Development projects support

The support from the IBU is divided into three parts

PARTICIPATION

There are two different types of participation support:

1. Participation support paid out connected to the number of athletes participating in the World Cup, IBU Cup and Junior Cup. 

2. Event Participation Contribution - same principles as previously, but more clear and fixed contribution for participating NFs traveling overseas.

PERFORMANCE

Team Performance Bonus (Formerly Activity Bonus)

Divided according to the NFs Total Score in WC, IC, JC. Of this sum, 55% based on World Cup, 25% IBU Cup, 20% Junior Cup (as per current procedure).

Reach Performance Bonus (Former PP Bonus)

50% to be divided among NFs with rights holders for IBU events on the basis of hours viewed per country. 50% to be divided among the NFs connected to digital reach (NFs, OCs reach on web and social media).

DEVELOPMENT

National Federations development support

OBJECTIVES

1. Build the capacity of existing members to better regulate, promote and develop the sport at a national level.

2. More activity by member federations.

3. Promotion of gender equality, sustainability and good governance.

4. Closing the competition gap (Target 2030)

PROJECT TARGETS

1. Youth and Junior athletes' development as a part of a long-term national strategy

The project aims to support national programs focused on:

• Identification and training of youth and junior athletes with regard to increasing the number of athletes at the national and international level.

• Popularisation of biathlon among kids (minimum age of 12 years).

2. Biathlon expert support

3. Support of training venues

4. NF Partnerships

5. Sustainable business development

The project aims to support national programs focused on:

• Athletes' involvement after sport career

• Sustainability

• Gender Equality and Diversity

6. Customised development projects with contribution to all stakeholders

7. Para biathlon development

The project aims to support national programs focused on:

• Identification and training of para athletes with regard to increasing the number of athletes at the national and international level.

• Popularisation of para biathlon

8. Closing the competition gap (from 2024/2025)

IBU DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT PRINCIPLES 2025/2026

IBU support is intended as partial support (as opposed to full cost basis), is focused on structured and future-oriented long-term projects and programs, may be need-based, promotes cooperation among NFs, and requires reporting.

Project applications must be submitted via IBU Scope 2.0.

Call for Applications: 01 April - 12 May 2025

Duration of projects: 01 June 2025 to 31 March 2026

Announcement of results: 18 June 2025

Deadline for reports: 15 April 2026

IBU DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT 2021 - 2024

For more information contact

Maija Savolainen - IBU Development Projects Coordinator maija.savolainen@ibu.at

For 'Closing the competition gap' - Dagmara Gerasimuk - IBU Development Director dagmara.gerasimuk@ibu.at