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Financial barriers can make it harder to do the things we love. The rising cost of living has affected lots of people’s ability to take part in, or deliver, sport and physical activity.

It’s also put pressure on organisations to find new ways to significantly reduce costs or raise income to continue to support their communities.

‘Cost of living’ refers to the money needed to cover everyday expenses like utilities, housing, transportation and food. This cost has increased sharply in recent years, making it harder for both individuals and organisations to afford goods and services. 

There are lots of ways to help navigate the cost increases. Read on to find examples of how some organisations have eased the burden.

What’s the impact?

As prices continue to rise, it’s becoming increasingly expensive for sports clubs and community organisations to maintain their activities and support their communities.

These financial challenges can make it difficult to keep essential services running, especially if an organisation relies on donations, sponsorship and membership fees to stay afloat.

Some of the commonly faced challenges by sports clubs and community groups include: 

  • Increased operational costs. With higher prices for leases, utilities, equipment and other essentials, organisations may be spending more to keep programmes and activities going. 
  • Fewer donations and sponsorships. The cost of giving means charities and businesses are also feeling the financial strain and therefore less able to support local organisations.
  • Falling participation numbers. Some participants have left organisations as a result of being unable to afford the cost of taking part or purchasing necessary equipment.
  • Reduced volunteer workforce. Many volunteers are finding it harder to commit as much time due to their own financial pressures, with some are seeking paid opportunities instead.

Finding solutions

Lots of organisations have changed the way they’re doing things to help keep activities running during this tough period.

We’ve included a few examples and shared how some have taken steps to reduce the impacts of the cost of living.

  • Energy costs

    Simple steps, such as turning off lights, using energy-efficient appliances, moving fixture or training times to avoid using floodlights and installing smart meters can help to reduce energy costs.

    Switching to led lighting and other long-term changes to make your facilities more sustainable could also help.

    Using energy and utility organisations like Utility Aid can also help your club or community group by supporting you to find the best utility providers.

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  • Kit and equipment

    Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club have set up a monthly resale scheme of unclaimed lost kit, enabling their members to purchase kit at reduced costs and providing an income stream for the club.

    It’s also great for the environment and reduces waste.

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  • Diversifying funding sources

    By exploring options like grants, sponsorships and crowdfunding, organisations can reduce reliance on a single income stream and build a more sustainable financial base.

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  • Participation fees

    South Nottingham Hockey Club have introduced subsidised memberships to help reduce financial barriers to participants. 

    This approach encourages services to remain accessible and helps attract new members, by offering lower prices to reduce financial pressures.

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  • Hardship funds

    To encourage participation in their sport, Brentwood Beagles set up a hardship fund which covers membership, clothing and competition fees.

    A hardship fund supports organisations to engage people who may otherwise drop out or not join as a result of the cost of taking part.

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  • Task-based volunteering

    To boost volunteer numbers, some organisations, such as Axe Vale Netball Community, have found it useful to break up volunteering roles into smaller more manageable tasks; this is known as ‘task-based volunteering’.

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  • Prioritising services

    After experiencing a drop in donations, Teardrops Supporting Your Community, who help the homeless and vulnerable, decided to close their facility on quieter days. 

    This helped them to save running and daily costs, enabling them to significantly help their community on the days they remain open.

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  • Reducing travel costs

    For many participants, getting to and from activities can be expensive. 

    Encouraging active travel, or adopting car sharing initiatives, could help your participants to save money and make it easier for them to get involved. It also reduces carbon emissions, benefitting the environment.

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Small actions can make a big difference in your mission to cut costs, maintain the quality services you deliver and ensure that your communities are supported.

Keep open and honest conversations going with those around you to remain aware of people’s barriers and collaborate on effective solutions.

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Further guidance and support

Buddle has lots of learning and support resources on financial management within our Money Matters section.

You can also find free, regular workshops on financial management, raising money and future planning.

Your local council for voluntary service, Active Partnership or your National Governing Body may also be able to provide advice or support.

For additional support, you can check out resources on GOV.UK, UK Finance and Citizens Advice.