GAME for Inclusion Europe

Call for Proposals Supporting LGBTQI+ Grassroots Initiatives

Empowering LGBTQI+ Inclusion in Sport Across the EU

EGLSF is proud to launch an unprecedented funding opportunity for its EU-based Member Organisations!

Under the framework of the project
 “UNITED in Sport: A European Plan for LGBTIQ+ Inclusion (2026)”,
 co-funded by the European Union (CERV Programme),

EGLSF is investing directly in its Members to strengthen LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport at grassroots level.

What is this Call about?

This Call supports projects that contribute to:

  • Preventing discrimination in sport 
  • Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion 
  • Strengthening fundamental rights of LGBTIQ+ people 
  • Building stronger, more resilient LGBTQI+ sport organisations 

With this programme, EGLSF aims to reinforce the European LGBTIQ+ sport movement from the ground up.

Available Funding

  • Total budget: €35,000 
  • Up to 10 Member-led projects will be funded 
    • Up to 5 grants of €5,000 
    • Up to 5 grants of €2,000 

Applicants must choose one of the two fixed grant amounts.

? Deadline to apply: 31 March 2026

What kind of projects can be funded?

Projects must align with one or more areas of the GAME approach:

Governance

Strengthening your organisation’s structure, leadership and transparency.
 Examples:

  • Updating statutes, safeguarding or anti-discrimination policies 
  • Improving inclusive decision-making 
  • Professionalising management and internal systems 

Advocacy

Making LGBTQI+ inclusion visible and influential in sport.
 Examples:

  • Advocacy initiatives towards public authorities or sport federations 
  • Awareness campaigns 
  • Networking with mainstream sport organisations 
  • Developing policy recommendations 

Membership

Growing and empowering your community.
 Examples:

  • Recruiting and supporting volunteers 
  • Engaging FLINTA, TIN and young members 
  • Strengthening community participation and belonging 

Events

Organising inclusive sport activities and visibility moments.
 Examples:

  • Inclusive tournaments or open days 
  • Outreach events 

Innovative community sport initiatives

Who can apply?

This Call is open exclusively to:

  • EGLSF Ordinary Member Organisations 
  • Based in an EU Member State (including OCTs) 
  • Legally registered non-profit organisations 
  • Up to date with membership fees 

Only one application per organisation is allowed.

Why only EU-based Members?

This programme is funded by the European Commission (CERV Programme) and therefore legally limited to EU-based organisations.

EGLSF fully acknowledges that part of our membership is based outside the EU. We are actively exploring additional funding sources to expand this Grants Programme beyond the EU in the future.

More than a Grant: A Capacity-Building Journey

Selected organisations will also participate in:

  • Online capacity-building sessions (Governance, Advocacy, Membership & Events) 
  • Peer-learning exchanges 
  • A final networking and learning conference 

This is not just funding — it is an opportunity to grow together as a European movement.

Timeline

  • Call publication: 28 February 2026 
  • Info session (online): 4 March 2026 – 18:00 CET 
  • Application deadline: 31 March 2026 
  • Results notification: by 15 May 2026 
  • Projects must run between May – 31st October 2026

Ready to Apply?

To learn more about:

  • Eligibility criteria 
  • Evaluation process 
  • Reporting requirements 
  • Lump sum grant conditions 
  • Detailed eligible/ineligible activities 

Download and read the full Call for Proposals document here.

Applications must be submitted electronically by 31 March 2026.