Australian Sports Foundation distributes record $43.3 million in 2019/20

The Australian Sports Foundation has advised that despite the numerous challenges experienced in sport and recreation in 2019/20, a record $43.36 million was distributed to clubs and athletes, funded by donations from nearly 23,000 donors.

Releasing its fundraising highlights of 2019/20, the Foundation has advised “the havoc wrought by the summer of bushfires hit community sports clubs hard, damaging facilities and equipment, and causing financial hardship for affected members.

"This was closely followed by COVID-19, which has created a crisis that threatens the existence of thousands of community sport clubs across Australia - and, of course, impacts the millions of members, volunteers, coaches, and families that make up community sport all over Australia.

“Despite these challenges, the financial year results continue to recognise the high regard Australians place on sport and the important role sport plays within communities. In FY20, the Australian Sports Foundation distributed a record $43.36 million to Australian sports clubs and athletes, as a result of generous support from donors in communities all over the country."  

Other highlights of 2019/20 included the Foundation supporting over 4,400 individual fundraisers by clubs, schools, athletes and organisations at all levels; $2.6 million being donated to support clubs affected by COVID-19; $1.4 million donated to support bushfire affected clubs; and emerging and representative athletes receiving more than $1.41 million during the year to support their training, coaching and competition costs.

The top 10 fundraising sports in 2019/20 were:

AFL $15.7 million 
Golf $3.55 million 
Football $3.29 million 
Rugby union $3.06 million 
Sailing $3 million
Basketball $2.98 million 
Rugby league $2.47 million
Multi-sport $2.45 million
Rowing $1.12 million
Softball $1.08 million

Commenting on the achievement, Foundation Chief Executive, Patrick Walker stated “the 2018/19 financial year was a record result for philanthropic funding for sport at all levels throughout Australia. Sport helps create better, healthier and more vibrant societies and we thank Australians for their continued generosity and support of their club and community”. 

The Australian Sports Foundation was established by the Australian Government in the 1980s, and today is Australia’s leading sports fundraiser and charity.