Transcript
UKRunChat: Hello, welcome to the UK Run Chat Podcast. I'm Michelle and today i'm joined by Tanya Kemrick from the ISPO Impact Foundation.
UKRunChat: Now, many of us are involved in running clubs, community groups, charities and grassroots initiatives that are making a real difference to people's lives. But turning a great idea into something sustainable often requires some funding and support.
UKRunChat: So today with Tanya, we're exploring a new opportunity that could help you use sports and outdoor activity to create a positive change in your community. So Tanya is going to be telling us all about this new foundation and you haven't got long to apply for it.
UKRunChat: So do listen carefully and hopefully we answer all your questions in this episode. and Hi Tanya, thank you so much for coming on the podcast today.
Tanya Kenrick: Hi, Michelle.
UKRunChat: so so just before we get into what the fund is, just tell us a little bit about you and and and your background really.
Tanya Kenrick: Yeah, sure. Thanks, Michelle. And thank you so much for having me today. and So I've been working in marketing and communications my whole life. um And I've been working in the outdoor industry. So for companies like Low Alpine and the North Base.
Tanya Kenrick: And then 17 years ago, um I moved into sort of the the charity sector, still within the outdoor industry, um but I helped, well, I was working as general manager for the European Outdoor Conservation Association, EOCA, and that was raising money from the outdoor industry to put into conservation projects around the world.
Tanya Kenrick: and which was really exciting. We funded some fabulous projects. And by the time I left, literally four months ago, we'd raised six million euros, which had gone into over 200 conservation projects around the world.
Tanya Kenrick: um So that's where I'm i'm coming from. um And now we have this great opportunity with the ISPO Impact Foundation, which is another charitable foundation based in the outdoor and sports industry still, and but with a sort of an expanded remit, as it were, to what I was doing at IOCHA. Yes.
UKRunChat: Yeah, so so youve you've set up this fund, haven't you? you've been working hard over the last few months to get this, and it's a £1 million pound fund, isn't it?
Tanya Kenrick: Yes.
UKRunChat: So it's...
Tanya Kenrick: 1 million euros, so slightly more than ah a million pounds.
UKRunChat: Wow.
Tanya Kenrick: But yes, but it's it's a global fund.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: um So it has been put together by the ISPO trade show, which is sort of international sports and outdoor and sectors. um And it has a trade show every year. um And it's moving from Munich across to Amsterdam this year for the first time with new owners. And as part of the sort of the relaunch and the excitement around this new show, and the organisers of ISPO are putting in a million euros per year, every year, so for the foreseeable future, um to fund ah non-profit organisations. And they're going to be funding quite a ah broad variety of projects.
Tanya Kenrick: So we have the nature conservation side and environmental stewardship So looking at restoring damage that has been done to the environment, as well as preventing damage from being done in the first place. um And then the other side of the funding, which is probably more exciting for your community, is the Getting People Active Fund. side of of projects. So that could be getting people active through a sport such as cycling and or you know traditional cycling or running or and climbing or anything outdoors, but it could be more traditional sports such as football or cricket or paddle, swimming, all those sorts of things. So getting people that are not currently active, involved and active and on a regular and long-term basis. So not just
Tanya Kenrick: come and have a one-off event and thanks very much goodbye it's more a come and try this come and get involved oh come back next week and let's see you you know into the foreseeable future um And this could be working with all sorts of different groups. So it could just be, you know, local school children in the area, or it could be something a little bit more specialist, you know, where you're you're working to break down barriers where people have felt unable to join into something for a whole host of reasons.
UKRunChat: Yeah, wow. so So what was the motivation behind creating this ISPO Impact Foundation then?
Tanya Kenrick: So ISPO is very much about sports, winter sports and outdoor and the communities and around those sports. um And it's about appreciating where people want to go and do those sports. So the great outdoors um and also looking after I guess the livelihoods of people doing those sports as well. If if you want to go out to running or biking and the environment is so damaged that you can't do that, well, actually, then then that's no good for anybody. So it's about the motivation is using the outdoors and sports as a force for good, you know, as as a power to be able to make a difference and to make a change and and some lasting impact.
UKRunChat: Yeah, so um so why do you think, like, as a foundation, why do you think that sport and outdoor activity are such powerful tools then for for creating change?
Tanya Kenrick: I think because, you know, ah sports is about it's about community, isn't it? And it's about involvement and supporting one another and doing things together. um And I think when people come together with a shared passion, great things can happen. um And especially when you're doing something outdoors, you know, and you're appreciating the landscapes and the wildlife and the nature all around you.
Tanya Kenrick: I think that kind of feeds a passion within you to want to look after it as well.
UKRunChat: Yeah, no, i think I think you're right. I'm a trail runner and yeah, I couldn't enjoy my sport without the environment being, you know, looked after and clean and accessible, really.
Tanya Kenrick: Yeah.
UKRunChat: So I think they do, they work well together, don't they, the two themes?
Tanya Kenrick: Definitely.
Tanya Kenrick: And I bet you notice, even if you do the same route every single night, I bet you notice the changing seasons and what's going on around where you're running
UKRunChat: Yeah, absolutely. I was talking about that this morning, actually, and we do. I think when you're constantly running through the same landscape, you do notice tiny little changes and yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: Yes, yes, definitely. Yeah, I do all my dog walks and there's a kingfisher that sometimes appears down by the river.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: And, you know, it's amazing how excited you can get, isn't it? Just by this one little glimpse.
UKRunChat: Yeah. I love it. That that makes or breaks a run for me sometimes. Like we saw a deer yesterday just running across the path and it was, oh, yeah, it was a lovely moment.
Tanya Kenrick: Oh, fabulous. Yeah.
UKRunChat: Yeah, wonderful. and so So you mentioned community there. it's it's Community is so important. I think we get wrapped up sometimes in performance and competition, particularly as as runners within our community.
Tanya Kenrick: Yes.
UKRunChat: But actually, that community impact is often the biggest, isn't it
Tanya Kenrick: Absolutely. Yes. People talk about finding their tribe, don't they? You know, and then you get involved in an activity with those people.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: And it's about the, you know, the the camaraderie and the the feeling of support, I think, you know, and it's not about necessarily being the fastest or being able to stay doing the run for the longest or whatever.
Tanya Kenrick: I'm i'm part of a swimming group and we are swimmers and we're dippers.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: So, you know, some people will just go in, get get their heads in and then they're straight back out again. And other people will go for a much, much longer swim. And actually, it really doesn't matter, does it? Because you're all doing it together.
Tanya Kenrick: And, you know, there's something wonderful about all having slightly different experiences, but in the same place and doing it together.
UKRunChat: Yeah, and I think the fact that you're part of a group doing that, you can encourage people who perhaps haven't done it before or are feeling a little bit nervous.
Tanya Kenrick: Yeah, absolutely.
UKRunChat: You've got it experience, haven't you, with within the group?
Tanya Kenrick: Yes, yes, definitely.
UKRunChat: Yeah. So what kinds of, um I'm just thinking about what might prevent people from participating. Like what are some of the biggest barriers that are preventing people today?
Tanya Kenrick: all sorts of things. Yeah, I mean, For a start, it might just be a lack of knowledge. You know, if nobody's ever taken you on a run, for instance, that could be a really massively daunting thing.
UKRunChat: Yeah. Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: Like what what kind of kit do I wear? What do I do if I get tired? Where should I go? you know, what happens if it's getting dark? that You know, that that could be a bit scary. um So there's all sorts of you know knowledge. I have no idea. The first idea about how to get up into the mountains, for instance, you know, what what do I do? Do I need to take a waterproof or a compass and I can't read a map?
Tanya Kenrick: You know, all those sorts of things. It could be that actually you would really like to get involved, but you just don't have the money to actually buy the relevant sort of kit. And I know for running maybe to start with, you maybe don't need a huge amount, but that could still put people off or haven't got the right kind of trainers or or whatever. Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: So it it could be a lack of knowledge. It could be a lack of money or background, maybe even where you've grown up.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: That's not the kind of thing that people do, you know. And and so, again, lack of knowledge or, you know, that would be really embarrassing to start to start running or to start swimming when nobody around here does that.
Tanya Kenrick: um And then you've got you've got other things. You know, there could be barriers such as your age, for instance. Maybe you feel too young or maybe you feel too old to get involved And it could be about ah gender, you know, for you know, girls aren't supposed to do that kind of attitude that you might have been brought up with or, well, why can't they? um But then you have you have other issues such as maybe your sexuality is is something that, you know, you you feel is...
Tanya Kenrick: making making a lack of safe spaces for you to do an activity or it could be your your ethnicity, again, your background or something. So there could be all sorts of different barriers and that are either actually present or that, you know, you're you're finding hard to to get over in order to take that first step to to join a group or to get yourself active.
UKRunChat: Yeah, so so really that this project could, it's got a huge scope actually, hasn't it?
Tanya Kenrick: Yes, it has. Yeah, you know, absolutely.
UKRunChat: and
Tanya Kenrick: It could hopefully impact a massive amount of people, you know, from all different walks of life, and you know, from something as simple as just getting a local group out into the outdoors for...
Tanya Kenrick: You know, the World Health Organization talks about 150 minutes a week as being like the absolute minimum that people should be doing. You know, it could be just the bare minimum of getting as a school group out into nature and sort of looking for bugs and leaves and things like that.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: Or it could be something, you know, that actually needs, you know, a lot more work to encourage people to come come and join you
UKRunChat: Yeah. so so what So what are you looking for then, Tanya, in terms of applications and just talk us through what the what the fund is and what and what people might apply for?
Tanya Kenrick: So we have the two areas of funding, the nature conservation, environmental stewardship side, and then the the getting active outdoors, which is getting active, sorry, not just outdoors, and which is a sort of participation and inclusion side of things. And then within that, we have four different tiers of funding.
Tanya Kenrick: So it could be up to €2,000 for a really small grassroots group or team um or organisation that's just doing stuff really locally on their own doorstep.
Tanya Kenrick: And then we also have and around a fund for around a grant of around €10,000 for maybe smaller organisations that are just getting going and they need some money to help them grow.
Tanya Kenrick: and then two larger and grants of 30,000 and up to 100,000 euros. And therefore, sort of organisations that have been around for a while, and and they are maybe trying to take a next step to expand their work into another location or to you know to work with another group or something like that, and potentially across another country as well. So, you know, that could have a really big impact.
Tanya Kenrick: But um I also want to make it clear that actually you can have a massive impact on your doorstep with just up to 2000 euros because a really small grassroots group, you know, if you impact the lives of three people, that for a small grassroots group is a massive impact. You know, when you think of, of you know, what what you could um bring positively to to those people's lives.
UKRunChat: Yeah, yeah, absolutely. So what, for you what are you, what kind of applications are you seeking? Have you have you got in mind what might make a good application, for example?
Tanya Kenrick: Yes, I think applications that, um oh, this is a really hard question because there's so many things, aren't there? So things that add something to what is already being done or on unlocking something that maybe might otherwise not happen.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: and Something where the impact can be easily identified or or measured would be would be good. um And something that involves community and builds stronger bonds, no matter what kind of project it is, but that really is rooted in the heart of the of the community. And community could be your local area or it could be the community of runners that you're working with or it could be you know at a certain age bracket or a certain ethnic group that you'rere you're trying to target um and something that keeps people involved in the long term.
Tanya Kenrick: Like I said before, not just a sort of a one off event, but something that could continue and build and grow, you know, as that person gets better at doing whatever the activity is or or feels more comfortable in that space.
UKRunChat: yeah
Tanya Kenrick: um And I just I love things that are just a little bit creative or off the wall, you know, something that's a bit new and a bit. We really want to try this because we think it will really sort of hit the nail on the head. So a new way of trying to restore a habitat if you're in the so of the conservation side of things or a new way of reaching a group of people by unlocking a previously closed pathway. Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: I was talking to somebody recently and they were talking about wanting to try some um bushcraft sessions for dads and daughters as a way of finding a way of, um you know, something for for the two of them to do together.
Tanya Kenrick: And I just thought, what lovely, lovely idea, you know, to find something.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: And um that's ah a very new idea for me, but I just thought, what a brilliant idea. And I'm sure that that would be ah you know, a really good time well spent, I think, dads and daughters.
UKRunChat: Yeah, but that's a lovely idea, actually, isn't it? Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: Yes, yeah, it really made me smile.
UKRunChat: <unk> So how many grants are you kind of thinking that you might be handing out then? in It's going to be October, November time, isn't it
Tanya Kenrick: yeah so we're looking probably for the really big headline projects. We'll probably only fund... maybe three or four of those, those are 100,000 euros each.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: And then maybe sort of eight to 10 of the 30,000 euros, um maybe around 10 of the up to the 10,000 euro ones. And then we're looking at maybe around 30 of these really small grassroots micro donations, we're calling them, um of up to 2,000 euros. But it kind of, this is the very first year that we're doing this. So i have no idea what's going to come through the door. Very exciting, very scary all at the same time. And so I'm guessing that those numbers will probably be, will have to be a bit flexible depending on what comes in.
UKRunChat: Yeah. So, yeah, i I'm not going to ask you what kind of applications you've had because I'm sure you can't talk about that. But what I mean, what sort of thing might make a strong application if somebody's kind of thinking, i want to I want to apply for this and is a bit, you know, a bit nervous about this hasn't hasn't applied for a grant before.
Tanya Kenrick: Yeah.
UKRunChat: What sorts of things will they be putting into their application that you'll be looking out for, do you think?
Tanya Kenrick: Okay. So it's, It's quite a simple, if you're literally applying for the small micro donation, it's a really straightforward process.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: So we'll be asking you for details of your organization, proof that you exist as an organization, small budget to show what you would do with the money that you're asking for.
Tanya Kenrick: And and then just ah a brief explanation about what it is you want to do and how you might measure impact from that. um And I think, oh, and a reference from somebody that you have that has either given you a a donation in the past or maybe another organization that works with you.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: So it's it's really quite brief and straightforward for a micro donation.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: and We don't want to make it onerous. You know, we want you to be able to use the money and and not to drown you in paperwork.
UKRunChat: yeah
Tanya Kenrick: There's obviously a little bit more involved if you're applying for more money, but um the amount of money questions that we ask sort of increases as it goes up up the tiers but for the small micro donations um it is really very very straightforward and hopefully wouldn't take more than that i don't know half an hour or something to to put something together hopefully
UKRunChat: Yeah. Okay. Yeah. And I think we need to say it's for not for profit organizations, isn't it?
Tanya Kenrick: It is, but we do understand also that some really good grassroots organisations mightn't be officially registered as a non-profit.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: So if if that is the case, and we would like to see a bank account in the name of the organization, proof of, um and then um some other kind of proof that you actually exist and are doing doing work um as that organization. So it could be affiliation to some sort of a sports club. It could be a letter from a local authority. It could be evidence of of work that you have been doing over the last few years and or from from some sort of other respected organisation saying we know this organisation, we've been working with them for the last few years and they've been doing this. and So, yeah, so if you really are a tiny grassroots organisation, we're hoping that we're not making it too difficult or complicated for you to be able to get involved as well.
UKRunChat: Yeah, I know that sounds really accessible. That's great. So if somebody is listening right now and kind of sitting on an idea then and thinks they'd like to apply, but doesn't think it's significant enough, what what would you say to them?
Tanya Kenrick: Yes.
Tanya Kenrick: Oh, absolutely. Have a look on our website. and I'm sure you'll ask me for the details later, but have a look on our website and just have a look at what we're looking for. and There's a whole load of questions and answers as well. um But no, we're open to anybody doing anything pretty much that fits into our criteria. and But it could just be something as simple as, hey, we're a water sports club and we need to buy some kayaks so that more people can get involved in And for a micro donation, that kind of thing, which will have longevity, because obviously the the kayaks, once you've bought them, you've got them and you can then bring people in to to have a go on them and things. So, you know, it could be as simple as that, or it could be as simple as hiring a venue so that you can do your sport or hiring some transport or something so that you can take a group of people to a specific place in order to carry out that activity. um So, yeah, no, we want to make it as it as accessible as possible and as easy as possible for grassroots organisations to apply to us.
UKRunChat: Yeah, that's great. It can be quite a scary, I think, when somebody mentions fundraising to you as as a you know as a club leader.
Tanya Kenrick: Yeah.
UKRunChat: it it can sound a bit daunting, can't it?
Tanya Kenrick: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: Absolutely. And I'm sure that you have in your mind sort of, oh, my goodness, there's my whole weekend gone. I sat at the computer screen answering loads of inane questions. um But hopefully, hopefully you'll find it's not actually like that. And it is fairly quick and straightforward.
UKRunChat: Yeah, so so if you're thinking of applying to the fund, it's open until it's midday on the 30th of June, isn't it?
Tanya Kenrick: Yes, midday on the 30th of June, and I'm afraid we can't accept any late applications. So if you are thinking applying, please, please send it in before before the absolute deadline, just in case there's computer glitch or some hideous technical problem.
UKRunChat: Yeah, so to tell us what the website is, Tanya, and we'll pop it in the show notes as well for people to click on directly.
Tanya Kenrick: Perfect. So it's ispoimpactfoundation.org and ispo is I-S for sugar, P-O.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: m And on on there, there's a section, there's a header at the top called apply. um And there you'll find the application form and you'll also find um a whole list of details about what it is we're looking for alongside a webinar that we hosted last week, which just explains, you know, if you've got an hour to spare and you want to watch it, it's up there. You can have a look.
Tanya Kenrick: and and see the sorts of questions that we and were asked as part of that webinar. But every single one of those questions is also written and in a document also on that same page. So you can read through them at your leisure.
UKRunChat: Yeah, oh, well, that's, yeah, that's exciting. And hopefully we can get you back on kind of next time once you've had some some groups who've reported back on what they've done.
Tanya Kenrick: Oh, yes, I'd love to come and tell you how it all went. That would be brilliant.
UKRunChat: yeah Yeah, it would be great to hear what comes out of it, actually.
Tanya Kenrick: Yeah, that would be lovely. I'd like that. Thank you.
UKRunChat: So hopefully applications are trickling in for you.
Tanya Kenrick: Yep.
UKRunChat: yeah and
Tanya Kenrick: Well, they are at the moment. And so when you go on to filling in the application form, there is a save function. So you don't have to do it all at once either. um And there's several pages, but if you just put a couple of characters in each of the boxes, it'll let you move on to the next page. So you can have a look at every single question, go away and think about it, and then and then come back and and fill it in. Why did I start telling you about that?
Tanya Kenrick: i can't remember.
UKRunChat: I think just because it it makes it easy, doesn't it? I notice there's ah there's a handy Excel downloadable as well that tells you what what all the questions are on there.
Tanya Kenrick: Yes, there is. Yes, yeah, there is, which which will tell you what all the questions are. So, yeah, have a think. And if you get stuck, info at ispoimpactfoundation.org will come to me and I'll help you with your with your ah query.
UKRunChat: Oh, there we go. So you've got a very busy time ahead now, Tanya. Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: I have. I have. Yes. Oh, that's why I was telling you, because there's a save function on there.
UKRunChat: yeah
Tanya Kenrick: So yes, we've had quite a number of applications submitted, but there's also quite a lot in there that um have been saved for people to continue at a later date.
UKRunChat: Yeah.
Tanya Kenrick: So yes. So exciting. But I know that it's only two weeks and I'm really sorry it's such a short time um time deadline. But yeah, like I said, the the micro donations are hopefully relatively quick to fill out.
UKRunChat: Yes. I will. Hopefully there's some listeners out there who are already thinking, yes, I'm going to apply. So yes. So let let let us know actually.
Tanya Kenrick: fingers crossed yes yeah i i don't think so i think no you've you've asked lots of good questions and hopefully i've got everything out that um that will help people to um decide whether or not they want to apply
UKRunChat: yeah As as have we covered everything today, Tanya, is there anything else we need to know?
UKRunChat: Yeah, oh well, fantastic. I will all the very best with that. And it's been lovely having you on to chat.
Tanya Kenrick: well thank you so much for having michelle me michelle that was really kind
UKRunChat: Yeah. So if today's conversation has sparked an idea for your club, community group or organisation, we'd encourage you to find out more about the ISPO Impact Foundation. We'll put the link in our show notes that Tanya mentioned. And as always, thank you for listening. Until next time, happy running.
