Play For Change

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £99,452 (2024 expenditure)
• 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: valeria@playforchange.org
• Phone: 0203 397 5345
• 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 organization 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 neighborhoods in Italy, the charity delivers high-quality sports and educational programs designed to create meaningful community impacts. Despite relatively modest annual income of £58,099 in 2024, the organization spent £99,452 on its charitable activities, demonstrating commitment to its mission even when operating at a deficit.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates as a grant-making organization, providing funding to local organizations 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 programs.

Priority Areas

• Sport for development programs
• Educational initiatives linked to sports
• Primary care support in under-developed regions
• Youth development through sports
• Community sports facilities
• Programs 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

The charity is governed by 3 trustees who receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits. Founded by Andrea Radrizzani, who was appointed to the UEFA Foundation for Children's Board of Trustees in 2022, the organization maintains a lean operational structure with just 1 volunteer supporting the trustees. Radrizzani brings significant sports industry experience as co-founder of MP & Silva media rights agency.

Application Process and Timeline

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 organizations, particularly in target regions like Nepal and Italy.

Getting on Their Radar

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

• Contact valeria@playforchange.org directly 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 programs reaching over 4,000 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
• Programs targeting underprivileged children will receive priority consideration
• International programs, 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 favored given the charity's modest grant-making budget
• 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
• Despite modest resources, the charity commits significantly to its mission, spending more than its income
• Sport must be the primary vehicle for social change in any proposed program
• Direct contact through valeria@playforchange.org 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 programs are more likely than large institutional support

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• ELARA FOUNDATION
• FINEGRANT LIMITED
• ENFIELD LIONS CLUB (CIO)
• The Altenburg Foundation
• Goodwill Foundation
• Veronica and Lars Bane Foundation CIO
• The Dixie Educational Foundation
• Philip Barker Charity
• Spiers Family Foundation Limited
• EDUPOOR LIMITED

References

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