1 in 5 Australian Community Sporting Clubs On The Brink Of Collapse As Fundraising Struggles To Bounce Back

A 2023 report from the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF)1 has painted a bleak year for community sporting clubs, revealing that as much as 18% have been pushed to the brink of collapse as a result of rising costs and falling revenue. Other key findings from the report show that on average Australian Community cash reserves have decreased by over $10,000, 68% have experienced an increase in running costs and 1 in 2 have cited the cost of living as the leading cause for participation decrease.

Improve Long-Term Future Prospects

A huge 63% of clubs say that their main challenge is not having enough volunteers. This trend has been seen across the charity sector, with the ACNC Annual Information Sheet reporting that volunteer numbers fell by 596,000 in 20212 due to COVID-19, and numbers have not yet recovered. Icause, a brand new Australian crowdfunding platform, has partnered with CheapBills, to help clubs boost their funding and improve their long-term future prospects.

Provide Financial Security

Icause gives clubs a way to achieve financial security, even in the face of the cost of living crisis. Through their partnership with CheapBills, supporters can donate to their local club’s crowdfunding campaign without spending a cent. When a supporter compares utility bills with CheapBills, or sister company Move-In Connect, 30% of the commission will be donated to their nominated icause campaign. For example, when a supporter switches their electricity and gas, $87 will be donated in their name to their sports club. Icause founder, Muhammad Haider, a former tennis player himself, feels strongly about supporting grassroots clubs.

“Local sports clubs bring together the community, teach children vital life skills and pave the way for the next generation of Australian Community sporting superstars.” Through Icause, Mr Haider hopes to provide a way for sports clubs to raise funds without asking supporters to reach into their pockets, something that even diehard sports fans are struggling to do with rising inflation and the cost of living crisis.

Contact

1300 786 045.