Sportsmatch

Sportsmatch will enable community clubs to make the most of the funding they receive from the private sector by matching the amounts available.

Funding summary

Sportsmatch is funded by Sport England to support the development of grassroots sport in England. It makes awards to organisations running projects aimed at increasing participation in sports at community level. We do this through matching eligible funding invested in community sport.

Funding available

£3 million Exchequer funding per year, made up of revenue and capital funding, from 2009/10. The fund will be designed to make a large number of awards starting at £500 (schools) or £1,000 (other eligible organisations). The maximum grant is £100,000, and the maximum capital grant is £25,000.

Timing

Sport England will be accepting applications for financial year 2009/10 from 1 April 2009.

Eligibility criteria

The funds will be open to bona fide organisations, including applicants from sports clubs, voluntary or community organisations, local authorities, education establishments (such as schools, colleges and universities) or a collaborative or consortia approach which can demonstrate the potential to grow and sustain participation in community sport.

Application process

Application will be online, with web based and telephone help-line support. Alternative options will be available for those without internet access. We will aim for a quick decision, consistent with due process.

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 minimum of £1 partner contribution for £1 Sport England funding is required. Partner contributions can only come from private companies, trusts and individual donations (and from a maximum of three other partners for each project).

Relationship to other funding streams

The £7 million per year funding in 'Small Grants' provides some grants of similar amounts, but without the same requirement for partner contributions.