Funding opportunities

Sport England Sustainable Facilities Fund
re-opens 

Sport England has announced that its Sustainable Facilities Fund will re-open for applications from the 1st November 2010. The Sustainable Facilities Fund invests National Lottery money into innovative projects capable of transforming the places where we play or take part in sport.

 

Delivering a mass participation legacy for sport from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a top priority for the new Government. Part of this will focus on improving sports facility provision and developing sport at a community level. To support this, the Sustainable Facilities Fund Programme will direct capital investment into a small number of strategic facility projects that will significantly contribute to an increase in mass participation in sport across England. These facilities will be promoted as best practice and will provide a network of regional sports facilities delivering mass participation across a number of sports.

 

 

Key features which applications must demonstrate are a robust needs and evidence base which supports the need for the project and the proposed facility mix; strong partnerships which will last beyond the initial development of the project and underpins the long-term sustainability of the facility; multi-sport provision and activity that demonstrates delivery against two or more NGB strategic priorities and capital development completion within a limited timescale.

 

The Sustainable Facilities Fund will aim to fund projects that provide:-               

• Strategic facilities in England for at least two National Governing Bodies of Sport
• Large scale capital developments resulting in facilities of regional significance; but also demonstrating local delivery
• Multi-sport facilities, but with a focus on sporting activities that will drive high participant numbers
• A mix of facility provision to encourage regular & sustained use by a large number of people
• Indoor and/or outdoor facilities
• An enhancement to existing provision (refurbishment) and/or new build
• Confidence in their ability to deliver with detailed designs and planning permission secured
• A strong project team, led ideally by a Local Authority (providing capital funding)
• A long-term sustainable business plan attracting public and private investment
• Quality in design, but are fit for purpose to serve the community need
• Operating models, which may include an emphasis on community ownership (e.g. social enterprises, trusts)  

The funding available is for development of the capital infrastructure, which can contribute to the costs of new build, modernisation or refurbishment and purchasing of major fixed equipment as part of the facility development. Finally, the grant must make an impact against one or more of Sport England’s strategic outcomes. Your project must have all of these attributes (outlined above) and will only be considered if you are able to fulfil these criteria.

 

For further information on the assessment criteria and how to apply please visit the following website. 

 

Chris Turner
Club Development Manager
T: 01785 619681
E: cturner@staffordbc.gov.uk  

---

Comic Relief Grants

Comic Relief announced on 11th October that their new funding cycle will apply to the following programme:   

• Sport for Change

In addition, Comic Relief operates a programme that supports disadvantaged communities. This programme is devolved to the Community Foundation Network. Please contact your local Community Foundation directly for details of their funding application procedures.

Comic Relief provides both capital and revenue and can pay for up to 100% of projects costs but they encourage applicants to get some of their funding from other sources. On average grants of between £25,000 and £40,000 are available to not for profit organisations such as:  

• Constituted voluntary and community groups
• Charities
• Social enterprises
• Co-operatives
• Faith organisations
• Community interest companies.

For more information, visit:

http://www.comicrelief.com/apply-for-a-grant/programmes

Chris Turner
Club Development Manager
T: 01785 619681
E: cturner@staffordbc.gov.uk