4 Accepted

We recommend that the Government play a more proactive role in convening and enabling alternative...

Recommendation
We recommend that the Government play a more proactive role in convening and enabling alternative sources of investment in grassroots sport and physical activity. This should include supporting models that leverage private and institutional finance, encouraging greater alignment between corporate social responsibility, investment and community sport outcomes, and promoting collaboration between public, charitable and private funders. (Recommendation, Paragraph 18) 51
Government Response Summary
The government highlights existing initiatives like the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme, a new NBA partnership, and a philanthropy plan, stating they are already actively exploring further investment opportunities and encouraging collaboration.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
The Government is committed to supporting sustainable economic growth in the sector, and ensuring this translates into tangible outcomes that span grassroots participation through to elite performance. The Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme has an objective to maximise value for money of Government’s investment through leveraging national and local partner funding. Across the programme in England, 100% of projects will be required to source at least 5% of project costs from local partners. On average, projects will secure 33% of project costs from these sources. Last year, the Government announced £5 million of funding into basketball-led grassroots sport facilities match funded by the NBA providing £5 million for grassroots programmes through to 2028. The Government wants to build ambitious, long-term partnerships with philanthropists to deliver tangible national renewal within our communities. ‘Our place to give,’ our recently published philanthropy plan sets out how the Government will work in partnership with local government, civil society and philanthropists to address barriers and strengthen place-based philanthropy. We are actively exploring further investment opportunities that provide value for money, including through partner funding and leveraging private finance. Earlier this year, we brought the sector together for an investment focused roundtable on alternative sources of investment. We will continue to work closely with the sector to encourage further collaboration between public, charitable and private funders.
Addressee Bodies
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 20 Apr 2026