Joy of being active continues with new GOGA funding

Sport England has announced renewed funding for the Get Out Get Active (GOGA) programme, allowing Foundation of Light to continue delivering life-changing sport and activity sessions through 2026.

As one of the national programme partners, Foundation of Light will keep inspiring local residents to get active through inclusive and accessible sessions.

With support from Sport England, the Foundation will build on its success in engaging disabled and non-disabled people alike — providing activities like walking football, pickle ball and group exercise that bring communities together.

The GOGA programme, led by Activity Alliance, has already transformed over 56,000 lives since its launch in 2016. More than 4,000 volunteers have contributed, including nearly 30% with a disability, strengthening community bonds and increasing opportunities for all.

Foundation of Light’s involvement continues to make a meaningful difference in the North East. Many participants report improved mental wellbeing, confidence, and a sense of belonging—all through fun, inclusive activities that help people stay active beyond the programme itself.

The extended funding will also help explore new approaches and extend GOGA’s reach, with the Foundation now looking to work with, and fund, local partner organisations to help get more people moving.

Prospective partners will be embedded further into the most deprived local communities, and will be funded to deliver projects on behalf of Sunderland GOGA that achieve the core principles of the project.

Foundation of Light are looking to work with and fund local community organisations and groups who are interested in becoming a GOGA partner. Projects must engage the least active disabled and non-disabled members of our community in physical activity, reduce their levels of inactivity and provide a genuinely inclusive environment for disabled and non-disabled participants to enjoy being active together.

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To be involved successful programmes must:

• Deliver to participants from Sunderland North, Sunderland East, Sunderland West, South Tyneside, East Durham, Coalfields or Washington areas
• be targeted to work with one or more of the below audiences:
  • Lower Socio-Economic Status
  • Families
  • Children and Young People (0-19 Years)
  • Socially Isolated Groups:
    • Disability
    • BAME
    • Veterans
    • Older Adults

• Be inclusive, sustainable beyond the lifespan of the GOGA programme and make an impact by 2023, demonstrating how communities are working to be active for life
• engage with communities to tap into people's real-life motivations to be physically active and develop projects in Sunderland, Coalfields and Washington to help participants achieve these motivations

Anyone interested in applying to be a part of the Sunderland, Get Out, Get Active (GOGA) programme. We have guidance designed to act as a support tool to help you to develop your project and application for funding.

Everything you need to apply:

Application Form >>>
Application Guidance >>>