Play for Change

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Not publicly available
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly specified
• Geographic Focus: International (UK, Italy, Nepal, and other regions)

Contact Details

• Website: playforchange.org
• Email: Not publicly available
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Registered Address: City of Westminster, London

Overview

Play for Change is an international sport for development charity founded in 2010 by Andrea Radrizzani, co-founder of media rights agency MP & Silva. Obtaining official charitable status in 2013 (Charity Number 1152390), the organisation enhances life opportunities for underprivileged children and creates positive change in communities worldwide through the powerful values of sport. With operations spanning from the poorest regions of Nepal to disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Italy, the charity delivers high-quality sports and educational programmes designed to create meaningful community impacts.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates as a grant-making organisation, providing funding to local organisations and initiatives that align with their mission of sport for development. While specific grant amounts are not publicly detailed, the charity focuses on supporting grassroots sports and education programmes.

Priority Areas

• Sport for development programmes
• Educational initiatives linked to sports
• Primary care support in under-developed regions
• Youth development through sports
• Community sports facilities
• Programmes for children with disabilities
• Poverty prevention through sports engagement
• International development aid

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, though funding appears restricted to sport-related charitable activities aligned with their mission.

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Governance and Leadership

Founded by Andrea Radrizzani, who was appointed to the UEFA Foundation for Children's Board of Trustees in 2022 (transitioning to advisor role in 2025), the organisation brings significant sports industry experience through its founder's background as co-founder of MP & Silva media rights agency. The charity maintains offices in London with regional presence internationally, including the United States.

How to Apply to Play For Change

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants appear to be awarded through trustee discretion and existing partnerships with local organisations, particularly in target regions like Nepal and Italy.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the charity's operational model, organisations seeking support should:

• Contact the charity directly through their website to discuss potential partnerships
• Demonstrate alignment with sport for development objectives in target regions (Nepal, Italy, UK)
• Consider that the charity works through partnerships with local NGOs, particularly in Nepal where they support programmes for underprivileged children
• Note that Andrea Radrizzani's connections through the UEFA Foundation network may influence partnership decisions

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available - decisions appear to be made at trustee discretion

Success Rates

Not publicly documented

Reapplication Policy

No information available regarding reapplication restrictions

Application Success Factors

Given the charity's focus and operational model:

• Strong alignment with sport for development methodology is essential
• Programmes targeting underprivileged children will receive priority consideration
• International programmes, particularly in Nepal and Italy, align with established operations
• The charity's Slam Dunk programme model uses basketball for building confidence and life skills - similar sport-specific approaches may resonate
• Small, grassroots initiatives may be favoured given the charity's grant-making focus
• Demonstrable community impact and sustainability are likely important factors

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Play for Change operates through trustee discretion rather than open applications - relationship building is essential
• The charity has specific geographic priorities (Nepal, Italy, UK) that should guide targeting
• Sport must be the primary vehicle for social change in any proposed programme
• Direct contact through the charity's website is the recommended first step
• The founder's UEFA Foundation connections suggest alignment with European football development values may be beneficial
• Small, targeted grants for specific programmes are more likely than large institutional support

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Elara Foundation
• Knowle United Charity
• The Sanghera Foundation
• Edupoor Limited
• Philip Barker Charity
• Veronica And Lars Bane Foundation Cio
• The Altenburg Foundation
• Spiers Family Foundation Limited
• Finegrant Limited
• Enfield Lions Club (cio)

References

• Charity Commission Register: PLAY FOR CHANGE - 1152390
• Wikipedia: Play for Change charity profile
• ASER.com: Play for Change organisational information
• UEFA Foundation: Andrea Radrizzani trustee biography