Funding clarity for volunteer-run grassroots sports clubs

We can help with most facility, equipment and development projects that help a club grow, include more people or keep going: clubhouse and changing room upgrades, floodlights, pitches, nets and drainage, accessible toilets and ramps, energy-saving measures, kit for a new section, minibuses and coach education. We work with any UK grassroots sport. See example projects.

There is no minimum or maximum. A project might be a few hundred pounds of equipment or a major clubhouse rebuild. Smaller projects often suit local funds with simpler forms. Larger building or pitch projects usually need several funders, more evidence and a longer timeline. The assessment helps you see which route fits the size of your project.

For £49 you get a structured review of your club and project, the gaps to close and the next steps in plain English, and a shortlist of funders and programmes that a person on our team has checked. It all comes as a PDF you can share with your committee.

The intake is split into nine short steps, so you can fill it in over a few sittings. We prepare your assessment once you have paid and your project details are complete, working Monday to Friday (not England and Wales bank holidays). You can track progress on your club dashboard.

It depends on the project and the funder, but most funders ask for some of these:

• quotes or cost estimates for the work or equipment
• your latest annual accounts, or an income and expenditure statement
• your constitution or governing document
• proof of your lease or ownership of the site, for building and pitch projects
• bank details for an account in the club’s name
• safeguarding and equality policies
• planning permission or landlord consent, where the work needs it

You don’t need all of these to start. The assessment shows what is missing and what to get first.

Often, yes, especially for larger building or pitch projects. Many funders expect the club to put something in. That could be club reserves, fundraising, volunteer time or another grant. How much varies from funder to funder. Some smaller grants can cover the whole cost. The assessment looks at what you have already raised and suggests a realistic mix of funding.

No. Funders make their own decisions, and many programmes are competitive. What we can do is point you at funds that suit your club and project, and help you make a clearer, better-evidenced case. Be wary of anyone who promises a grant.

No. We help you prepare, and someone from your club submits the application through the funder’s own form or portal. That keeps your club in control and accountable for what is sent, which is what funders expect.

Your assessment PDF and matched funds appear on your club dashboard. You are free to take it from there yourselves.

If you would like help with a particular application, Application Support starts from £395. We agree the scope with you after the assessment and send you a payment link. Then we work through the funder’s questions with you in an application workspace and review your answers before you submit. The price depends on how big and complex the application is.

Yes. The intake saves as you go. Sign in again with the link we email you and carry on where you left off. This gives you time to collect quotes and documents from other committee members between sittings.

That is fine. If you are still at the idea stage, without quotes, permissions or your landlord’s agreement, the assessment will tell you what to sort out first and in what order, so you don’t apply too early. You can also start your club and project details now and finish them when you are ready.