It can be a difficult task to find out where you can get funding for your sports project. Sports grants are ever-changing when it comes to deadlines, applications and available funds, and it can be hard to keep up with. However, it is fantastic that there are a wide range of sports grants available in the UK. Whether you need a grant to help cover the cost of equipment and kit, or for pitch installations, resurfacing and maintenance, there’s likely funding available.
To make the process of finding sports funding a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the sports grants available in the UK.
Sport England
Let’s start by taking a look at Sport England. Since they were established in 1996 by the Royal Charter, they’ve been dedicated to giving everyone in England an equal opportunity to benefit from sports. They modified their funding schemes in the wake of Coronavirus, to help people make a safe return to playing sport. Every year, they invest over £250 million of National Lottery and public money to help give more people the chance to get involved in sports. Sport England accepts applications from any team, club or organisation, and currently (as of March 2023) have three open funds:
- Small Grants Programme
The scheme aims to help support projects that will bring communities together, providing new opportunities for people who are less physically active to get involved in sports. Funding of between £300-£15,000 is available for not-for-profit organisations, and while multiple applications can be submitted, organisations can only receive funding of up to £15,000 in a period of 12 months. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2023. - Active Together
This scheme is a crowdfunding initiative that will match funds up to £10,000, raised from a successful crowdfunding campaign. The aim is to encourage local clubs and organisations to start their own crowdfunding campaigns, providing expert guidance to support them along the way. Sport England says that Active Together is “a fund about recovery, reinvention and building resilience”, and is a Covid-19 pandemic recovery fund. There’s £7.5m of National Lottery funding available for the Active Together fund. - Places & Spaces Fund
This is another crowdfunding initiative, aiming to bring communities together and leave a legacy from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The Places and Spaces fund grants awards of up to £10,000 using National Lottery funding, from a total pot of £7 million. Organisations must set up a crowdfunding campaign, aiming to celebrate the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and unite their local community. Sport England will then consider pledging up to £10,000 towards that campaign.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Activity Fund
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Activity Fund aims to use sport to bring communities together, tackling inequality through clubs and projects. The fund was created to help celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, by providing opportunities for people who may be less physically active. Eligible sports clubs can receive funding from a total pot of £5 million, funded by the National Lottery. The grants range from £300 to £10,000.
The National Lottery Community Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund donates a total of £600 million a year to communities across the UK. The money is raised through The National Lottery and there’s a wide range of grants available. Sports clubs can apply for various grants, either up to £10,000 or over £10,000, depending on their ability to meet the criteria.
To receive the funding, sports clubs must prove that their club brings people together, building strong relationships in the community, as well as helping people reach their potential and providing them with ongoing support. Their club must improve the community in order to receive the grant.
The Sported Fund
The Sported Fund aims to make football more accessible at a grassroots level, focusing especially on inspiring young people from under-represented groups, with disabilities, from the LGBTQ+ community, and from culturally diverse communities. Sports grants of £500 are available under this scheme, and it can be used for anything that will support the delivery of the project e.g. venue hire, equipment, kit, training or coaching. However, you must use the funding within six months.
Cash4Clubs
Cash4Clubs focuses on supporting local clubs, recognising the amazing impact sports can have in communities. Since the grant was founded in 2008, Cash4Clubs has given over £800,000 to community sports projects. Grants are up to £5,000 and can be used to improve facilities, gain coaching qualifications, buy new equipment, or invest in the club. To receive the grant, clubs must show that they use sports to tackle social issues, such as providing employment opportunities, reducing crime rates, or generally developing life skills.
Speak to AS Sports About Sports Funding
At AS Sports, we’ll only ever provide our clients with what they need, and will never try to sell you more than you require. We happily accept grants and will do whatever we can to cater to your needs. Get in touch today to arrange a consultation and get started with your next sports surfacing project.
