WOA launches 2016 NOA Development Grants

17 | 3 | 2016

The WOA is pleased to announce that submissions for the 2016 NOA Development Grant programme are now open. Interested NOAs can apply immediately for a grant that can be used to help grow your organisation or fund a special project.

Now in its third year the programme is going from strength to strength with NOAs taking up the opportunity to apply for funding to support  initiatives, cover administration costs and communicate with members.

Development grants were successfully issued to a number of NOAs in 2015, below are just a few examples of how NOAs are using their grant funding monies to aid Olympians and promote Olympism in the community:

In 2014 the Czech Olympians Club, the member organisation for Olympians in the Czech Republic, used their grant to help fund Olympic Day projects as well as implementing new communication strategies to assist with the organisation of their membership.

In 2015 Tajikistan was able to plan a week-long celebration of sport to mark Olympic Day thanks to the WOA development grant, which enabled the NOA to purchase sporting equipment for the activities that took place.

In Slovenia, the WOA grant helped the Slovenian National Olympians Association make athlete welfare its top priority by expanding its Olympians Tutoring Programme. The programme saw Slovenian Olympians use their own knowledge and experience to help young athletes to plan for their futures beyond competitive sport.

WOA President, Joël Bouzou, said:

“We are proud the NOA Development Grant programme has been so well received by our members and that the funding is being put to such good use. Our ambition is to enable NOAs to empower their Olympians and to spread the spirit of Olympism in communities around the world.

“By funding projects that foster social cohesion through sport participation, promote athlete welfare and career progression for our Olympians and grow our membership, we are fulfilling our mission to serve the needs of Olympians at all stages of their lives and mobilise them to help make the world a better place.”

“We encourage even more NOAs to make use of the Development Grant in 2016 and can’t wait to learn more about your exciting plans for the year ahead.“

To apply for the grant, NOAs must complete the online application form: http://olympians.org/woa/grants/.

NOAs will be asked to supply information and make a few commitments in order to qualify for a grant.

Grant applications and payments will be handled centrally by the WOA If you have any questions or need any help please email us at grant@thewoa.org.    

We look forward to receiving your application.

Photo credit: Czech Olympians Club