The cost-of-living crisis is having a severe impact on communities in deprived areas, and particularly young people. This concern is reflected in most funding grants currently available to sports clubs across the UK. With this in mind, to receive public funding, clubs are being encouraged to establish deep connections with the communities they exist within. Funding grants are generally open to not-for-profit organisations and sports clubs.
Check out the Funding Sources (see below)
We’ve found a few sources of funding open for not-for-profit community organisations, such as sports clubs. The list isn’t exhaustive, and you should also check with your local council to see what else might be available in your area.
Apply for your Grant Funding
Read our Club Guide: Applying for Grant Funding which walks clubs through the steps involved in applying for funding from start to finish, and what to expect from the process.
Let us know if you are thinking of applying for funding and want to talk through your idea. If you are successful, we can help publicise your good news.
Your Local Council
Your local council Sport Development Office encourages, advises, and supports the development of sport in your area.
Grants are offered to Sports Clubs in your area that are affiliated to the council
Grants to individuals are considered if they have a permanent address in the council area and participate in sporting activities which are not for profit. Applications will be considered from affiliated clubs as follows:
1. Competitions/events outside Northern Ireland where the club has qualified or been selected by their Governing Body. Grant may include competition fees, travel and accommodation.
2. A newly established open club which is providing a new opportunity for sport participation in your area. This is a one-off grant which may be used for resources, hiring of facilities, coaching etc.
3. Special events which are innovative and promote greater participation for those residing in your area.
However, each council may offer different grants and services so check their individual websites for guidance here.
Club Funding
1. National Lottery Awards for All (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland)
Funding from £300 to £10,000 is available to support what matters to people and communities. There are variations of the funding for each home nation. To fund organisations who are helping more people reach their potential and building strong relationships in communities.
When is the closing date for applications? Ongoing. Apply at least 12 weeks before you want to start the activities or spend any of the money.
Find out more:
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/awards-for-all-northern-ireland
Athlete Funding
1. Sports NI
Sport Northern Ireland Athlete Awards 2024-25.
Where applicable, Sport Northern Ireland will contribute to the essential personal living costs of an athlete. This investment aims to enable athletes to train to maximise potential. Those applying will be required to demonstrate that their circumstances have changed or need to change significantly to allow them to adequately prepare for competition or the national high-performance programme.
This investment is in line with Sport Northern Ireland’s Corporate Plan and Strategic Outcome 2; ‘Our athletes among the best in the World’ by targeting athletes who have the potential to achieve success and excel in Olympics, Paralympics, and Commonwealth Games.
Find out more: http://www.sportni.net/funding/athlete-award-programme-2024-25/
2. Mary Peters Trust
The Mary Peters Trust was established to create an on-going meaningful commemoration of her Gold Medal win in the 1972 Munich Olympic Games
They are Northern Ireland’s leading sporting charity. They help both young people, both disabled and able bodied, achieve their sporting dreams and ambitions. Since their inception more than 40 years ago, the Trust has made a staggering number of awards, making a difference to the lives of thousands of young athletes from across Northern Ireland Sport.
Find out more:
3.NIWL Athlete Support
NI Weightlifting is excited to announce the launch of our Athlete Support Program for 2025, designed to assist Northern Ireland’s most promising weightlifting talents in achieving their competitive goals. This support is available to local athletes who demonstrate the potential to qualify for prestigious competitions such as the Commonwealth Games, international events, and BWL Tier 1 competitions.
Successful applicants will receive financial grants in two instalments—one in January and another in July—to support their training and competition expenses. In addition, the program covers entry fees for any international competitions they qualify for in 2025. Athletes may apply once every 12 months for support.
To apply, review the criteria carefully, complete the application form, and email it to secretary@niweightlifting.com.
Let’s elevate Northern Ireland’s weightlifting talent to new heights in 2025!
Please click below to download the criteria and application form: