2025 $1Million Challenge Applications Open
Exciting news – the 2025 Aussie Athlete Fund $1 Million Challenge is now officially OPEN, and applications are being accepted until May 31, 2025!
The $1 Million Challenge, in partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) offers a unique opportunity for athletes to partner with businesses to raise vital funds for their sporting endeavours. The athlete is provided with fundraising education throughout their journey.
Here's how it works:
The Challenge:
- We aim to pair 100 athletes with 100 businesses and as a team, their goal is to raise $10,000 for the athlete.
- Athletes and businesses team up to fundraise together, unlocking exciting rewards as the fundraising goals are met.
Support Along the Way:
- Education modules, expert mentoring, guest speaking opportunities, incentives for hitting fundraising targets and much more.
- 100% of the funds raised will go directly to the athletes’ Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) pages*.
Why Get Involved?
- This is more than just fundraising – it’s a partnership built on collaboration and mutual support to help athletes develop the skills and confidence they need to create a sustainable athlete economy.
- Every dollar raised supports athletes directly, helping them pursue their goals and dreams of wearing the green and gold.
- The ASF is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Australian athletes and sporting causes. Donations of $2 or more to ASF are tax-deductible, giving donors the opportunity to contribute while enjoying the added benefit of a tax break.
Who can apply?
Athletes
- Applications are open to sportspersons of all ages who:
- Are Australian citizens
- Are members of a national team (where applicable - professional sports are the exception)
- Compete in a sport recognised by the Australian Sports Commission
Businesses
- All businesses, big and small, along with individuals and philanthropists are invited to take part. If you’re willing to team up with an athlete to help them raise $10,000 (May-October), this is your opportunity to make a real impact.
Submit your expression of interest
Ready to Make a Difference?
The challenge is all about teamwork. It not only supports individual athletes but also strengthens the sporting community by empowering athletes to reach their financial and career goals. Athletes won’t be doing this alone. Together, we can create a sustainable athlete economy in Australia and support the next generation.
How to Apply:
- Athletes: Apply now on the HERE before March 31, 2025
- Businesses: Interested in supporting an athlete? Sign up HERE
We can’t wait to see you be part of this exciting initiative!
2024 Results
The 2024 $1 Million Challenge supported 100 athletes across 40 different sports (47 disciplines). Throughout the Challenge, we connected 43 athletes with 34 businesses. All 100 athletes, partnered with a business and those on their own fundraising journey, raised over $550,000, 100% of which went directly to the athletes!
About the Aussie Athlete Fund:
The Aussie Athlete Fund is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering athletes and their families, with the knowledge and strategies they need to secure financial sustainability throughout their careers and beyond.
We are committed to helping athletes thrive by providing essential fundraising education, fostering valuable connections, and creating opportunities through corporate and philanthropic support. Our vision is to establish a sustainable athlete economy for Australian athletes, ensuring they are supported by long-term sponsors and philanthropists who believe in their potential well into 2032 and beyond.
Every athlete deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams without the weight of financial strain. Supporting our athletes means investing not only in their sporting success but in their futures—both on and off the field. Representing our nation in the iconic green and gold is a privilege that should never come at a personal cost, and we are here to ensure that this is a reality for all athletes.
At Aussie Athlete Fund, we are building a brighter future for Australian sport, one where every athlete has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed—both now and in the years to come. Together, we are shaping the future of a sustainable athlete economy.
About the Australian Sports Foundation
The ASF is Australia’s national non-profit sports fundraising organisation, and the only organisation in Australia to which donations for sport are tax-deductible.
ASF focuses on supporting a thriving Australian sporting sector, where everyone has access to the health and social benefits of sport, regardless of gender, background, location, ability or culture.
ASF has been helping athletes, clubs and organisations to fundraise for 38+ years. Since its inception, the ASF has distributed more than $800 million through its online fundraising platform and community sport grant rounds.