Funding for Sport

Running any non profit making organisation can be difficult. Providing the right opportunities and equipment for people to train and compete has become very expensive. Here are a few ideas how your club / organisation might be able to access additional funding. 


Cash 4 Clubs

Sports clubs that are registered with their sport’s National Governing Body or local authority can apply for grants of up to £1,000 through the Cash 4 Clubs grants scheme. Cash 4 Clubs is a sports funding scheme that gives clubs a unique chance to apply for grants to improve facilities, purchase new equipment, gain coaching qualifications, and generally invest in the sustainability of their club. In 2008 over £30,000 was given out in grants to 30 community sports clubs across the UK. There are three tiers of grants at £250, £500 and £1,000. Applications can be submitted at any time. Visit: http://cash-4-clubs.com




Sport England Small Grants Scheme

The Sport England Small Grants Scheme (replaces Awards for All) has been set up to support local community sport projects which seek to increase participation, sustain participation or develop opportunities for people to excel at their chosen sport, with grants from £300 to £10,000.

For example, we might help a sports club expand its age range by helping it to buy extra team kit or pay additional coaching fees. Or we may help youth clubs work together with local sports clubs to get more young people playing sport.

How to apply
Get an application pack by calling 08458 508 508. Or, visit: <http://www.sportengland.org/funding/small_grants.aspx>




SPORTSMATCH 

This is a government initiative that aims to improve the quality and quantity of business sponsorship at the grass-roots level. Every pound put up by a new business sponsor starting from a minimum of £1,000 (£500 for schools) has the potential to be matched on an equal basis.


Capital and revenue projects qualify for the scheme.
Projects should involve activities that are competitive or otherwise challenging and should involve physical effort or skill.
The sponsored activity or event must encourage increased participation or improved performance at grass roots level.
Benefits gained from the sponsorship must not extend to professional sport.
The business support must be commercial sponsorship, not patronage or donation.

For further information contact:
Sportsmatch
3rd Floor, Victoria House
Bloomsbury Square
London
WC1B 4SE
Tel: 0207 273 1942


The Ruth Nicholls Volleyball Foundation

This foundation was established in memory of Ruth, a committed PE teacher, coach and player. Established by her family and friends, the Foundation aims to support grass roots involvement and development of the sport she loved. Schools around the country have benefited from grants. Some of these are: Rodillian School, Leeds, Kettlethorpe High School, Wakefield and Portland School, Worksop.


For more details, contact Keith Nicholls, Volleyball England Technical Director <k.nicholls@uea.ac.uk>


See the 20th January 2010 news item on the Volleyball England site





Foundation for Sport & the Arts

Set up by the football pools promoters in 1991, this body has given over £350 million in cash grants to sports and arts organisations. Grants have been given to a wide range of projects.

Following a review of the current level of reserves and in light of the fact that that their only source of income is now the interest generated by those reserves, the Trustees have decided to cease the activities of the Foundation at the end of March 2012. This will enable them to continue to make awards at the current annual levels, and to bring matters to a close in the same year as the London Olympics - a fitting climax. To assist a smooth closure program, no new applications for funding will be considered after the end of March 2009.

Priority is given to local projects that reach all sections of the community and which are designed to increase both participation in, and enjoyment of sport. Scope for consideration of major initiatives and the pursuit of excellence are limited.

Information, including details of the criteria for the allocation of funds, is available from:

Foundation for Sports and the Arts (email: contact@thefsa.net)
Walton House
55 Charnock Road
Walton
Liverpool
L67 1AA
Tel: 0151 259 5505