Norway's Lottery and Foundation Authority Funds Sporting Events Sector

Many sporting and volunteer events have had to be cancelled or postponed over the past two months as a result of mandatory shutdowns in these sectors, resulting in massive losses to organisers, who are reeling in the face of this worldwide onslaught.

 Much Needed Financial Relief

Fortunately, the Norwegian Lottery and Foundation Authority has come to the fore to alleviate losses in the Volunteer and Sporting Industries, to the tune of NOK 700 million in funding. The fund has been set up in the care of the ‘regulations on temporary compensation scheme for organisers in the voluntary and sports sector’, which were introduced on 3 April 2020.

The aid is in place for organisers to recoup their losses for any net ticket loss revenues as a result of the mandatory shutdown resulting in cancellation or postponement of sporting events. It includes compensation for participation fees refunded and any other additional expenses incurred as a result.

Applications will be opened for claims on 14 April 2020, but approval will be subject to vetting. A summary of the requirements for qualification include:

• The activity must have been set for hosting in Norway between 5 March and 30 April 2020.
• The event was open to the public.
• The aid is only available to organisers in the voluntary and sports sectors who were registered before 5 March 2020.

 Exclusions Under Terms

• Lost revenues from planned food and drink sales.
• Lost advertising and sponsorship revenues.
• Any costs that would have been incurred regardless of whether the event was cancelled/ postponed.
• An event organised by another party.
• Any losses incurred under NOK 25,000.
• Organisers who received 60% or more of their funds from public grants in 2019 do not qualify for assistance.

Sporting and Volunteer Organisations are urged to prepare adequately for the application process, should they qualify for relief. The application process will run until 21 April 2020. A full list of the terms and conditions are available on the Lotteri-og stiftelsestilsynet site.