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Australians donated a record $24 million to sport via the Australian Sports Foundation in the 2014-15 financial year – a massive 37% ($7 million) increase on the previous financial year.

In 2013/14, Australians donated $17 million to sport and the $7 million increase in 2014-15 will help 800 ASF-registered sports clubs with development and participation programs across 675 sports organisations within 58 sports.

Thanking Australians for their generosity, ASF Chief Executive Patrick Walker stated “a 37% increase in donations over the past financial year is a massive result for sport in Australia.

“This record result is a further demonstration of how important sport is to Australians and reflects their belief that sport creates better communities.

“The wider benefits of sports participation cannot be overstated.  Sports participation provides significant health, social and community advantages and is a catalyst for more people to become active and accepted community members.”

In 2014/15, the ASF received over 8,500 donations, including three donations of $1 million or more, while 10 other donations each raised over $250,000.

Donors from Victoria (48%) and NSW (30%) contributed 78% ($19 million) of the $24 million fundraising pool.

AFL was again the biggest winner with senior, district and junior clubs sharing in 46% ($11 million) of total donations.

Golf clubs were the next highest recipient sport generating 13% ($3 million) of the total donations.

Walker added “AFL and golf have seized the opportunity and shown how effective fundraising, in partnership with the ASF, can take advantage of available tax deductions.

“AFL in particular continues to dominate the fundraising spectrum and the challenge for other sports, particularly those with large membership and match day attendees, is to harness their popularity and convert this into effective fundraising for the continued development of their sports.

“There are great fundraising revenue opportunities available for clubs and organisations via our Fundraising4Sport program and our expert fundraising staff can assist them with concepts, strategies and ideas to maximise their fundraising potential,” he added.

Despite the record financial result, Mr Walker said a significant fundraising opportunity for sport in Australia remains.

“When you consider that the Australian philanthropic market is valued at $2.5 billion, sport is grossly under represented receiving less than 1% of these total donations.”

Walker concluded ASF a goal of raising $35 million for sport by 2017 was achievable.

Established by the Federal Government, the ASF is listed in the Income Tax Assessment Act as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). Because of its unique DGR status, donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

Funds raised via the ASF’s Fundraising4Sport (F4S) program, can be used by clubs for a wide range of projects such as capital works programs, equipment upgrades, youth and community initiatives and competition travel costs.

The ASF also distributes individual grants of up to $10,000 twice a year via its Giving4Grassroots (G4G) program to provide much needed funding to small not-for-profit sports clubs and organisations.

For fundraising opportunities or to support grassroots sporting communities call 02 6214 7868.or go to www.asf.org.au

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