BPER launches 2026 Call to fund inclusive sport projects in Italy

BPER Bank has opened the 2026 “Il Futuro a Portata di Mano – Lo Sport che Include” call, running from 7 July to 7 September. The non‑profit‑focused competition targets Italian third‑sector entities, amateur sports associations (ASD) and amateur sports societies (SSD) that have been active for at least three years. Applications must propose projects for young people with disabilities aged 3‑25 that improve continuous, accessible sport participation.

Twenty organisations will be selected to receive free training on social project design, economic sustainability, fundraising, storytelling and crowdfunding management, in partnership with Avanzi S.p.A. Società Benefit and Produzioni dal Basso. After the training phase (24 Sept‑21 Oct), five projects will be chosen to launch crowdfunding campaigns on BPER’s network. Projects that raise at least 50 % of their target will receive a matching grant covering the remaining 50 % of the total cost.

The call evaluates equipment purchases, adapted gear, instructor training, inclusive events, summer camps, transport services and facility accessibility improvements. “With this Call we want to accompany organisations and sports realities in a project that combines training, programming and social investment,” said Elisa Belfiori, head of BPER’s Third‑Sector Office. The final selection will be announced on 5 November, with crowdfunding running from 6 November to 21 December 2026.