Sports funding: More clubs - less bureaucracy

More sports clubs than before are to benefit from funding from the city, the entire process is to be less bureaucratic and voluntary work is to be strengthened. These are the aims of the amended sports funding guidelines of the city of Jena. At its last meeting, the city council approved a corresponding amendment to the guidelines. It was last revised more than five years ago.

Previously, only clubs with 30 percent members up to the age of 26 or 30 percent members over the age of 60 were eligible for flat-rate funding. The quota for senior citizens in particular was difficult for many clubs to meet. The figure has now been reduced to 20%. This is achievable for significantly more clubs. This increases the number of sports clubs eligible for funding.

"With the adjusted guideline, we are creating the conditions for significantly broader support for sport in Jena than before. This means that many sports enthusiasts can benefit from the adjustment,"

said Johannes Schleußner, head of the sports department.

The new procedure also aims to significantly simplify the application, billing and auditing processes. For example, the previous eight-page application form and the detailed obligation to provide evidence for billing will no longer apply.

Another aim is to sharpen the target groups for funding. In the area of project funding, there is therefore a particular focus on the promotion of voluntary work, with special support being given to coach training and further education, as well as FSJ positions in sports clubs.

The city sports association and the city of Jena have already informed sports clubs about the changes at an initial information event. A further information event will follow soon, to which the sports clubs will be invited.

Background information

The City of Jena's sports funding guideline is the basis for supporting sports clubs. It aims to ensure an accessible and qualified range of sports activities for all citizens. A distinction is made between different types of funding - including institutional, project, lump sum and junior sports funding as well as funding for the use of sports facilities.