Community Sport & Physical Activity Small Grant Scheme

About the Scheme: 

The Cork Sports Partnership Community Sport and Physical Activity Small Grant Scheme is part of a COVID-19 support programme from the Government of Ireland, implemented through Sport Ireland and its network of Local Sports Partnerships to assist the sport and physical activity sector with returning to activity following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.  

This scheme is designed to support eligible clubs, groups and organisations with access to funding of up to €1,500 to restart activity for their respective members and the wider community as well as covering costs associated with adhering to COVID-19 guidelines.

Funding for this scheme was secured by Cork Sports Partnership from Sport Ireland as part of the Government’s €80 million support package announcement in December 2021.

The maximum that can be applied for by any applicant under this scheme is €1,500.

Applications can be made to Cork Sports Partnership by 5pm on Friday 8th April 2022.

What can the Grant Scheme Cover?

The Community Sport and Physical Activity Small Grant Scheme can cover costs associated with returning to activity as well as COVID-19 costs. The scheme is designed and intended to support return to sporting activities only.

Eligible project items can include:

• COVID-19 hygiene consumables (e.g. hand sanitizer, soap, face masks, gloves etc.)
• COVID-19 infrastructure costs (e.g. plexiglass screens, wall mounted dispensers, signage)
• COVID-19 related venue/equipment cleaning costs
• COVID-19 related staff/volunteer training costs
• Venue hire cost
• Purchase of small-scale sports equipment (e.g. balls, bibs, cones, poles etc.)
• Education for volunteers (including but not limited to Safeguarding, Sports First Aid, Coaching Children, Physical Literacy, Disability Awareness Training, Disability Inclusion Training, Autism in Sport, Sports Specific Training)
• Activity specific resources for programme delivery (tutors, equipment, manuals etc.)

Non-eligible project items:

The following items are not eligible for funding under this scheme.

• Ongoing sports club, group, organisation costs (lighting, heating, insurance etc.)
• Employment costs
• Legal fees
• CCTV equipment
• Project management/consultancy fees
• Purchase of lands or buildings
• Capital equipment (AED’s, lawnmowers, rowing machines, goal posts etc.)
• Feasibility studies
• Private or commercial operations
• Costs which are being paid for by another funder or department

Eligibility:

Who can apply?

• National Governing Body (NGB) affiliated Sports Clubs whose NGB is not running a COVID-19 support or return to sport scheme for their clubs. Please check with your NGB in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Community Sports Clubs providing specific wider community-based activity programmes will be considered as part of this scheme. e.g. a club hosting Men on the Move, Women on the Move, non-member activities/classes, older adults activities, social sport and inclusive activities etc.
• Community Groups providing opportunities for people in the community to get active. i.e. Active Retirement groups, Men’s Sheds, Family Resource Centres, Walking Groups, Scouts, Girl Guides, Youth Clubs etc.
• Non-commercial community-based facilities providing community sport and physical activity opportunities for the community.
• Disability sports clubs and organisations providing opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in sport and physical activity opportunities.
• Other non-commercial clubs, groups or organisation’s whose primary function is sport and physical activity.

Who should not apply?

• Sports Clubs whose NGB (National Governing Body of Sport) is running a COVID-19 support or return to sport scheme for their club and its members.
• National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGB’s), County Boards, County/Divisional structures etc.
• Individuals
• Commercial operations/facilities (gyms, bootcamps, hospitality services within clubs etc.)
• Clubs, groups, or organisations with sufficient funds to return to activity.
• Schools

Funding Availability:

The maximum amount of funding available per applicant is €1,500.

Applications will be means tested and only applicants with the most need will be eligible for the full allocation. Applicants should not feel that they have to apply for the full amount to be considered for support.

Projects that provide opportunities for marginalised groups, people with disabilities, target disadvantaged communities or support the wider community to get active will be positively received.  

Funding amounts offered to successful applicants may be reduced if the scheme becomes oversubscribed.

Closing Date:

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday 8^th April 2022.

How to Apply:

The Community Sport and Physical Activity Small Grant Scheme application form should be completed online by an authorised club/group/organisation official by clicking the button below

Guidelines & Downloads:

Please refer to the Community Sport & Physical Activity Small Grant Scheme guidelines prior to completing the application form.