Grants

World Olympians Association

Grants Programme

Our aim is to empower Olympians to deliver projects that serve the needs of Olympians and help them to spread the values of the Olympic movement in their countries.

One of the ways we do this is via the World Olympians Association Grants Programme, which annually distributes funding under the following categories:

  • NOA Development – $1,000USD grants per annum
  • Service to Olympians / Service to Society - Up to $5,000USD grants per annum

Ideas can be suggested by any Olympian but your application must be submitted through your NOA.

  • Development Grants

    All NOAs are eligible to apply for the NOA Development Grant which supports regular programming as well as the administrative and operational costs associated with the NOA. Applications open for NOA Development Grants in January every year. There are limited Development Grants available. NOAs are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

  • Service to Society

    The Service to Society grant offers NOAs the opportunity to apply for up to U.S. five thousand- dollar (US$5,000) grants to help drive sustainable, Olympian-led community projects and initiatives. WOA has funded projects which have aimed to address social cohesion, environment and sustainability, obesity prevention and sport development. 

  • Service to Olympians

    The Service to Olympians grant supports the ongoing development of Olympians, such as skill building and education workshops for Olympians (media training, resume / CV building etc), reunion activities to celebrate Games anniversaries, or creation of digital platforms to engage NOA members.

Important Dates

April 2026 Applications Open for 2025 and 2026 WOA Development Grant
April 2026    Applications Open for 2026 WOA Service to Olympians and Service to Society Grants
30 June 2026, 17:00 CET (Lausanne time)   
 Applications Close for 2026 WOA Service to Olympians and Service to Society Grants
July 2026 Result of NOAs awarded 2026 WOA Service to Olympians and Service to Society announced

Eligibility for Service to Society/Olympians Grants

  • Projects must be Olympian-led
  • Projects must be delivered within 12 months
  • Joint applications from NOAs and NOCs are encouraged

Impact

How well does the project:

  • Benefit Olympians or local communities in a measurable way
  • Provide a detailed and appropriate budget / financial strategy

Values

  • How well does the project align with the Olympic values?

Project Design / Delivery

How well does the project:

  • Define its mission and objectives
  • Identify its target audience and how to reach them
  • Provide opportunities for future or recurring engagement