FUNDING

Funding Links for UK Sports Clubs

Securing funding is a vital part of sustaining and growing a sports club—whether you're upgrading facilities, launching community programmes, or covering day-to-day costs. This section provides direct links to trusted funding sources across the UK, including grants, development funds, and support schemes tailored to grassroots and community sport.

Each link is chosen for relevance, accessibility, and practical impact. Where possible, we've included guidance notes, eligibility criteria, and application tips to help your club make the most of every opportunity.

# Funder Programme / Fund Category Funding Type Min £ Max £ Eligible Structures Unincorp. OK? Geography Sport Focus Priority Themes / Target Groups Application Window Next Deadline / Review Date Decision Time Match Funding? Status (10 Sep 2026) Best Fit For Application Tips / Notes Link
1 Football Foundation Grass Pitch Improvement / Maintenance Fund Football Capital + revenue £25,000 CLG, CIO, CIC, CASC, charity, Ltd (not-for-profit), unincorp. with lease Yes (with security of tenure) England Football Pitch quality; sites in Local Football Facility Plan Rolling Any time 8–12 wks typical Usually – grant max 75% of project cost Open – rolling Any club with grass pitches (own or leased) MUST run a PitchPower report first – it drives the grant. Multi-year maintenance funding available. Check your council's LFFP for priority sites. https://footballfoundation.org.uk/looking-for-funding
2 Football Foundation Goalposts & Equipment Football Capital As above Yes England Football Safety-compliant goalposts, portable floodlights, storage containers Rolling Any time 6–8 wks Yes – up to 75% Open – rolling Junior clubs, growing girls' sections Quick win for new clubs. Combine with goalpost safety audit. https://footballfoundation.org.uk/looking-for-funding
3 Football Foundation Changing Pavilions & Clubhouses Football Capital Incorporated strongly preferred; long lease/freehold required Rarely England Football Changing rooms, clubhouses, hub sites in LFFP Rolling – stage-gated Any time (long lead) 6–12 months Yes – significant partner funding Open – rolling Established clubs with security of tenure Needs LFFP alignment + County FA Football Development Officer support letter. Start conversations with CFA before applying. https://footballfoundation.org.uk/looking-for-funding
4 Football Foundation Premier League Defibrillator Fund Football Equipment All affiliated clubs / facility owners Yes England Football AED + cabinet for sites without one Rolling (subject to funds) Any time 4–6 wks Small contribution (~£300) Open – check stock Any club with a home ground Very high hit-rate. Cheap win with strong safeguarding/welfare story for CFA self-assessment. https://footballfoundation.org.uk/looking-for-funding
5 Football Foundation Home Advantage (long-lease of council sites) Football Capital £250,000 Incorporated only (CLG/CIO/CIC) No England Football Clubs taking on long leases of local authority pitches Round-based – reopened 2025 Verify current round 3–6 months Yes Verify Clubs negotiating asset transfer from councils Ideal for clubs on council sites facing lease pressure. Pair with Club Matters asset-transfer guidance. https://footballfoundation.org.uk/looking-for-funding
6 Football Foundation Premier League Stadium Fund Football Capital Incorporated non-league clubs No England Football (Steps 1–6 non-league + women's pyramid) Ground grading works, floodlights, stands, turnstiles, accessibility Rolling Any time 2–4 months Yes – typically 30%+ Open – rolling Non-league / semi-pro clubs (e.g. FC United, Penwortham Town) Ground-grading deadlines drive this. Get club's grading report from league first. https://footballfoundation.org.uk/looking-for-funding
7 Football Foundation Active Through Football Football Revenue (multi-year) Consortia led by CIO/CIC/PCCO No England (targeted areas) Football-led activity Inactive adults in deprived communities Targeted invitation rounds Verify N/A No Verify Larger clubs partnering with councils/PCCOs Not a direct club grant – usually accessed via local partnership. Worth knowing for GM clubs. https://footballfoundation.org.uk/looking-for-funding
8 England Football / The FA County FA Club Grants (Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Liverpool, East Riding) Football Revenue / equipment £2,000 All affiliated clubs (any structure) Yes County by county Football Varies: girls' teams, disability, welfare, coach education, first-team kit Round-based – each CFA differs Check each CFA site / FDO 2–6 wks Sometimes Verify per CFA Every affiliated club – first port of call Small, fast, low-competition. FDO relationship is the key. Ask each CFA for their current 'club grants' page and add rows below as they publish. https://www.thefa.com/get-involved/funding
9 England Football FA Funded Coach Education / Bursaries Football Subsidised training All affiliated clubs Yes England Football Level 1–2 coaching, welfare, first aid; female coaches Rolling / CFA-run Check CFA course calendar N/A No Open – rolling Any club building coach pool Often funded via CFA. Stack with Barclays Female Coaches fund below. https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/coaching
10 England Football Weetabix Wildcats / Squad Girls' Football (centre grants) Football Delivery grant + kit Affiliated clubs Yes England Girls' football (5–11 / 12–15) Girls' recreational football Annual licensing window (usually spring) Verify 2027 window N/A No Verify Clubs starting or growing girls' sections Strong evidence for CFA self-assessment. Register interest with CFA girls' lead. https://www.englandfootball.com/play/womens-and-girls-football
11 Sported / Barclays Barclays Community Sport Fund – Access Grants Football / Cricket / Tennis Revenue (unrestricted) £1,000 £1,000 Charity, CIC, constituted club, community group Yes UK Football, cricket, tennis Women & girls; IMD deciles 1–3; disability; rural isolation Annual window: 25 Mar – 27 May 2026 (closed early if oversubscribed) Expect ~Mar 2027 By ~Jul No Closed for 2026 – diary Mar 2027 Girls'/women's sections in deprived wards One grant per club, not per team. Have IMD postcode evidence ready. Previously called Barclays Community Football Fund. https://sported.org.uk/barclays-community-sport-fund/
12 Sported / Barclays Barclays Female Coaches for Girls Fund Football / Cricket / Tennis Coach qualification £400 As above Yes UK Football, cricket, tennis Female coaches (16+) for girls' provision – up to £200 × 2 coaches 8 Jul – 4 Nov 2026 (some sources say 4 Dec) – may close early 4 Nov 2026 – apply now Rolling No OPEN NOW Any club with girls' teams needing qualified female coaches Quick application. Coach must complete qualification within 12 months. https://sported.org.uk/barclays-community-sport-fund/
13 Sported / Flutter UKI Cash4Clubs Sport (general) Revenue (unrestricted) £2,000 £2,000 Charity, CIC, constituted club Yes UK & Ireland Any sport ADULTS 18+ ONLY (2025-26 rule); deprivation; under-represented groups Annual: early Sep – early Dec (2025: 8 Sep–8 Dec). 2026 round announced Expect Dec 2026 – check site now End Jan No Likely open – verify Adult/veterans/walking football, standalone open-age sides Clubs with ANY junior activity were ineligible in 2025-26 – check 2026 rules. £500k pot, 250 grants – oversubscribed, closes early. https://sported.org.uk/cash4clubs/
14 Sported Sported membership – microgrants, mentoring, insurance discounts Sport (general) Microgrants + support Constituted not-for-profit groups Yes UK Any sport Young people 11–25, deprivation Rolling Any time N/A No Open – rolling Any community club Free membership unlocks the Barclays/Cash4Clubs funds and access to funding alerts. Get every client club registered. https://sported.org.uk/
15 Howdens / England Football Howdens Kitchen Grants Football Equipment (kitchen) Affiliated clubs with clubhouse Yes England Football Clubhouse kitchen refurbishment Annual rounds via England Football Verify N/A No Verify Clubs with a clubhouse/pavilion Applied via England Football; watch CFA newsletters. https://www.howdens.com/newsroom/howdens-and-england-football-team-up
16 ECB County Cricket Grants Fund Cricket Small grants Affiliated cricket clubs (any structure) Yes England & Wales Cricket Facility, equipment, participation Round-based via County Cricket Boards Check county board 4–8 wks Sometimes Verify Cricket clubs / multi-sport sites Include if any dual-code sites among clients. https://www.ecb.co.uk/be-involved/club-support/club-funding
17 Greene King Greene King Grassroots Sports Fund Sport (general) Kit & equipment Constituted clubs Yes UK (near Greene King pubs) Any sport Local sports teams Round-based Verify N/A No Verify Adult teams with pub links Sponsorship-style; approach local pub manager first. https://www.greeneking.co.uk/grassroots-sports/
18 Sport England The Movement Fund (replaced Small Grants + Active Together) Sport (general) Grant or crowdfunding pledge £300 £15,000 Constituted not-for-profit: CIO, CIC, CLG, CASC, unincorp. with constitution Yes England Any sport / physical activity – NOT football-only facility/equipment (go to Football Foundation) Inactivity; inequalities (women & girls, disability, LTHC, deprivation, older people); environmental sustainability (10% earmarked) Rolling Any time 6–8 wks Crowdfunding route = they pledge 50% if you raise 50% Open – rolling Multi-sport, new activity sessions, walking football, minor facility works Use the online Suitability Checker first. Football clubs CAN apply for multi-activity/community projects – frame it as physical activity, not football facilities. https://www.sportengland.org/funding-and-campaigns/our-funding/movement-fund
19 The National Lottery Community Fund National Lottery Awards for All (England) Community Revenue / small capital £300 £20,000 CIO, CIC, CLG, CASC, unincorp. with constitution + 2 unrelated signatories Yes England Any Community connection, health & wellbeing, opportunity for people Rolling Any time ~12 wks (say 16) No Open – rolling Almost every club – strongest general small grant Max now £20k (was £10k on old list). Needs bank account with 2 signatories. Strong on community consultation evidence – show who asked for the project. https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-england
20 The National Lottery Community Fund Reaching Communities (England) Community Revenue / capital (multi-year) £20,001 CIO, CIC, CLG, CBS – incorporated No England Any Larger, community-led change; multi-year Rolling – two-stage Any time 4–6 months No Open – rolling Larger clubs/CBS with paid staff (e.g. FC United-scale) Was 'Big Lottery' on old list. Pre-application call with TNLCF funding officer recommended. https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/reaching-communities-england
21 Crowdfunder UK Crowdfunder + match funds (Sport England, Aviva, councils) Community Crowdfunding + match All (incorporated preferred by matchers) Yes UK Any Varies by match partner Rolling – match pots open/close Check live match funds Campaign length 4–8 wks Community raises share Open – rolling Clubs with engaged membership (pitch, kit, minibus) Best route for unincorporated clubs. Check 'Sport England extra funding' toggle when creating project. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/sport
22 Aviva Aviva Community Fund (via Crowdfunder) Community Crowdfunding match £50,000 Charity, CIC, CBS, constituted groups Yes UK Any Community resilience, climate, financial wellbeing Rolling rounds Verify N/A Yes (crowd) Verify Clubs running campaigns Aviva staff donate matching; strong for well-networked clubs. https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/
23 Sports Aid / UK Sport Talent pathway / athlete awards Elite pathway Individual N/A – individuals N/A UK Olympic/Paralympic pathway Young athletes Annual Verify N/A No Verify Individual players, not clubs Kept for completeness – signpost only. https://www.uksport.gov.uk/our-work/talent-id
24 London Marathon Foundation Capital & activity grants Sport (general) Capital / revenue Charity, CIO, CIC, CLG No England (priority areas) – check Any Inactive groups, inequalities Round-based Verify 3–4 months Sometimes Verify Clubs with facility projects outside London – check eligibility Historically London-focused; now national programmes. Verify before pitching. https://www.lmfoundation.org.uk/
25 Lord's Taverners Equipment & inclusive sport grants Disability sport Equipment / revenue Constituted clubs, charities Yes UK Cricket, table cricket, disability & disadvantaged youth Disabled and disadvantaged young people Rolling Any time 6–8 wks No Open – rolling Disability/pan-disability sections New addition. Also offer minibuses via Wheelchair Sport. https://www.lordstaverners.org/
26 Peter Harrison Foundation Opportunities Through Sport Disability sport Revenue / capital Registered charity, CIO No UK Any Disabled & disadvantaged people Rolling – trustees meet quarterly Any time 3–4 months No Open – rolling Charities with disability sport programmes Must be a registered charity. https://www.peterharrisonfoundation.org/
27 True Colours Trust Small grants Disability sport Equipment / capital £10,000 Registered charity No UK Any Disabled children, inclusive play Rolling Any time 2–3 months No Open – rolling Charity-status clubs w/ disability provision Charity status essential. https://www.truecolourstrust.org.uk/
28 Variety, the Children's Charity Youth Club & Equipment Grants Disability sport Equipment Constituted groups working with disabled/disadvantaged children Yes UK Any Disabled/disadvantaged under-19s Rolling Any time 2–3 months No Open – rolling Junior clubs in deprived areas Also fund minibuses (Sunshine Coaches). https://www.variety.org.uk/what-we-do/equipment-grants/
29 Boost Charitable Trust Small grants Disability sport Revenue / equipment £750 CIO, CIC, CLG Check UK Any Disabled and disadvantaged participation Rolling Any time 4–8 wks No Open – rolling Small inclusion projects Quick and light-touch. https://www.boostct.org/
30 Comic Relief Community funding (via local partners) Community Revenue CIO, CIC, CLG No UK Any Mental health, inequality, youth Round-based via partners Verify N/A No Verify Sport-for-change projects Mostly delivered through local intermediaries (e.g. GM community foundation). Check partner list. https://www.comicrelief.com/funding/
31 BBC Children in Need Project Grants (Small ≤£20k / Main £20k+) Youth Revenue (up to 3 yrs) CIO, CIC, CLG, constituted groups Check UK Any Disadvantaged children 0–18 Round-based – several per year Check current round 3–4 months No Open – check round Youth clubs with wellbeing focus Small grants stream is lighter. Emphasise outcomes for children, not the club. https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/grants/
32 Postcode Community Trust / Postcode Places Trust Small grants Community Revenue £500 £25,000 Charity, CIC, CLG, constituted groups Yes England (round-based by nation) Any Wellbeing, community, sport participation Round-based – usually 1–2 short windows/yr Verify next window 3 months No Verify Any club – windows are short Register for alerts; window often opens with ~3 weeks' notice. https://www.postcodecommunitytrust.org.uk/
33 Rank Foundation Pebble Grants Community Revenue / capital £250 £4,000 Registered charity, CIC (some) No UK Any Small community projects, income <£500k Rolling Any time 6–8 wks Yes – must have raised a third already Open – rolling Charity-status clubs with part-funded projects Requires evidence of own fundraising first. https://rankfoundation.com/pebble-grants/
34 Bernard Sunley Foundation Capital grants Community Capital Registered charity, CIO No England & Wales Any Buildings & refurbishment Rolling Any time 3–4 months Yes Open – rolling Clubhouse/pavilion projects Charity status required. https://www.bernardsunley.org/
35 Clothworkers' Foundation Open Grants – capital Community Capital Registered charity, CIO No UK Any Disadvantaged groups – equipment/vehicles/buildings Rolling Any time 3–4 months No Open – rolling Charity-status clubs Check current priority list – sport not always included. https://www.clothworkersfoundation.org.uk/
36 Garfield Weston Foundation Capital & revenue grants Community Capital / revenue Registered charity, CIO No UK Any Community, youth Rolling Any time 3–4 months Yes Open – rolling Charity-status clubs with larger builds New addition. Good for pavilion match-funding stacks. https://garfieldweston.org/
37 Screwfix Foundation Capital small grants Community Capital / repairs £5,000 Registered charity, CIO No UK Any Fixing/improving buildings for those in need Round-based (quarterly) Verify 2–3 months No Verify Clubhouse repairs New addition. https://www.screwfix.com/help/screwfixfoundation/
38 Hedley Foundation Small grants Youth Revenue / equipment £5,000 Registered charity No UK Any Young people, disability Trustee meetings ~6×/yr Verify next meeting 2–3 months No Open – rolling Charity-status youth projects Note: 'Headley Foundation' on old list appears to be a duplicate/typo – Headley Trust (Sainsbury) is separate and rarely funds sport. http://www.hedleyfoundation.org.uk/
39 Foyle Foundation Small Grants Scheme Community Revenue / capital £10,000 Registered charity No UK Any Small charities in deprived areas Rolling Any time 4 months No Verify – Foundation winding down Charity-status clubs Foyle announced a wind-down; check whether Small Grants is still accepting. http://www.foylefoundation.org.uk/
40 Power to Change Community business programmes Community business Grants / blended CBS, CIC, CIO – trading community businesses No England Any Community-owned assets Programme-specific windows Verify 3–6 months Sometimes Verify Supporter-owned / CBS clubs (FC United model) Programmes change frequently; check current offer. https://www.powertochange.org.uk/
41 Community Shares Unit Booster Programme Community business Match equity £100,000 Registered Society (CBS) No UK Any Community share offers Rolling Any time 2–3 months Yes – community raise Open – rolling Supporter-owned clubs raising capital Only for CBS structure. https://communityshares.org.uk/booster-programme
42 Charity Bank / Social Investment Business Loans & blended finance Finance Loan CIO, CIC, CBS, CLG No UK Any Facility development Rolling Any time 2–4 months N/A Open – rolling Clubs with income to service debt Only for clubs with reliable revenue (bar, hire, 3G). https://charitybank.org/ | https://www.sibgroup.org.uk/
43 HMRC Gift Aid / CASC registration Tax Tax relief CASC, charity No UK Any Donations Rolling Any time N/A N/A Open Any club taking donations CASC = 25p per £1 on donations + rates relief. Often worth more than any small grant. Push this in every consultancy report. https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid
44 HMRC VAT Notice 701/45 – Sport Tax Guidance All Yes UK Any VAT exemptions on sport fees N/A N/A N/A N/A Open Clubs near VAT threshold Guidance only. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-notice-70145-sport/vat-notice-70145-sport
45 Tesco / Groundwork Tesco Stronger Starts Corporate Revenue / equipment £500 £1,500 Charity, CIC, constituted club Yes UK (store-based) Any Children & young people – healthy food + physical activity Rolling – quarterly blue-token vote rounds Any time (next vote cycles ~Nov 2026, Feb 2027) 3–6 months incl. vote No Open – rolling Junior clubs, holiday camps, healthy-snack angle All three shortlisted projects get £500–£1,500. Frame around kids' wellbeing/food. Groundwork vets first. https://tescostrongerstarts.org.uk/
46 Asda Foundation Community grants (via store Community Champion) Corporate Revenue / capital £2,000 Constituted not-for-profit Yes UK (store-based) Any Local community, cost of living Rolling via store Any time 4–8 wks No Open – rolling Clubs near an Asda Go through the store's Community Champion – they submit. https://www.asdafoundation.org/
47 Co-op Local Community Fund Corporate Revenue Constituted not-for-profit Yes UK Any Community wellbeing, access to food, mental wellbeing Annual application window (usually spring), 12-month funding Verify 2027 window Funding runs Oct–Oct No Verify Any club – low effort Amount depends on member selections. Apply every year. https://www.coop.co.uk/membership/local-community-fund
48 Morrisons Foundation Community grants Corporate Capital £25,000 Registered charity only No UK Any Community improvement Rolling Any time 2–3 months No Open – rolling Charity-status clubs Charity status essential. https://www.morrisonsfoundation.com/
49 Arnold Clark Community Fund Corporate Revenue £1,000 Charity, CIC, constituted club Yes UK Any Local community Round-based Verify N/A No Verify Any club Very light application; watch for round opening. https://www.arnoldclark.com/community-fund
50 One Stop Community Partnership / Carriers for Causes Corporate Revenue £1,000 Constituted groups Yes UK – within 2 miles of a One Stop Any Local groups Rolling Any time 4–8 wks No Open – rolling Clubs near a One Stop Check store locator. https://www.onestop.co.uk/community-partnership/
51 Persimmon Homes Community Champions Corporate Revenue £1,000 Constituted groups Yes UK – near Persimmon developments Any Youth sport, community Monthly Any time 1–2 months No Open – rolling Clubs near new-build estates Regional offices award monthly – apply through regional page. https://www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions
52 Poundland Foundation Kits4Kids Corporate Kit Junior clubs Yes UK Any Children's kit Round-based Verify N/A No Verify Junior teams needing kit Watch for round opening. https://www.poundlandfoundation.org.uk/
53 Greggs Foundation Local Community Projects Fund Corporate Revenue £20,000 Charity, CIC, CLG No UK (regional rounds) Any Disadvantage, food, wellbeing Round-based by region Verify NW round 2–3 months No Verify Clubs with community wellbeing programmes New addition. https://www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/
54 Benefact Group Movement for Good Awards Corporate Revenue (nomination) £1,000 £1,000 Registered charity, CIO No UK Any Any charity – public nomination Rolling nominations Any time Draws throughout year No Open – rolling Charity-status clubs with big memberships Free to enter; get members to nominate. New addition. https://movementforgood.com/
55 Localgiving / Postcode Lottery Magic Little Grants Community Revenue £500 £500 Constituted groups, charities, CICs Yes UK Any (sport & physical activity is a priority theme) Participation, wellbeing Annual window (typically Mar–Oct until pot spent) Verify 2–4 wks No Verify Every small club – 10-minute form Fastest £500 in the sector. New addition. https://localgiving.org/magic-little-grants
56 AlpKit Foundation Small grants Outdoor Revenue / equipment £500 Constituted groups Yes UK Outdoor adventure Access to outdoors Rolling Any time 4 wks No Open – rolling Outdoor/multi-activity clubs only Low relevance for football. https://alpkit.com/pages/foundation
57 JazzApple Foundation Small grants Community Revenue CIO, CIC, CLG Check UK Any Youth, community Rolling Verify N/A No Verify Low priority Unverified – confirm still active before recommending. https://jazzapple.com/foundation/
58 Proper Good Funding Small grants Community Revenue CIO, CIC, CLG Check UK Any Grassroots community Rolling Verify N/A No Verify Low priority Unverified – confirm still active. https://www.propergood.org.uk/
59 Lancashire Environmental Fund Community grants (landfill tax) Environmental / Landfill Capital Constituted groups, CLG, CIO Yes Lancashire (within 10 miles of licensed landfill) Any Community facilities, sports pitches, pavilions Round-based (usually 2–3/yr) Verify 3 months Yes – 11% third-party contribution Verify Lancashire clubs with capital projects (Penwortham, Layton, Strikerz) New addition. Landfill funds are the sleeper capital source for pitches and pavilions. https://www.lancsenvfund.org.uk/
60 Veolia Environmental Trust Community grants (landfill tax) Environmental / Landfill Capital £10,000 £75,000 Constituted groups Yes Within 5 miles of a Veolia site Any Community buildings, sports facilities Round-based (quarterly) Verify next round 3–4 months Yes – 10% contributing third party Verify Capital projects £10k+ New addition. Check postcode eligibility checker on site. https://www.veoliatrust.org/
61 Biffa Award Main Grants / Small Grants Environmental / Landfill Capital £75,000 Constituted groups Yes Within 5–10 miles of a Biffa site Any Community buildings, recreation Round-based Verify 3–4 months Yes – 10% third party Verify Capital projects New addition. https://www.biffa-award.org/
62 SUEZ Communities Trust Community grants (landfill tax) Environmental / Landfill Capital £50,000 Constituted groups Yes Near SUEZ sites (incl. parts of GM, Merseyside) Any Community & sports facilities Round-based Verify 3 months Yes – third party contribution Verify Capital projects in GM/Merseyside New addition. https://www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk/
63 Enovert Community Trust Landfill communities grants Environmental / Landfill Capital Constituted groups Yes Near Enovert sites Any Community facilities Round-based Verify 3 months Yes Verify Capital projects New addition – check map. https://www.enovert.co.uk/enovert-community-trust/
64 MCRactive / Manchester City Council Manchester Neighbourhood Sports Fund 2026-27 Regional – GM Revenue / equipment £250 £3,000 Constituted clubs & community orgs Yes City of Manchester only Any Low/no-cost activity, women & girls, disability, older adults; Levels: ≤£500 governance (PLI, welfare), ≤£1,500 existing, ≤£3,000 new Rolling Apr 2026 – Mar 2027 with review rounds Round 3: 28 Sep 2026 · Round 4: 7 Dec 2026 · Round 5: 1 Mar 2027 ~4 wks after review No OPEN NOW Manchester-based clubs – governance uplift (PLI, welfare officer) is a named use Level 1 (£500) directly funds the governance work your consultancy recommends – bundle it into every Manchester CFA client action plan. Funded by Manchester Marathon Community Fund. https://manchestercommunitycentral.org/support-groups/funding-opportunities/manchester-neighbourhood-sports-fund-2026-27
65 Manchester Marathon Community Fund Community grants (Manchester & Trafford) Regional – GM Revenue Constituted groups Yes Manchester & Trafford Any Movement, wellbeing, marathon-route communities Round-based Verify N/A No Verify Trafford clubs (Manchester side handled via fund above) New addition. £1 per marathon entry funds it. https://mcractive.com/sports-funding/
66 Manchester City Council Neighbourhood Investment Fund Regional – GM Revenue / capital £10,000 Constituted groups, unincorp. with bank account Yes City of Manchester wards Any Ward priorities – community-led Rolling – ward councillor decisions Any time 6–8 wks No Open – rolling Manchester clubs – ward-level lobbying Talk to ward councillors and Neighbourhood Officer first; decisions are political. https://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500361/funding_and_grants/21545/neighbourhood_investment_fund
67 Manchester Community Central (Macc) Funding portal + Live Well Communities Fund Regional – GM Grant finder / small grants All Yes Manchester Any Live Well, VCSE support Rolling Any time N/A No Open Manchester clubs Sign up to Macc funding bulletin – best local alert source. https://www.manchestercommunitycentral.org/funding
68 GMCA / GM Violence Reduction Unit Community-led violence reduction funding (devolved to 10 borough CSPs) Regional – GM Revenue CIO, CIC, CLG, constituted groups Yes Greater Manchester – via each borough's Community Safety Partnership Any Youth violence prevention, diversionary sport, 10–25s Devolved annually (Apr–Mar) – borough-level calls Verify with borough CSP / VRU Varies No Verify – borough-level Clubs in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan The 2023–25 'Violence Prevention Sport Fund' on the old list has ended; money now flows via borough CSPs and Live Well. Contact borough community safety lead. https://gmvru.co.uk/
69 GMCA / Greater Manchester Police ARIS 'Giving Back' Fund (seized assets) Regional – GM Revenue CIO, CIC, CLG, constituted Yes Greater Manchester Any Community safety, youth Round-based (announced via GMCA/GMP) Verify N/A No Verify Youth clubs in high-crime wards Announced sporadically – watch GMCA news. https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/
70 Greater Manchester High Sheriff's Police Trust Small grants Regional – GM Revenue CIO, CLG, unincorp. Yes Greater Manchester Any Community safety, youth diversion Trustee rounds Verify 2–3 months No Verify Youth diversion projects Small pot; strong on police-partnership evidence. https://gmhighsherifftrust.org.uk/
71 GM Moving Local pilots, microgrants, Active Partnership support Regional – GM Support + occasional microgrants All Yes Greater Manchester Any Inactivity, inequalities Programme-specific Verify N/A No Open – support All GM clubs This is the GM Active Partnership – route to Sport England relationships and local pilot money. https://www.gmmoving.co.uk/
72 Access Sport Angus Irvine Playing Fields Fund Regional – GM Capital / revenue £5,000 CIO, CIC, CLG, constituted Check Greater Manchester (deprived areas) Any Access to sport in deprived GM communities Round-based Verify 2–3 months No Verify GM clubs in IMD 1–3 wards Confirm 2026 round exists – Access Sport programmes rotate. https://www.accesssport.org.uk/pages/category/angus-irvine-playing-fields-fund
73 Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund Regional – GM Capital / revenue £300 £3,000 Constituted groups Yes Within 10 miles of Manchester Airport Any Environment, community, sport Quarterly trustee meetings Verify next quarter 3 months No Open – quarterly South Manchester, Stockport, Trafford, Cheshire East clubs Reliable and under-applied. Map client clubs against the 10-mile radius. https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/community/working-in-our-community/community-trust-fund/
74 Forever Manchester Community grants (various named funds) Regional – GM Revenue Constituted groups Yes Greater Manchester Any Community-led, deprivation Multiple funds – rolling & rounds Check live funds 6–8 wks No Open – check funds All GM clubs New addition – GM's community foundation; hosts several corporate funds. https://forevermanchester.com/
75 Bury Council (+ other GM borough councils) Borough community / ward funds Regional – GM Revenue Constituted groups Yes Each GM borough Any Ward priorities Varies by borough Verify per borough Varies No Verify Clubs by home borough Add one row per client borough as you confirm: Bury, Bolton, Salford, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan. https://www.bury.gov.uk/
76 Lancashire Community Foundation (LCF) Multiple named funds (rolling) Regional – Lancashire Revenue / small capital £10,000 Constituted groups, CIO, CIC, CLG Yes Lancashire, Blackpool, Blackburn w/ Darwen Any Health, sport, inclusion, deprivation Multiple funds – check live list Check live funds 6–10 wks No Open – check funds Layton Juniors, Penwortham Town, FC Strikerz Single application form covers several funds. Best first stop for Lancs clubs. https://lancsfoundation.org.uk/
77 Active Lancashire Funding finder + Sport England relationship Regional – Lancashire Support / microgrants All Yes Lancashire Any Inactivity Rolling Any time N/A No Open – support Lancashire clubs Active Partnership for Lancashire – ask for funding officer intro. https://www.activelancashire.org.uk/
78 Blackpool Council Ward / community grants Regional – Lancashire Revenue Constituted groups Yes Blackpool Any Local priorities Verify Verify Varies No Verify Layton Juniors Confirm current scheme with council. https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/
79 South Ribble Borough Council Community / ward grants Regional – Lancashire Revenue Constituted groups Yes South Ribble (Penwortham) Any Local priorities Verify Verify Varies No Verify Penwortham Town Confirm current scheme. https://www.southribble.gov.uk/
80 Bolton Council / Bolton CVS Community grants Regional – GM Revenue Constituted groups Yes Bolton Any Local priorities Verify Verify Varies No Verify FC Strikerz Bolton CVS runs a funding bulletin. https://www.boltoncvs.org.uk/
81 Cheshire Community Foundation Multiple named funds Regional – Cheshire Revenue / small capital £10,000 Constituted groups, CIO, CIC, CLG Yes Cheshire East, Cheshire West, Halton, Warrington Any Health, sport, youth Multiple funds – rolling Check live funds 6–10 wks No Open – check funds Cheshire FA client clubs Single form, multiple funds. https://cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk/
82 Active Cheshire Funding support Regional – Cheshire Support All Yes Cheshire Any Inactivity Rolling Any time N/A No Open – support Cheshire clubs Active Partnership. https://www.activecheshire.org/
83 Community Foundation for Merseyside Multiple named funds Regional – Merseyside Revenue / small capital £10,000 Constituted groups, CIO, CIC, CLG Yes Liverpool City Region Any Health, youth, deprivation Multiple funds – rolling Check live funds 6–10 wks No Open – check funds Liverpool CFA clubs (e.g. West Kirby United) New addition. https://cfmerseyside.org.uk/
84 Steve Morgan Foundation Grants for charities Regional – Merseyside/NW Revenue / capital Registered charity, CIO No Merseyside, Cheshire, N Wales, NW Any Disadvantage, disability, youth Rolling Any time 2–3 months No Open – rolling Charity-status clubs in Merseyside/Cheshire New addition – significant regional funder. https://stevemorganfoundation.org.uk/
85 Merseyside Sport Partnership (MSP) Funding support Regional – Merseyside Support All Yes Liverpool City Region Any Inactivity Rolling Any time N/A No Open – support Liverpool CFA clubs Active Partnership. https://www.merseysidesport.com/
86 Two Ridings Community Foundation Multiple named funds Regional – East Riding Revenue / small capital £10,000 Constituted groups, CIO, CIC, CLG Yes East Riding, Hull, North Yorkshire Any Community, youth, health Multiple funds – rolling Check live funds 6–10 wks No Open – check funds East Riding CFA clubs (e.g. Cottingham Rangers) New addition. https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/
87 Active Humber Funding finder + support Regional – East Riding Support All Yes Hull & East Riding Any Inactivity Rolling Any time N/A No Open – support East Riding clubs Active Partnership. https://www.activehumber.co.uk/
88 East Riding of Yorkshire Council Community / ward grants Regional – East Riding Revenue Constituted groups Yes East Riding Any Local priorities Verify Verify Varies No Verify East Riding clubs Confirm current scheme. https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/
89 UK Government / local authorities UK Shared Prosperity Fund (successor local growth funding) Government Capital / revenue via council CIC, CIO, CLG, Ltd No Via each local authority Any Community infrastructure Council-run calls Verify with each council Varies Sometimes Verify – UKSPF winding down, successor funds emerging Larger facility projects UKSPF was due to end Mar 2026; check each council's replacement local growth allocation. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
90 DCMS / Sport England Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme (via Football Foundation / Sport England) Government Capital Incorporated No England Multi-sport (football-led) Facilities in deprived areas Via Football Foundation pipeline N/A – via FF N/A Yes Open – via FF Clubs already in FF pipeline Government money channelled through Football Foundation – no separate application. https://footballfoundation.org.uk/looking-for-funding
91 Sport England Club Matters (incl. legal structures guide) Tools Guidance All Yes England Any Governance, structures, finance N/A N/A N/A N/A Open Every client – pre-funding readiness Use the Club Matters 'funding readiness' checklist before every application. https://www.sportenglandclubmatters.com/
92 Football Foundation PitchPower Tools Facility audit All Yes England Football Grass pitch assessment Rolling Any time Report in ~2 wks N/A Open Every club with grass pitches Prerequisite for Grass Pitch funding. https://footballfoundation.org.uk/pitchpower
93 Muckle LLP Legal structures guide / pro-bono sport law Tools Legal All Yes UK Any Incorporation, leases N/A N/A N/A N/A Open Clubs incorporating or taking leases 0191 211 7777 · advice@muckle-llp.com https://www.muckle-llp.com/insights/legal-structures-for-sports-clubs/
94 Snap Sponsorship Sponsorship marketplace Tools Sponsorship All affiliated clubs Yes UK Any Corporate sponsorship Rolling Any time N/A N/A Open Clubs building sponsor packs Commission-based. https://www.snapsponsorship.com/
95 Kitfunder / Thrive4Grassroots Kit sponsorship + funding round-ups Tools Sponsorship / alerts All Yes UK Football Kit, sponsorship Rolling Any time N/A N/A Open Junior clubs New addition – useful alert feeds. https://thrive4grassroots.com/
96 Sport England Queen's Platinum Jubilee Activity Fund CLOSED Grant — — England Any — Closed 2022 — — — CLOSED – remove from website — One-off 2022 fund. Delete from gmhsc.co.uk list. https://www.sportengland.org/
97 Sport England Small Grants Programme CLOSED Grant — — England Any — Closed 2024 – replaced by Movement Fund — — — SUPERSEDED – update website link — Point website to Movement Fund. https://www.sportengland.org/funding-and-campaigns/our-funding/movement-fund
98 DCMS Million Hours Fund CLOSED Grant — — England Youth — Closed — — — CLOSED – remove — Programme ended; youth funding now via local authority youth guarantee / VRU routes. https://www.gov.uk/
99 GMCA GM Violence Prevention Sport Fund 2023–25 CLOSED Grant — — GM Any — Ended Mar 2025 — — — CLOSED – see VRU row — Replaced by devolved CSP funding (see GM VRU row). https://gmvru.co.uk/
100 Football Foundation Energy Support Fund / Return to Football CLOSED Grant — — England Football — Closed — — — CLOSED – remove — Covid-era and 2022-23 energy schemes ended. Floodlight LED upgrades now via standard FF grants. https://footballfoundation.org.uk/looking-for-funding
101 Foundation for Sport and the Arts — CLOSED Grant — — UK — — Closed 2012 — — — CLOSED – remove — Defunct for over a decade – remove from website.
102 Black Heritage Fund Community grants Verify Grant CIO, CIC, CLG Check UK Any Black-led / Black-serving projects Verify Verify — No Verify – confirm still active Clubs serving Black communities Could not confirm current status; verify before keeping on site. https://www.blackheritagefund.org.uk/

Insurance & Legal

If you have any wider club insurance requirements please use - Premier Insurances and the contact there will be Gary Milburn gary.milburn@premierinsurances.co.uk Telephone 01207 592222

For Legal Advice contact - https://www.muckle-llp.com/ - Call 0191 211 7777 or email us at advice@muckle-llp.com

Cheshire CFA Insurance - https://www.sportsguard.co.uk/schemes/cheshire-fa/

Manchester CFA Insurance - https://www.manchesterfa.com/players/player-support/insurance

Lancashire CFA Insurance - https://www.lancashirefa.com/players/player-support/insurance

 

To discuss your needs or request a consultation, contact us at graham@gmhsc.co.uk