Sports Aid Funding (German Sports Aid Foundation)
Performance-, potential-, and needs-based support for junior and elite athletes in Germany with monthly basic funding and situational components.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Responsible, performance-oriented, needs-based, efficient, sustainable, and transparent support for junior and elite athletes in Germany – at every stage of their athletic career and beyond in their professional development.
Eligible expenses
- monthly basic funding
- situational funding modules
- individual modules for vocational preparation
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Membership in a German national team (Olympics, Paralympics, Deaf or non-Olympic federations)
Evaluation criteria
- Performance orientation
- Potential orientation
- Needs-based approach
Description
Since January 1, 2025, the Sports Aid funding from the German Sports Aid Foundation has been supporting junior and elite athletes nationwide with a performance-, potential-, and needs-based concept. Funding is provided to national squad athletes (Olympics, Paralympics, Deaf and non-Olympic federations) as well as former top athletes with international experience. The monthly basic funding varies between €200 and €1,000 depending on team affiliation, supplemented by situational components and individual services for career preparation. Additionally, a tiered "4-3-3" system enables entry into Talent, Potential, Top, or Alumni teams, where athletes receive grants for study scholarships, training allowances, support for professional education and further training, or retirement provisions. Success-dependent elite programs such as ElitePlus, Mercedes-Benz, or Paralympic Elite funding can be applied for on a case-by-case basis and reward internationally outstanding achievements.
The funding structure is based on transparency and sustainability: uniform criteria for all Olympic, Paralympic, Deaf, and action sports federations ensure a fair distribution of funds. Applications are accepted year-round as funding is continuously awarded. With a focus on reconciling elite sports and professional careers, the concept offers comprehensive competency modules in the areas of education & profession, health, law & taxes, as well as media & marketing. Furthermore, an alumni scholarship promotes (further) qualification after the active career and supports athletes through mentors and an extensive corporate network. In this way, Sports Aid contributes to enabling top sporting performances and strengthening athletes in the long term.
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