The collaboration between Nike and Spotify is sparking a transformative movement in the UK with the introduction of the Make Moves Fund

By Tucker Adams

In the United Kingdom, a remarkable movement of liberation, joy, and self-expression is unfolding. Nike and Spotify have embarked on a transformative journey, unveiling the Make Moves Fund, a harmonious blend of rhythmic tunes and empowering steps with the aim of enhancing the mental well-being of girls.

These two industry giants recognize the obstacles that have impeded the aspirations of many young girls in England. Sports, a realm where dreams take shape and spirits soar, remains a distant dream for roughly 80 percent of them. This stark reality, especially for Black British, African, Caribbean, Arab, and Asian girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, presents a daunting challenge in accessing the joys of physical activity.

However, Nike and Spotify are not passive observers. Their partnership announcement on World Mental Health Day evokes a sense of hope and change, resonating in the hearts of many. The Make Moves Fund, initiated by Nike and Spotify, is set to provide grants of approximately $25,000 USD each to community organizations in the UK. These funds are earmarked for innovative, girl-centric programs that fuse music and movement, designed to inspire girls aged 10 to 17 to embrace physical activity in ways that resonate with them.

“An active generation paves the way for a more equitable future,” asserts Dan Burrows, the Senior Director at Nike Social & Community Impact EMEA. In his view, and in the shared vision of Nike and Spotify, innovation and creativity are the twin engines propelling girls to the peak of their potential. The UK is now the backdrop for a transformation where melodies and footsteps intertwine, creating an environment where mental wellness flourishes.

A panel of experts, including four teenagers selected by Black Girl Fest, Nike dancer Joelle D’Fontaine, and Ciara Dockery from Gurls Talk, alongside Nike and Spotify’s social impact teams, will choose the recipients of the funding. FLO, a collective of young female artists based in London, serves as the face of the Make Moves Fund.

The selected projects will unfold over a six-month period, with Nike and Spotify closely monitoring their effects to assess impact and effectiveness. For organizations within the UK aspiring to secure this funding, innovative proposals can be submitted at nike.com/gb/purpose until the closing date of November 30, 2023. By the beginning of 2024, the endorsed grantees will step into the spotlight.

Nike’s collaboration with Spotify in the Make Moves Fund mirrors the brand’s ongoing global commitment to create an environment where girls are encouraged to move freely and confidently. This initiative aligns with Nike’s previous endeavors, such as the partnership with Girls Got Game in Manila’s The Courtyard and the provision of digital tools through the Tucker Center, furthering the efforts to propel girls into a world of movement and self-expression.