On 4 March 2026, the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation organised an online information session on the newly launched “GAME for Inclusion Europe: Call for Proposals Supporting LGBTQI+ Grassroots Initiatives.”

Around 20 representatives of EGLSF Member Organisations joined the session to learn more about the funding opportunity, the objectives of the call, and the application process. The meeting offered participants a chance to ask questions, clarify key requirements, and explore which kind of initiatives could receive support from the call.

A New Funding Opportunity for EGLSF Members

This unprecedented Call for Proposals supports EGLSF Ordinary Member Organisations based in the EU to implement projects that contribute to:

  • The prevention of discrimination in sport
  • The promotion of equality and inclusion
  • The protection of the fundamental rights of LGBTQI+ people

With a total budget of €35,000, the Call will support up to 10 member-led projects, with grants of up to €2,000 or €5,000.

Projects must align with at least one of the four GAME streams, which reflect key areas for strengthening inclusive sport structures. These include Governance, focusing on improving organisational structures, transparency, and inclusive leadership; Advocacy, which aims to increase visibility and influence for LGBTQI+ inclusion in the sport sector; Membership, supporting efforts to grow and empower inclusive communities; and Events, encouraging the organisation of inclusive sport activities and outreach initiatives.

The “GAME for Inclusion Europe” initiative is funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, reinforcing broader European efforts to promote equality and protect fundamental rights across society, including in sport.

What Was Covered in the Session?

During the session, participants were guided through the main elements of the call, including who can apply, what kinds of activities are eligible for funding, how proposals will be assessed, and what successful applicants can expect in terms of reporting and payment procedures.

A dedicated Q&A segment allowed members to explore the details in more depth and raise practical questions about their project ideas. The discussion reflected strong engagement from organisations across several countries, with particular interest in shaping effective project proposals, understanding the eligibility of different activities, and identifying the most relevant GAME stream for their initiatives.

Missed the Session?

If you were unable to attend, you can still access the materials:

Deadline to Apply

You can find the full Call here. The deadline to submit applications is 31 March 2026.

EGLSF strongly encourages all eligible Member Organisations with ideas to promote LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport to consider applying. No previous EU funding experience is required, and small, realistic projects are welcome.

For further questions regarding eligibility or the application process, members can contact: applications@eglsf.info