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
• Applications Email: sbfapplications@sweatybetty.com
• Registered Address: Wolverine Worldwide Kings Place, 90 York Way, 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 globally, only 15% of teenage girls 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 Programmes

• Innovation Fund: Up to £20,000 - Supporting grassroots community organisations developing physical activity programmes 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 prioritises supporting:

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

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not publicly documented, but funding appears restricted to UK-based organisations 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 10 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 programmes 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 organisations through the Sporting Equals partnership, with plans to expand to another 10 organisations.

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 organisations to ensure local relevance
• Consider activities beyond traditional sports - the foundation has funded rock-climbing, yoga, and basketball programmes

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation specifically funds grassroots organisations 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 programmes
• 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 organisations
• 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 Eranda Rothschild Foundation
• The Eve Appeal (gynaecology Cancer Research Fund)
• David And Elaine Potter Foundation
• The Pa Foundation
• Huo Family Foundation (uk) Limited
• The Hargreaves Foundation
• The London Marathon Charitable Trust Limited

References

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