Funding Available Through Sport England

Sport Englands strategy, Towards an Active Nation, outlines how they will get more people taking part in sport and activity across England, there are a number of funding opportunities available. These have changed somewhat in recent months.

For live updates please see Sport England webpage

Great Idea If you have a great idea, Sport England want to hear from you. This approach from Sport England is in response to consultation that funding applications are daunting and time-consuming, so they want to start the conversation earlier. With just four simple questions to answer - the first one being your name, this process couldn't get much easier! - currently open

Strategic Facilities Fund Aims to support projects that can encourage people to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. By helping to build the right facilities in the right places, the fund can help deliver local outcomes essential to those communities - currently open but it is a solicited fund, so any potential organisations interested in applying to this fund, should initially email funding@sportengland.org with their project information.

Small Grants  National Lottery funding to make awards of between £300 and £10,000 to not-for-profit organisations to help more people play sport. (open all year) - currently paused to new applications

Community Asset Fund  This is a new capital fund dedicated to enhancing the spaces in your local community. Whether it’s the park you run through, the hall you do classes in or the pitch you play on, welcoming and accessible spaces have a big impact on a person’s sport and activity experience – and likelihood of coming back. (open all year)  - currently paused to new applications

Major Event Volunteering Fund This fund focuses on supporting volunteering and ensuring that those who give their time to support major events can continue to gain from the benefits we know volunteering can provide - currently open

In addition to the above Sport England are currently running some COVID Specific funds including Return to Play Funds and joint initiatives with Crowdfunder, see COVID-19 Funding page

Local Funding Sources

Allerdale Borough Council - Grants from £2,000 up to a maximum of £10,000 will be available with funding being provided to organisations that can demonstrate their project will make a significant difference to their members and users from the local community and should also help to deliver a social/economic impact in the Allerdale area. 

CFM's Cash for Kids - the charity will distribute money to young people in Cumbria to pay for specific equipment. Projects must be for the benefit of young people under the age of 18; who are disabled and have special needs or who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Cumberland Building Society - A fund for charitable organisations, in particular those aligned with the company’s purpose to make a positive difference to the lives of its customers, communities and people in the Society’s operating area of Cumbria, Dumfriesshire, Lancaster, Preston and Haltwhistle. Both strategic (up to £25k) and community grants (up to £5k) are available.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is currently inviting applications from community and voluntary organisations who are contributing to the regeneration of their communities to apply for grants of up to £5000.  There are a number of eligible wards in Allerdale & Copeland. Temporarily replaced by Coalfields COVID-19 Recovery & Resilience Fund.

The Copeland Community Fund - To be eligible for a Copeland Community Fund, grant applications must come from community groups or organisations which are non-profit bodies. The Fund has six themes, one being 'Arts, Culture & Sport' & another 'Quality Open Spaces'. Click here for further details

Cumbria Community Foundation - The foundation exists to tackle poverty and improve the quality of community life for the people of Cumbria by raising money and making grants, responding quickly to emerging need, working in partnership with donors to distribute charitable funds. Their grants reach people and organisations which really need them.

Cumbria County Council - The County Council's Area Support Teams manage a range of grant funds that are used to invest in communities to bring about a positive and lasting change for the benefit of the whole community.

Dora Beeforth Memorial Fund - Small grants are available for groups working with young people (aged 11 to 21 years) from low income families in Cumbria to take part in sport or foreign travel.

Eden Leisure Grants Grants are available to support organisations including sports clubs and community groups. The fund is discretionary and can support a wide range of projects including both revenue and capital projects. Applications are considered by the Community Services Portfolio Holder. Applications are accepted throughout the year, subject to budget. Maximum of £700 Contact leisure.corporate@eden.gov.uk phone: 01768 817817

The Fellfoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme led by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership, has opened the window for applications to two grant schemes; one of which is for community groups. Grants are available for groups and organisations who are involved in community projects that benefit the sustainability and well-being of Fellfoot Forward communities. Contact David Coverdale to discuss potential projects.

Francis C Scott Charitable Trust will support charities working in the most deprived communities in Cumbria who are addressing the key transitions in a child's/young person's life, click here for further details

Gateway Hub – South Lakeland - Voluntary or community organisations are being invited to apply for grant funding of up to £500 to support projects which improve the quality of life in South Lakeland.

Hadfield Charitable Trust - Grants for charitable organisations to carry out projects in the areas of social needs, youth and employment, help for older people, the arts and the environment in Cumbria. 

Kipling Fund for Younger People -  Grants are available to local voluntary and community groups in Cumbria with community focussed projects for young people in the county.

Kirkby Moor Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund -  Charitable groups in and around the Kirkby Moor Wind Farm are invited to apply for funding of up to £10,000.

Police & Crime Commissioner's Community Fund - This Fund is specifically for access by the local community, third sector and voluntary groups within Cumbria. It is specifically aimed at supporting projects that are provided within local communities for the benefit of that community 

Police & Crime Commussioner's Property Fund - The aim of the fund is to enable local organisations and community groups to access grants up to the value of £2,500. These grants must link in with one or more of the objectives in the Police & Crime Plan and aim to reduce crime and disorder.

Sellafield - Have are 3 categories of funding for organisations in the Copeland and Allerdale Districts:

1. large projects – Sellafield Ltd contribution over £200,000
2. medium projects – Sellafield Ltd contribution between £10,000 and £200,000
3. small, also called good neighbour projects – Sellafield Ltd contribution up to £10,000

Sellafield - SIX (Social Investment, Multiplied) - aims to put local people in charge of their own futures by empowering neighbourhoods in Copeland and Allerdale to create transformational change. The strategy has a range of projects and funds that may be of interest to you.

Sir John Fisher Foundation -  The Foundation’s objective is to distribute its income to charitable causes, throughout the UK, but with special regard to those based in and working for the benefit of people living in Barrow-in-Furness and the Furness Peninsula.

Walney Extension Community Fund is a fund for communities along the coastline of Cumbria

Talented Athletes & Funding for Individuals 

Basketball Assist Fund - provides junior members with allowances of between £50 and £100, with clubs eligible to apply for support for up to three of their junior members.  

Cauldwell Children - provides sports equipment to youngsters and disabled children under the age of 19. You can only apply if your parent’s annual income is less than £45,000, and funding is offered in a limited, one-off programme.

Dan Maskell Tennis Trust - Grants of up to £500 are available for individuals. Individuals can receive support for a sports wheelchairs, tennis rackets, or coaching lessons with an Lawn Tennis Association accredited centre. 

Dickie Bird Foundation - a grant fund for disadvantaged children aged under 16 for essential sports equipment. Travel or coaching are not payable. Payment is for individuals therefore teams/groups should not apply.

Eden Leisure Grants Grants are available to support individuals in excellence and personal development in sports and the arts. This will usually mean participating at national level and beyond for sports related applications. Applications are considered by the Community Services Portfolio Holder. Grants will normally be paid up to 25% of the expenditure to a maximum grant award of £400. Contact leisure.corporate@eden.gov.uk 01768 817817.

Gladiator Sports Sponsorship - Up to £500 sponsorship for individuals and other sports professionals.

GLL Foundation - This fund is accessible for talented athletes in all areas where there are Better Leisure Centres, including Allerdale Carlisle, Copeland, Eden and South Lakeland. As a leading Charitable Social Enterprise, GLL are delighted to make a positive impact to communities through the GLL Sport Foundation

SportsAid  - SportsAid helps young British sportsmen and women to achieve their ambitions by supporting them during the defining early years of their careers.

Talented Athletes Scholarship Scheme - Support for young people (both able-bodied and disabled) in England who want to continue with a formal education but also want to realise their potential as an athlete and maintain an involvement in performance sport.

The Queens Club Foundation - The club supports lawn tennis, rackets, real tennis, and Squash. It can provides individuals with grants of £250 - £1,000 (under 16); £250 - £1,500 (over 16)

National Funding Sources (A-Z) 

Angus Irvine Playing Fields Fund The Angus Irvine Playing Fields Fund exists to increase opportunities for young people in disadvantaged areas of the UK to play outdoor sport. The fund is available to local community groups, sports clubs and charities. Grants will typically be in the range from £2.5k - £5k although a larger grant may be possible in some circumstances.

Aviva Community Fund - The Aviva Community Fund gives you the chance to secure funding for a cause or charity close to your heart. 
Simply let them know about a project for your community organisation and the difference the money could make. Applications are now open for the next round of the Aviva Community Fund until 13th October 2020. 

Awards for All - England Grants are available for voluntary groups, schools, local authorities and health bodies in England to carry out projects that will improve their local community

BBC Children in Need Small Grants programme - Funding up to £10,000 is available for projects that combat disadvantage and improve children and young people's lives. BBC Children in Need are planning to open two new funding rounds. The first will open before the end of the year 2020, followed by a further funding round in Spring 2021. These funding rounds will be open for applications for grants of £10,000 and larger awards of over £10,000.

Biffa - funding will benefit people within their free time who are living in communities within five miles of a significant Biffa Group Ltd operation or within 10 miles of an active Biffa Landfill site in England. (Carlisle - St Ninians Road)

BlueSpark Foundation is a registered charity which supports the education and development of children and young people by providing grants for educational, cultural, sporting and other projects.

Boost Charitable Trust - Grants are available to organisations in the UK helping disabled and disadvantaged individuals participate in sport. Who is eligible? Charities and non-profit making organisations.

British Cycling - Places to Ride - British Cycling is working closely with Sport England to develop a national network of new cycling facilities which meets local demand, making use of a £15 million investment programme called Places to Ride. Programme runs to Jan 2021

Bruce Wake Charitable Trust Grants for the provision of leisure activities for the disabled in the UK

Cadent Foundation - Over the next 5 years the Cadent Foundation will be awarding £20+ million of grants to charities and community groups to support projects that make a real difference. Charities and community groups can apply for individual grants of between £100 and £100,000. They want to support projects that help alleviate suffering and hardship of people in vulnerable situations under three headings - Environment, Communities and Research & Innovation.

Canoe Foundation support fund - aims to support projects that create better access to water for recreational users and projects that protect the paddling environment and will provide grants to local community organisations, clubs, parish councils and local authorities with an interest in facilitating paddlesport activity, in order to help alleviate some of the pressure that has been placed on launch sites around the UK. Grants from £500-£10,000 will be made available, with applications being received via the online application form between 5 November and 28 February.

 

Cash 4 Clubs - Cash 4 Clubs is a sports funding scheme which 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.

Coalfields Community Investment Programme - a £500,000 fund created to support activities that tackle some of the key challenges that still remain in coalfield communities. The fund is open to projects that deliver in the top 30% most deprived coalfield communities. 

Comic Relief Community Fund - is offering grants to grassroots community organisations with an income of less than £250,000. There are two types of grants available to organisations whose work delivers on one of Comic Relief’s four strategic themes - Children Survive & Thrive; Fighting for Gender Justice; A Safe Place to Be; Mental Health Matters. Funding is available to help you develop your organisation through a Capacity Building Grant (up to £500) or to deliver projects through a Project Delivery Grant (up to £4000).

Cooperative Local Community Fund makes grants for community projects. To apply, you need to be a charity or voluntary group. You can apply for anything from equipment to event costs, help towards rent or fixtures, sport or computer equipment. You can also apply for running costs. 

Central Social and Recreational Trust Grants are available for sports clubs and organisations in England to provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation for the benefit of disadvantaged children who are under the age of 21 years.

Craven Trust - The trust provides grants of up to £1,500 for community projects in parts of Lancashire and Cumbria.

Dan Maskell Tennis Trust Grants are available to help disabled people in the UK to play tennis through the purchase of wheelchairs, tennis equipment and grants for coaching.

Develop Youth Through Sports Grants Develop Youth will award, pound for pound for activity that aims to increase participation and/or improve performance at grass roots level. Grants will be awarded in vouchers of £100, £200 and £300 to be redeemed for equipment / kit of your nominated. The criteria for using the voucher: e.g. Applicants budget is £100 – Develop Youth will match the budget of £100 – Allowing an overall spending budget of £200 with the nominated supplier.

Dickie Bird Foundation - Support for individuals throughout Great Britain with the aim of helping disadvantaged young people (under the age of 18) to participate in sport, to the best of their ability, in the sport of their choice, irrespective of their social circumstances, culture or ethnicity. Who is eligible? Individuals aged under 18 years at the time

DM Thomas Foundation for Young People - Grants are available to UK registered charities that are working with young people (up to 25 years) for projects supporting young people in the vital areas of education, awareness and training. Education funding generally will be given for training/re-training, educational equipment, activity-based learning leading to accreditation and sports equipment.
Application deadline 6th October 2020

DWF Charitable Foundation One-off grants are available to registered charities in England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland for projects that address issues of homelessness, employability, education, health and well being.

Fat Beehive Foundation Digital grants are available to small UK registered charities for building websites or digital products that enable them to carry out their work in a more efficient and effective way, resulting in positive social benefit.
Application deadline: rolling

FCC Community Foundation - FCC Communities Foundation awards grants to community projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Foyle Foundation - Grants are available to smaller charities registered and operating in the UK for projects that will make a significant impact on their work. The revised focus will be to make one-year grants only to cover core costs or essential equipment, to enable ongoing service provision, homeworking, or delivery of online digital services to charities that can show financial stability.

Francis C Scott CharitableTrust Support charities working in Cumbria that support 0-21 year olds from our most deprived communities. Capital and revenue for up to 3 years from £500 - £15,000 p.a. Grants below £4,000 are considered monthly.

Freemasons' Grand Charity - The charity makes grants to Masonic and non-Masonic charities in England and Wales. Grants are broadly aimed at charitable work in the following fields: Youth Opportunities; Vulnerable People; Medical Research; and Hospices. Currently paused due to Covid -19

Free fundraising and charity training - for small charities across England and Scotland  The programme is supported by the Cabinet Office Small Charities Fundraising Training Programme and sponsored by Blackbaud, the event offers eight different courses, covering key fundraising skills such as Trusts & Foundations and Corporate partnerships. There are also courses available in Risk Management and Demonstrating Your Impact. 

Garfield Weston Fund - The Foundation supports a broad range of charities across the UK that make a positive difference. They fund a wide range of causes and charities and their grants vary according to the size of the charity and the work being undertaken. 

Gladiator Sports Sponsorship - Up to £500 sponsorship for sports clubs, teams, societies, venues, individuals, events and other sports professionals.

Government Funding - VCSE health and wellbeing fund applications 2020 to 2021: The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England and Improvement, and Public Health England (PHE) are inviting applications from voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to join the VCSE health and wellbeing fund Starting Well. Projects must:

• have run for at least 3 years
• develop or expand services for children from preconception to 2-and-a-half years old, so they receive the best possible start in life
• be focused on improving health outcomes in black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities or areas of high deprivation (including urban, rural and coastal areas)
The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 30 October 2020.

Greggs Foundation - The Local Community Projects Fund makes grants of up to £2,000 to help organisations based in local communities to deliver activities that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to.

Groundwork UK manages a range of funds inc. carrier bag funds, power to change funds and others. 

Grow the Game - The Football Foundation’s Grow the Game Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 for the creation of new football teams and coaching qualifications, with money provided by the Premier League and The FA. The Scheme is delivered by the Foundation. Currently paused due to Covid -19

GSK Impact Awards 2020/2021 - The awards are funded by GSK and managed in partnership with The Kings Fund. The Awards recognise and reward charities that are doing excellent work to improve people’s health and wellbeing. The awards are designed to recognise success and achievements for the existing work of organisations and you do not have to present a new project. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 14^th September 2020

Hedley Foundation - The Hedley Foundation assists and encourages development and change for the better in the lives of young people . Most grants are capital or one-off, but the Trustees sometimes agree to help fund the introduction of new and innovative projects with a series of up to 3 annual grants.

Henry Smith Charity (Strengthening Communities) - Grants (£20-60k) to support the running costs of small community-based organisations working in the most deprived areas of the UK to help people to make positive changes in their lives. 

HRUK Healthy Heart Grants - award grants of up to £5,000 and up to £10,000 are available across the UK for new, original and innovative projects that actively promote Heart Health and help to prevent, or reduce, the risk of heart disease in specific groups or communities. Currently paused due to Covid -19

Leeds Building Society Foundation -  The Foundation funds good causes across the UK, which support those who are disadvantaged or in vulnerable circumstances. The Foundation primarily provides funding towards practical items that directly support those in need including those with disabilities, affected by homelessness, or with serious health issues. 

Les Mills Fund for Children - Les Mills award the funds they raise to registered charities and accountable non-profit organisations who they believe will do their most to improve the education and physical and emotional wellbeing of children aged 0-16. Your work may focus on one or more of these areas: living in poverty, physical and mental health problems, health and wellbeing and living with disability. 

Lloyds TSB Foundation - The Foundation funds local, regional and national charities working to tackle disadvantage across England and Wales. Seventy percent of our funding is for core costs, and our focus is on supporting underfunded charities that can make a significant difference to the lives of disadvantaged people by helping them to play a fuller role in the community. Our strong local presence enables us to respond directly and promptly to local needs.

Lord’s Taverners Accessible Minibuses  provides specially-adapted transport to schools, clubs and organisations catering for young people with learning and physical disabilities.

Magic Little Grants - Small one-off grants (up to £500) are available to local charities and community groups in Great Britain that are running, or planning on running a project that encourages individuals to take part in some form of physical activity to help improve their physical and mental health and well-being.  

Morrisons Foundation - The Morrisons Foundation has been set up to make a positive difference to people living in England.

Movement for Good Awards - The Movement for Good awards are giving £1m to charities through £1,000 and £50,000 grants. Funding is open to eligible charities registered in the UK and Republic of Ireland with an income of less than £5m, which support a cause that communities care about  (e.g. the advancement of education and skills; citizenship or community development; arts, culture or heritage).

Nationwide - Charities, Community Land Trusts and housing co-operatives who are making positive changes in their local areas can apply for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000.

National Lottery - The Funding Finder from the National Lottery will help you navigate the different funding programmes to find the right one for you. 'Awards for All' is a very accessible fund. 

One Stop Carriers for Causes Grant - Grants or up to £500 are available to local non-profit organisations and groups for projects within two miles of a One Stop store in Great Britain that benefit local communities by helping to improve lives and local places. Fund temporarily closed to new applications.

Places to Ride - This funding is available to any organisation that is developing cycling activity in their community and can be used for anything from equipment packages to activate your local space, through to a brand new cycling facility. The programme is open until January 2021 and has both small scale (£1k-£50k) and large scale grants (£50k-£500k) available as well as equipment packages.

Percy Bilton Charity - Funding is available to UK registered charities with primary objectives to assist one or more of the following groups: disadvantaged/underprivileged young people (persons under 25); people with disabilities (physical or learning disabilities or mental health problems); older people (aged over 60).

Persimmon Building Futures - As part of its sponsorship of Team GB, Persimmon will donate more than £1 million to support children in sport, health and education. Local groups which support under 18's can apply remotely. The top prize is £100k.

Persimmon Community Champions - Funding from Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative goes directly to groupscurrently focusing on supporting the over 70's. It’s really simple to apply for a donation by completing the online form,

Peter Cruddas Foundation - Funding is available for registered charities in England and Wales that are working to support disadvantaged and disengaged young people as they move towards pathways into education, training and employment.

Peter Harrison Foundation - Opportunities through Sport Programme Grants are available to charities registered in the UK that are running sports projects which provide opportunities for people who are disabled or otherwise disadvantaged to fulfil their potential and develop personal and life skills.

Postcode Dream Trust – Dream Fund - we support chairties who wish to deliver highly innotive, impactful and engaging projects across Britain and further afield. Grants of between £500,000 and £1M, including a theme of ‘Transforming Society Through Sport’.

Postcode Trust - People’s Postcode Trust receives all of its funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Funding is available for projects of up to 12 months in length ranging from £500 up to £20,000

Premier League & The FA Facilities Fund - The fund will provide grants for building or refurbishing grassroots facilities, such as changing pavilions and playing surfaces for community benefit, with money provided by the Premier League, The FA and the Government (via Sport England) and delivered by the Football Foundation.

The Queens Club Foundation - The club supports lawn tennis, rackets, real tennis, and Squash. It can provide organisations with grants between £500 - £3,000 per year.

The Rank Foundation - UK registered charities and recognised churches which are raising money for capital projects (building work, refurbishment or the purchase of long-term equipment) or a one-off short-term activity (such as an annual respite break or holiday for disadvantaged young people) can apply for funding through the Rank Foundation – Pebble Grants programme.

Ready - This charity provides financial support to disabled young people, (up to 21 yrs). Funding can provide assistance with access ramps, disabled toilets, changing facilities, specialist sporting and recreation equipment.

The Ron Pickering Memorial Fund - Invites applications from young track and field athletes who are in education and may need financial help towards training or provision of equipment. Applicants must be aged between 15 and 23 years, medalists from their National Schools AA, AAA U17, & U20 or U23 Championships or in the top six of the appropriate UK ranking lists.

RFU Local Club grants- The RFU now provides Local Club Grants for facility improvements. These are managed and administered locally by RFU staff and Constituent Body volunteers. To find out more please contact RFU Area Facilities Manager Alex Bowden

Rugby League World Cup Funding - This grant is dedicated to where Rugby League takes place. It will invest in facilities and equipment that create environments that are accessible, welcoming and build a legacy of the 2021 tournament in local communities. For any queries, please contact the RFL   

Seafarers UK - Seafarers UK offer funding to support projects in the UK that fund maritime youth organisations. For further information go to their website 

ScrewFix Foundation - They support projects that fix, maintain, improve and repair charitable and community facilities for those in need accross the UK. Grants of up to £5,000 are available. Applications can be made at any time and are reviewed on a quarterly basis.  The review dates are in February, May, August and November. 

Sporting Capital  a new social investment fund that focuses on supporting the sustainable development of community sports organisations.The £3m fund is the first of its kind, and offers investment in the form of simple, repayable loans of between £50k to £150k. 

Swimathon Foundation - Has an annual fund to applications from local not-for-profit organisations from across the UK for local community projects which encourage more people to swim. Community groups and charities who would like to help more people enjoy swimming can apply for funds of between £300 and £2,500. Postponed for 2020. 

Tesco Community Grants - Tesco community grants fund thousands of local projects right across the UK. Projects that bring benefit to their community will get the green light. Grants up to £2000 are available.

Trusthouse - Trusthouse gives grants for running costs or one-off capital costs to charities and not-for-profit organisations for projects addressing Rural Issues and Urban Deprivation. Funding is temporarily suspended as of 30th April 2020.

Tudor Trust - Grants (min. £10k) are available to smaller community-led groups that support people at the margins of society in the UK, encouraging independence, inclusion and integration. Sports organisations need to have a strong social focus. 

UnLtd - Offers young people aged between 11-21 up to £5,000 of funding and all the support you need to help make great ideas happen

VInspired Cashpoint is a fund for 14-30 year old volunteers, up to £500 is available

Will Charitable Trust - Support is available for activities in the UK that fall within the following categories: care of and services for blind people; long-term care of people with learning disabilities; and care of and services for people suffering from cancer.

Whizz-Kidz -  is a children's mobility charity who will fund children and young people under 18, who have limited mobility or no mobility at all, with Sports Wheelchairs.

Wilkinsons - Every Wilkinson store has a small budget to help their local community to do great things. They want their donations to improve the lives of as many local people as possible and can make a big difference to lots of good causes.

Wooden Spoon - Wooden Spoon is the UK's leading grant-making charity dedicated to helping disabled and disadvantaged children and young people through rugby. The fund is open to 'not for profit' organisations to apply for grants including Sports Areas

YAPP Charitable Trust - the trust awards core funding to charities with an annual expenditure of less than £40,000. Grants up to £3,000 per year are available for up to three years, for core funding for projects. Application deadline: rolling