Business Sign Up

Through a direct partnership model, your business is matched with one or multiple Australian athletes for the duration of the Challenge (May – October).

Participation options:

• $10,000 to fully fund one athlete's goal 
• $10,000 to support two athletes ($5,000 per athlete)
• $5,000 to support one athlete and help them raise another $5,000

Beyond the financial contribution, businesses are encouraged to:

• Collaborate with your athlete on creative fundraising activities
• Engage your team, clients and community in a meaningful cause
• Support your athlete through time, networks and events
• Share your athlete's story across your platforms and channels

All funds are donated directly to the athlete's Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) fundraising page and are 100% tax-deductible.

Not sure where to start? Here are some ways businesses have made an impact:

• Host a Great Aussie Athlete BBQ — brekkie, lunch or dinner
• Invite your athlete to speak or host a Q&A with your team or clients
• Incorporate the Challenge into existing events — golf days, conferences or team days
• Run a workplace or community fundraiser
• Collaborate with your athlete through storytelling, social media and shared experiences

The Aussie Athlete Fund provides education, mentoring and ongoing support to help you and your athlete make the most of the partnership.

• A meaningful partnership with an Australian athlete/s
• Exclusive behind-the-scenes access to your athlete's training, competition and story
• Engagement opportunities for your staff, clients and community
• Ongoing support from the Aussie Athlete Fund team
• Invitations to Aussie Athlete Fund events
• The chance to be part of building a sustainable athlete economy

The end of the Challenge doesn't have to mean the end of the partnership. Athletes and businesses are encouraged to continue working together should they wish. Businesses are welcome to re-partner with their athlete or sponsor a new Aussie Athlete Fund athlete in the following year — we want to keep you connected and contributing to the movement long-term.

At the conclusion of the Challenge, standout athletes are recognised through our awards program across six categories:

• Rising Star Award
• All-Rounder Award
• Biggest Fundraiser
• Standout Event Award
• Media Excellence Award
• Creative Content Award

• February — Applications open
• March — Applications close
• April — Selections, pairings, agreements and pre-induction calls completed
• 1 May — Challenge officially begins; induction call and athlete–business pairings announced
• May – October — Challenge in full swing: monthly calls, fundraising training and events
• September - Elevate applications and Award submissions open and close
• 31 October — Challenge officially concludes
• October – December — Award winners and Elevate athletes announced; Aussie Athlete Fund Awards Night
• November/December — Elevate program commences
• December – March — Elevate program runs
• 31 March (following year) — Elevate program concludes