The 2014 small grants scheme has been launched by the Fare network to fund activities as part of the Football People action weeks in October.

The two-week period brings together thousands of groups to celebrate diversity in football and counter intolerance and exclusion.

The Football People small grants offer financial support of up to €400 to fund activities at local and regional level that tackle discrimination, promote social inclusion and bring people of different communities together through sport.

Fare Executive Director, Piara Powar said: “Through the small grants scheme, Fare is looking to encourage and help groups across Europe take action against exclusion.

“The activities funded by these grants are a significant element of the Football People weeks that helps the smallest gear roots groups to fight discrimination and celebrate diversity”.

In 2013, around 250 grants were awarded in 42 countries, a total of €83,800 was allocated in grants. Successful groups will join the thirteen Event Grants awarded groups to put on significant events.

Former Belgian international and Fare ambassador Mbo Mpenza said: "I value actions that bring together people in a united cause. As a footballer my focus is the sport I love and the community that comes with it. Let’s use the action weeks to celebrate diversity and be clear that discrimination of any kind has no place. Join the Football People movement”.

Funding for activities

The grants support local level activities, including the production of campaigning materials (banners, flyers, fanzines), the production of fan choreographies and flags, the organisation of anti-discrimination workshops, amongst other things.

The scheme is open for applications from 01 August to 07 September 2014. Activities must be implemented during the Football People weeks period, between 09 and 23 October 2014.

Applying for a small grant

The scheme supports unfunded groups such as fans organisations, ethnic minority groups, schools and LGBT rights groups to help them run direct activities in their community, stadium or town.

To apply, applicants are advised to carefully read the criteria and fill out the application form.

All applicants will be informed on whether their application was successful or not in the second half of September.

Examples of activities

In 2013, over 1,500 actions were held across Europe and beyond in a unique and unified stand against all forms of discrimination in football.

The Football People weeks are open to everyone. Spontaneous activities are welcome and Fare funding is not required for groups to participate in the movement.

A list of suggested activities is available for consultation on the Call for Action and here.

Get inspired by last year's activities: FlickR, Youtube Channel and Facebook.