Sports funding grants clubs can apply for in 2026
Sports grants, everything you need to know
Navigating the world of sports grants can be a challenge, especially as funds, deadlines, criteria, and application processes change regularly. To save you time, we’ve pulled together a list of UK sports grants clubs can apply for in 2026 and beyond.
Accessing the right funding can make a real difference, whether it’s improving facilities, supporting volunteers, or creating more opportunities for your community to get involved.
So, what are the best sports grant programmes available in the UK?
From covering the cost of equipment and kit to supporting pitch maintenance and community initiatives, read on for our list of UK sports grants. Click the grant name to read the full criteria on their own sites.
11 sports club grants you can apply for in 2026
Lottery Community Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes over £600 million each year to community projects across the UK.
What does it cover?
- Building and maintaining sports facilities
- Equipment and training for coaches and volunteers
- Projects that improve accessibility for underrepresented groups
- Financial support for young athletes
- Initiatives linking physical activity with mental health
What are the eligibility criteria?
- Does your club bring people together and strengthen community connections?
- Does it improve local spaces?
- Does it help people reach their potential early on?
Clubs can apply for up to £10,000 or more depending on eligibility.
Tesco Stronger Starts
Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme supports local charities and community organisations, including sports clubs, through its in-store customer voting scheme.
What does it cover?
- Sports equipment
- Kit
- Resources that help local sports communities thrive
What are the eligibility criteria?
Open to voluntary or community organisations, particularly those that include a food element, such as:
- Sports clubs providing food as part of their sessions
- Holiday clubs offering meals
- Youth clubs supporting healthy eating
Grants of up to £1,500 are available.
Barclays Community Football Fund
This fund aims to make football, tennis, and cricket more accessible at a grassroots level, with a focus on engaging underrepresented groups.
What does it cover?
- Venue hire
- Coaching costs
- Volunteer expenses
- Equipment and kit
- Marketing support
- Training for volunteers and coaches
- Insurance
Clubs may also benefit from wider opportunities such as match-day experiences and promotional support.
What are the eligibility criteria?
- Not-for-profit organisation
- Club bank account
- Up-to-date safeguarding policy
- Deliver (or plan to deliver) football for under 25s
- Commitment to growing participation, particularly among girls and underrepresented groups
Grants of £1,000 are available and must be used within six months.
Cash4Clubs
Since 2008, Cash4Clubs has awarded over £800,000 to community sports projects, supporting the positive impact sport has on local areas.
What does it cover?
- Facility improvements
- Equipment upgrades
- Coach education and qualifications
- Operating costs
- Marketing and communication
- Programmes engaging underrepresented groups
What are the eligibility criteria?
Clubs must demonstrate how they use sport to address social challenges such as life skills development, employability, or reducing anti-social behaviour.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available.
Football Foundation
The Football Foundation provides funding to grassroots football clubs across the UK to improve local facilities and playing experiences.
What does it cover?
- New or refurbished changing rooms and pavilions
- Small-sided facilities
- 3G pitch development and maintenance
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit clubs
- Local authorities
- County FAs
- Community organisations linked to professional clubs
- Registered charities and CICs
Grants of up to £25,000 are available.
ECB County Grants Fund
A newer funding opportunity for cricket clubs, with time-specific grants released throughout the year.
What does it cover?
- Facility improvements
- Increased playing opportunities
- Support for environmental sustainability
Who is eligible?
ECB-affiliated cricket clubs, particularly those:
- Running All-Stars or Dynamos programmes
- Supporting women’s, girls’, or disability cricket
Grants range from £1,000 to £10,000.
The Primary Club
The Primary Club supports sport for blind and visually impaired participants across a wide range of activities.
What does it cover?
- Facility development and maintenance
- Equipment
- Day-to-day running costs
Priority is given to grassroots and new initiatives.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Projects must directly support the sporting or recreational needs of visually impaired individuals.
Grants of up to £25,000 are available.
Sport England – The Movement Fund
Sport England funds projects that help more people become physically active, particularly those facing barriers to participation.
What does it cover?
- New activity sessions
- Community spaces for activity
- Equipment
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
- Expanding organisational capacity
What are the eligibility criteria?
Flexible criteria, but successful projects typically:
- Increase participation
- Create new opportunities
- Remove barriers to activity
Grants range from £300 to £15,000, with decisions usually made within 6–8 weeks.
One Stop Community Partnership
Groundwork One Stop Community Partnership
This programme supports community groups located within two miles of a One Stop store, with a focus on supporting vulnerable groups and local initiatives.
What does it cover?
- Tackling food poverty
- Support for youth sports teams
- Environmental improvements
- Support for low-income families
What are the eligibility criteria?
Applicants must be:
- Within two miles of a One Stop store
- A registered charity, school, health body, CIC, or similar organisation
Grants of up to £1,000 are available, along with ongoing local support.
Applications open from 2nd March 2026.
Go! London x NFL Foundation UK Grant Fund
A newer fund designed to help organisations introduce flag football and engage young people through inclusive sport.
What does it cover?
- Expanding existing programmes
- Introducing flag football
- Equipment and training
- Ongoing coach development
What are the eligibility criteria?
- Registered charity or CIC
- Access to facilities
- Minimum two years’ operation
- Strong safeguarding processes
- Based in Greater London
Grants of up to £55,000 are available from May 2026 to April 2028.
Angus Irvine Playing Fields Fund (AIPFF)
This fund supports community groups in disadvantaged areas, helping more young people access sport.
What does it cover?
- Development of playing fields and facilities
- Projects that reduce youth crime
- Volunteer training
- Long-term sustainability initiatives
- Coaching and delivery costs
What are the eligibility criteria?
- Based in specific regions (including Greater London and West Midlands)
- Serving areas of high deprivation
- Focused on engaging young people aged 5–18, particularly those facing barriers
Grants typically range from £2,500 to £5,000.
Accessing funding can unlock new opportunities for your club, from improving facilities to reaching more people in your community.
While the application process can feel complex, taking the time to explore the right grants can have a lasting impact, helping your club grow sustainably and continue making a difference at a grassroots level
Not sure what your club should focus on next?
Every club is different. Some need to strengthen their finances, while others are looking to reduce admin, attract more members or improve the way they operate.
Our expert team can help you identify the areas likely to have the biggest impact, along with practical resources and suggested next steps for your club.