University of Tehran Sport Management Journal 2008-9341 Articles in Press 2025 10 22 The Paradigmatic Model of Utilizing Donors' Capacity for Sports Infrastructure Development in the Country: A Grounded Theory Approach The Paradigmatic Model of Utilizing Donors' Capacity for Sports Infrastructure Development in the Country: A Grounded Theory Approach 104334 10.22059/jsm.2025.376200.3293 FA Hossein Kordlu University of Mohaghegh Ardabili 0000-0003-2395-2031 Abbas Naghizadeh-Baghi Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences,University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran 0000-0001-7231-7857 Farzad Nobakht mohaghegh ardabili 0000-0002-5994-3981 Mehrdad Moharramzadeh Professor of sport Management .university of mohaghegh ardabili .Ardabil.Iran 0000-0001-7769-4344 Journal Article 2024 05 06 Introduction: The development of sports infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing the country’s sporting capabilities. Considering the government’s economic constraints, harnessing donor support can provide essential financial resources and expedite the development process. Accordingly, this study aims to identify a paradigmatic model for leveraging donor capacity in the development of sports infrastructure in the country. Methods: This fundamental study adopts a qualitative approach, employing Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory methodology. The research population included sports experts, managers, and donors active in the sports sector. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling, with theoretical saturation reached after 23 interviews. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding. The validity and reliability of the study were assessed using credibility, transferability, confirmability, and test-retest methods Results Analysis of the interviews yielded 158 open codes, which were organized into five main categories: causal conditions (internal and external factors), contextual factors (environmental and institutional frameworks), intervening factors (organizational factors and donor limitations), strategies (interactive, supportive, cultural/promotional, and operational/guiding strategies), and outcomes (economic, social, health, and sports development). Conclusion: The findings indicate that donor participation in sports infrastructure development is influenced by individual, contextual, and organizational factors. Through the implementation of various strategies, such participation can lead to significant economic, social, health, and sporting outcomes. The primary contribution of this study is the development of a comprehensive, context-specific model for leveraging donor capacity, addressing a notable gap in the existing literature. Introduction: The development of sports infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing the country’s sporting capabilities. Considering the government’s economic constraints, harnessing donor support can provide essential financial resources and expedite the development process. Accordingly, this study aims to identify a paradigmatic model for leveraging donor capacity in the development of sports infrastructure in the country. Methods: This fundamental study adopts a qualitative approach, employing Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory methodology. The research population included sports experts, managers, and donors active in the sports sector. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling, with theoretical saturation reached after 23 interviews. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding. The validity and reliability of the study were assessed using credibility, transferability, confirmability, and test-retest methods Results Analysis of the interviews yielded 158 open codes, which were organized into five main categories: causal conditions (internal and external factors), contextual factors (environmental and institutional frameworks), intervening factors (organizational factors and donor limitations), strategies (interactive, supportive, cultural/promotional, and operational/guiding strategies), and outcomes (economic, social, health, and sports development). Conclusion: The findings indicate that donor participation in sports infrastructure development is influenced by individual, contextual, and organizational factors. Through the implementation of various strategies, such participation can lead to significant economic, social, health, and sporting outcomes. The primary contribution of this study is the development of a comprehensive, context-specific model for leveraging donor capacity, addressing a notable gap in the existing literature.