Mass Sports

Under the umbrella of the Federal Sports Promotion Act 2017, the Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport, together with Bundes-Sport GmbH, funds projects in recreational and health sports nationwide. Recreational sports encompass all activities that go beyond competitive and youth development and take place in the leisure sector. Funding is provided for club sports and projects with an integrative and inclusive focus, as well as initiatives that consider socio-political gender aspects. The funding strategy aims to promote enjoyment of movement, physical fitness, and health-oriented prevention across all age groups while simultaneously fostering social cohesion in society.

Eligible applicants are interest groups or other clubs that operate as structures of the sports umbrella organizations down to the local club level. Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis, and funds are granted as subsidies. Evaluation criteria include alignment with the strategic priorities of the Ministry of Sport, the innovativeness of the projects, the feasibility in the areas of integration and inclusion, as well as consideration of gender policy aspects. The program offers clubs and initiatives flexible support to sustainably develop movement offerings, pursue socio-political objectives, and enhance the quality of life in the Austrian recreational and health sports scene.