sports organisations to create environments where girls can learn, compete, and grow confidently.

At its core, the initiative reflects a simple yet transformative vision:

Sport should be a lasting home for every girl.

For grassroots sports organisations dedicated to that mission, the SSF Multi-Year Grant Partnership Program 2026 offers not just funding—but a pathway to sustainable impact and meaningful change.

Discover more Grant Opportunities here.