Organisations donating sports equipment

One of the challenges of starting and maintaining a sport and development programme is getting the necessary resources, in particular the sports equipment. 

Fortunately, there are a number of organisations trying to meet this need by donating equipment. While some manufacturers donate a portion of their product, many other organisations collect gently used equipment donated by clubs, schools or private individuals. 

While there are some concerns over the long-term impact of shipping goods around the world, these organisations do offer a service than can help address an immediate need. 


Organisations sending equipment globally
Sports Gift
Sports Gift is focused on providing sports equipment to impoverished and disadvantaged children throughout the world. The organisation collects equipment of all kind and has distributed items to over 60 countries.

Gear for Goals by Dreamweaver
Gear for Goals collects gently used sports equipment of all kind and then distributes it to communities around the world.

Let’s Play It Forward
The organisation has been operating out of Westchester, New York, since 2012. So far they have collected 28,422 pieces of gently used sports equipment and donated them to children and organisations in need in the region and abroad.

One World Running
One World Running is an international programme promoting an awareness of health, fitness and nutrition by providing running shoes to those in need in the U.S. and around the world.

Global Sports Foundation
The Global Sports Foundation provide gently used and new baseball equipment for underprivileged children and adults in the U.S and around the world.

Peace Passers
The organisation collects new and used football equipment from clubs, schools and other organisations across the US. Partnering with mission teams, sports ministries, individuals & other non-profit agencies gear is delivered to impoverished communities in the U.S. and around the world.

One World Play Project
This NGO has designed an “ultra durable” football and aims to responsibly give these footballs and other play resources to organisations working with disadvantaged youth around the world. They only give balls to organisations (not individuals) that are making a significant impact on their community by combining sports with development objectives.

Wheelchair Athletes Worldwide
This NGO donates sport wheelchairs and also provides demonstrations of wheelchair basketball by accomplished disabled athletes.

Youable Onlus
Youable is an Italian organisation that supports people with disabilities, including through the donation of sports equipment.

Rock Climbing Association for Development
One of the association’s principal activities includes donating climbing gear (outdoor gear, periodicals) so it is available for use by aspiring climbers through local climbing associations that they partner with.


Organisations operating in specific regions
Dick’s Sporting Goods sponsorship and donations
This US based outdoor equipment store supports leagues, teams, athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and community organisations in communities surrounding Dick’s Sporting Goods stores.

Passback by the US Soccer Foundation
The Passback programme collects gently used football equipment and sends it to organisations within the United States.

All Kids Should Play
The organisation based in Maryland, USA, collects all kinds of used sports equipment and so far has distributed more than 25,000 items to needy organisations in the area.

The Sports Shed
This regional organisation partners with over 68 schools and charity organizations in the Chicago area to provide quality sports equipment on an as needed basis.

Fair Game
Fair Game aims to engage underserviced Australian communities (including those with indigenous Australians, migrants and refugees, low socio-economic status Australians, mental health sufferers and chronic disease sufferers) through unique health education, fitness programs and recycled sports equipment. They collect used sport equipment in Western Australia, and donate thousands of items to underserved communities in the region.

Play it on
This Danish NGO uses travellers and tourists to pass on used sports gear, facilitating the reusage of equipment and creating cultural encounters. Currently the organisation focuses on Uganda, but is looking to expand to other countries.
 
Do you know of other organisations providing equipment? Share them with us in the comments below.