Small Grants Scheme

Sport England recognise the great importance of small amounts of funding to assist sports clubs and other organisations with very local projects.

Funding summary

The small grants programme will provide funding for community-level activities that help people become involved in sport, keep people in sport or help people improve their performance at their chosen sport. Sport England anticipate this fund will be used for example, for purchasing sports equipment for local clubs, running coaching activities for the community and getting more coaches qualified. The fund will be efficient at getting small amounts of funding to grassroots sport in England.

Funding available

£7 million per year for revenue and small capital projects, from 2009/10. The minimum award will be £300 and the maximum £10,000. The fund will make a large number of small awards every year.

Timing

Sport England will accept applications for this fund from April 2009 until further notice.

Eligibility criteria

The programme will be open to bona fide not-for-profit organisations, including applicants from sports clubs, voluntary or community organisations, local authorities, education establishments (such as schools, colleges and universities). Projects will need to demonstrate how they contribute to growing and sustaining participation in community sport or helping improve performance in sport. Funding will not be available to individuals.

Application process

Application will be online, with web based and telephone help-line support. Alternative options will be available for those without internet access. The whole process, from receipt of application to decision, will take no longer than six weeks.

Monitoring and evaluation requirements

All Sport England funded programmes will be subject to an appropriate level and type of monitoring and evaluation. This will be geared to ensure that the organisation both meets its statutory duties and manages risk regarding delivery of programme outcomes. Where applicable, requirements will also be proportionate to past performance - good delivery will mean a lighter monitoring requirement, with poor performance calling for greater attention. Further details of monitoring and evaluation requirements and procedures will be available to potential applicants and recipients as new funds are formally launched.

Partner contribution required

A partner contribution will be encouraged, but not required.

Relationship to other funding streams

This programme will sit along side Sportsmatch as it offers similar amounts of money to similar organisations, but with different partner contribution criteria.