Sweaty Betty Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Information not publicly available
• Success Rate: Information not publicly available
• Decision Time: Information not publicly available
• Grant Range: Up to £20,000
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide

Contact Details

• Website: www.sweatybettyfoundation.org
• Email: AFSANA.LACHAUX@SWEATYBETTY.COM
• Phone: 020 7751 0591
• Applications Email: sbfapplications@sweatybetty.com
• Registered Address: 90 York Way, Kings Place, London N1 9AG

Overview

The Sweaty Betty Foundation is an independent registered charity launched in March 2021 with support from Sweaty Betty, the activewear brand. Founded by Tamara Hill-Norton, who serves as Chair, the foundation addresses the critical issue that only 15% of teenage girls in the UK are doing enough physical activity. The charity's mission is to empower women and girls from every background to get active and stay active for life, with a particular focus on girls aged 10-18 from underserved communities. The foundation operates across the UK, working through schools, communities, and online platforms to create inclusive opportunities for girls to discover activities they love.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Innovation Fund: Up to £20,000 - Supporting grassroots community organizations developing physical activity programs for teenage girls
• Girls on the Pitch: Variable amounts - Virtual funding events held in April and October where girls pitch for funding for activities like rock-climbing, basketball, and yoga

Priority Areas

The foundation prioritizes supporting:

• Physical activity programs for girls aged 10-18
• Initiatives targeting the least active girls
• Programs for girls from lower income families
• Activities for ethnically diverse communities, especially Black and South Asian heritage girls
• LGBTQ+ inclusive sports programs
• Adaptive sports for girls with disabilities
• School-based physical education improvements
• Community grassroots sports organizations

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not publicly documented, but funding appears restricted to UK-based organizations working directly with teenage girls in physical activity.

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Governance and Leadership

Director: Afsana Lachaux (joined October 2023)

Chair: Tamara Hill-Norton (Founder)

The foundation is governed by 9 trustees with diverse backgrounds in marketing, finance, sports, and social impact. Uniquely, they have a 6-member Girls Panel aged 14-18 who provide strategic input to ensure programs meet the needs of their target demographic.

How to Apply to Sweaty Betty Foundation

How to Apply

• Girls on the Pitch Events: Email sbfapplications@sweatybetty.com
• Events typically held twice yearly in April and October
• Virtual format where girls pitch directly for funding
• The Innovation Fund application process details are not publicly available on the website

Decision Timeline

Specific timelines not publicly documented.

Success Rates

The foundation has supported 14 groups through Girls on the Pitch events and 10 organizations through the Sporting Equals partnership, with plans to expand to another 10 organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication not publicly available.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funded projects and stated priorities:

• Demonstrate direct engagement with teenage girls, particularly ages 10-18
• Show how your project addresses barriers to physical activity for underserved communities
• Include girls' voices in project design and delivery
• Focus on creating inclusive, supportive environments rather than competitive sports
• Highlight innovative approaches to engaging the least active girls
• Partner with existing community organizations to ensure local relevance
• Consider activities beyond traditional sports - the foundation has funded rock-climbing, yoga, and basketball programs

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation specifically funds grassroots organizations working directly with teenage girls on physical activity
• Strong emphasis on reaching underserved communities - particularly Black and South Asian heritage girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and those from lower income families
• Innovation and new approaches to engagement are valued over traditional sports programs
• Having girls involved in pitching or presenting the project appears to be an advantage (Girls on the Pitch format)
• Community partnerships and local knowledge are essential - they work through existing grassroots organizations
• Applications should be submitted to sbfapplications@sweatybetty.com for Girls on the Pitch events
• The foundation is relatively new (2021) and appears to be growing its grant-making capacity

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Sam And Bella Sebba Charitable Foundation
• The Health Foundation
• The Vardy Foundation
• The Eve Appeal (gynaecology Cancer Research Fund)
• Breast Cancer Now
• The Eranda Rothschild Foundation
• Laureus Sport For Good Foundation
• David And Elaine Potter Foundation
• The Hargreaves Foundation
• The Pa Foundation

References

• Sweaty Betty Foundation Official Website: www.sweatybettyfoundation.org
• About Page: https://www.sweatybettyfoundation.org/about
• Communities Page: https://www.sweatybettyfoundation.org/communities
• Charity Commission Registration: Charity Number 1193601