New data from the Australian Sports Foundation’s latest Giving for Sport Report shows more than $22.8 million was directed toward women and girls’ sport, an increase of $11.3 million year-on-year.

More than 84,600 donors supported sport through the ASF in FY25, contributing a total of $118.8 million to grassroots clubs, athletes and community programs nationwide.

The figures point to a shift in why Australians are choosing to support sport. 

“People are not just backing sport because they love a team or know a club,” said Australian Sports Foundation CEO Jerril Rechter AM.

“They are backing sport because they recognise the role it plays in supporting inclusion, empowering young people and strengthening local communities. 

“That’s a powerful shift. Sport is increasingly recognised as something that creates opportunity, connection and participation across the nation.”

Within Australia’s sporting eco-system, philanthropic investment is playing an increasingly important role alongside government and broader system funding - helping to expand access, strengthen pathways and support community outcomes.

The report reveals strong growth across impact-driven causes:

• More than $30 million invested in youth participation,
• Over 750 campaigns driving opportunities for women and girls
• 240+ campaigns focused on mental health and wellbeing, up $11.4 million on FY24
• 3,652 sporting clubs, organisations and athletes supported nationwide

Funding directed towards participation outcomes, including junior programs, community initiatives and access to equipment, has surged as donors prioritise creating access and removing barriers to sport. 

While high-net-worth donors contributed more than $72.2 million in FY25, accounting for over 60 per cent of funds raised, growth in community donations continues to play a significant role in expanding access to sport. 

“We’re seeing growing momentum in philanthropic investment into sport, particularly in areas like women and girls’ participation, where targeted funding can unlock long-term impact and support more people to participate,” Ms Rechter said. 

The report also shows growing confidence among philanthropic trusts and ancillary funds, with distributions rising by 72 per cent year-on-year, reinforcing sport’s position as a credible social impact investment.

Partnership programs illustrate this shift in action.

The Active Kids program, delivered in partnership with The Dickinson Foundation, provided more than $540,000 worth of sporting equipment, uniforms and freight to 179 volunteer-run community clubs across Australia in 2025, helping young people aged 20 and under to stay connected to sport.

The She Hoops Indigenous Leadership Program is led by Basketball Australia, with Lauren Jackson AO OLY driving the national initiative in partnership with the Aboriginal Basketball Academy. The program provides Indigenous girls aged 14–17 with leadership education and elite-level mentoring, strengthening resilience, confidence and community connection through basketball.

“The She Hoops Program reached more than 220 Indigenous girls across the country in a variety of programs providing them with leadership tools, life skills and pathways to empower them in basketball and beyond,” Lauren Jackson, She Hoops Founder & Patron, said.

"If it wasn't for the financial contributions from our partners Kulbardi, the Bibbulmun Fund, and the broader community, and Basketball Australia for providing the She Hoops platform, opportunities like this would not exist."

And the Parkrun Defibrillator Appeal has equipped more than 520 Parkrun events nationwide with life-saving defibrillators, directly strengthening community safety and wellbeing.

“These are not just sport programs, they are inclusion programs, youth development and community safety programs, all delivered through sport,” Ms Rechter said.

“Our role is to ensure Australians who want to create social impact through sport have a trusted, transparent way to do it."

“The growth we’re seeing shows Australians understand that when you invest in sport, you’re investing in people.”

Minister for Sport, Hon Anika Wells MP, said sport continues to play a critical role in communities across the country.

“The benefits of sport are proven, it strengthens communities, improves wellbeing and creates opportunities for all Australians.” Minister Wells said. 

“This report highlights the growing role philanthropy can play alongside government and the sector to expand participation and ensure more people can access the benefits of sport.”

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