From international foundations to local federations, discover which donors are backing cricket academies, youth clubs, and community leagues this year — and how to get their attention.
Why Funding Cricket Matters in 2025
Cricket is no longer just a sport — it’s a social movement. Across continents, cricket is shaping youth identity, promoting education, and building community resilience. Yet, despite its growing impact, many cricket academies, youth leagues, and grassroots organizations struggle to find sustainable funding.
Here’s the truth: there are funders who are actively investing in cricket — but most organizations don’t know where to look or how to speak their language.
In this article, we’ll walk through 10 major funders and programs supporting cricket and sports development in 2025. You’ll learn who they are, what they fund, and how your organization can align with their priorities to unlock transformational funding this year.
Let’s dive in.1. International Cricket Council (ICC) Development Programme
The ICC Development Programme is one of the most influential funders in global cricket. Established to grow the game beyond traditional cricket nations, it provides funding, equipment, and technical assistance to Associate and Affiliate Member countries.
What They Fund:
- Grassroots cricket development
- Coaching programs and umpire training
- Facility upgrades for academies
- Youth cricket initiatives
- Women’s cricket programs
How to Get Their Attention:
Align your project with ICC’s vision of “cricket for all.” Emphasize community participation, talent identification, and gender inclusion. Include measurable outcomes such as “number of new players trained” or “number of girls joining local leagues.”
Pro Tip:
Visit the ICC Development page and connect with your regional development manager — relationships matter in cricket funding.
2. Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
Laureus is a powerhouse in the global sports philanthropy space. Their motto says it all: “Sport has the power to change the world.”
What They Fund:
- Sports programs tackling social issues like education, health, or gender equality
- Youth empowerment through cricket and other sports
- Projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
Why It Matters:
Laureus doesn’t just fund; they mentor and connect you to a global network of sport-for-development organizations. If your cricket project uses sport as a tool for social impact — like reducing youth crime or empowering girls — this foundation could be a perfect match.
Example:
A youth cricket academy in South Africa received funding from Laureus to train local coaches and provide safe after-school activities, reducing school dropouts by 30%.
3. The Commonwealth Sport Foundation
The Commonwealth Sport Foundation supports youth development through sport in Commonwealth nations — which includes most major cricket-playing countries.
What They Fund:
- Community-based cricket initiatives
- Leadership programs using sport
- Projects promoting peace and inclusion through cricket
Key Tip:
Frame your cricket program as a tool for leadership development or social inclusion. Show how it promotes unity, empowerment, or youth engagement.
Pro Tip:
Commonwealth funders love storytelling. Include powerful human stories — not just statistics — in your application.
4. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Community Investment Fund
If you’re in the UK, the ECB’s Community Investment Fund is a goldmine. It supports clubs, charities, and schools delivering cricket programs that improve lives.
What They Fund:
- Facility improvement and cricket infrastructure
- Diversity and inclusion programs
- Youth development and school cricket
- Women’s and disability cricket initiatives
How to Apply:
Applications are accepted through local county cricket boards. You’ll need a clear community focus, partnerships, and measurable outcomes.
Example:
A London-based youth club used ECB funding to create an indoor cricket academy serving over 200 young players — half of whom were from refugee families.
5. Australian Sports Foundation (ASF)
Australia’s Sports Foundation helps cricket clubs and academies raise funds through a combination of grants and donor crowdfunding.
What They Fund:
- Facility upgrades
- Junior cricket programs
- Coaching clinics
- Community engagement campaigns
Unique Feature:
ASF gives you access to a donation platform that connects your cricket club with donors across Australia. You can blend fundraising with grants for greater sustainability.
Pro Tip:
Show community reach — highlight how your cricket project impacts rural youth, Indigenous players, or women’s participation.
6. United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP)
The UNOSDP supports projects that use sport — including cricket — to achieve social and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
What They Fund:
- Projects promoting peace, inclusion, and education through sport
- Programs empowering youth and women through cricket
- Initiatives linking cricket with SDG goals like gender equality and quality education
Example:
A cricket-for-peace program in Pakistan received support for training female cricket coaches and building safe spaces for girls to play.
Pro Tip:
Use the language of the SDGs in your proposal — funders love when you connect your outcomes to global development priorities.
7. ICC Foundation (New Initiative 2025)
The ICC launched its official philanthropic foundation to fund cricket-related community projects worldwide. This foundation focuses on inclusivity, education, and social impact through cricket.
What They Fund:
- Projects linking cricket with social causes (education, health, environment)
- Disaster relief or resilience-building through sport
- Youth development initiatives
How to Engage:
Sign up for updates on the ICC website and be ready when they open their first funding cycle. They are particularly interested in collaborations with NGOs and local academies.
8. National Sports Trust Funds (by Governments)
Many governments have national sports trust funds that provide annual grants to sports organizations — including cricket clubs. Examples include:
- India’s National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)
- South Africa’s Sports Trust
- UK’s Sport England Community Fund
- Kenya’s Sports Fund
What They Fund:
- Infrastructure and training
- Youth and grassroots programs
- Inclusion and gender-focused sports
Pro Tip:
Government funds are competitive. Strengthen your proposal with solid partnerships (schools, local councils, federations) and clear alignment with national sports policies.
9. Coca-Cola Foundation – Sports & Youth Empowerment Grants
Yes, even corporate funders like The Coca-Cola Foundation are investing in sports programs that empower young people.
What They Fund:
- Youth empowerment through sports
- Health and wellness initiatives
- Education and leadership through cricket
Example:
A nonprofit in Kenya partnered with Coca-Cola to launch a “Cricket for Clean Communities” program — using cricket tournaments to promote recycling awareness and youth leadership.
Pro Tip:
Frame your project with a dual purpose — sports + social good. Corporates love social impact stories that enhance their brand values.
10. Local Cricket Federations and Regional Donors
Finally, never underestimate local and regional cricket federations. Many receive donor or government allocations to distribute small to mid-level grants for community projects.
Examples:
- Cricket South Africa (CSA) Development Programs
- Sri Lanka Cricket Community Grants
- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Grassroots Initiatives
- Caribbean Premier League CSR Programs
What They Fund:
- Youth coaching and talent discovery
- School cricket programs
- Community leagues and social inclusion projects
Pro Tip:
Build relationships! Attend local cricket forums, tournaments, and workshops. Many grants are awarded through referrals and partnerships rather than open calls.How to Get Funders’ Attention (No Matter Who You Apply To)
Whether you’re pitching to the ICC, Coca-Cola, or your national sports fund, the core principles of winning cricket grants are the same:
- Lead with impact, not need.
Don’t just say you need equipment — show how your program transforms youth lives or fosters community unity. - Use data and storytelling together.
Blend numbers (e.g., “trained 300 youth last year”) with emotional stories (“one player went on to represent his state team”). - Show collaboration.
Funders love partnerships — with schools, federations, or other nonprofits. - Demonstrate sustainability.
How will your program continue after the grant ends? Mention fee structures, sponsorships, or local ownership. - Speak the funder’s language.
Align with their mission statements. If they fund “sport for peace,” emphasize peacebuilding. If they support “youth leadership,” showcase your mentoring programs.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Cricket Development Funding
Cricket is rapidly expanding beyond boundaries — from dusty rural fields to high-tech academies. Donors are recognizing its power to unite communities, empower youth, and inspire hope.
But here’s the key insight: funders aren’t just looking to fund the game — they’re looking to fund impact through the game.
If you can position your cricket academy, league, or community project as a vehicle for education, health, inclusion, or empowerment, you’ll stand out in the 2025 funding landscape.
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