Keeping Cork Active
Keeping Cork Active

Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme

Now Open for Applications
Now Open for Applications

Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme

The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme—one of Ireland’s most significant supports for physical activity among older adults—is now officially open for applications. The programme, funded by Sport Ireland, offers financial assistance to local clubs, community groups, care settings and organisations striving to enhance participation in recreational sport and physical activity for older people.

Supporting Active Ageing Nationwide

The grant scheme is a cornerstone of the national Age & Opportunity Active Programme, which works to increase opportunities for older adults to stay physically active, socially connected, and engaged in their communities. Through this scheme, groups can access funding to create new initiatives or expand existing ones—helping older adults improve strength, balance, co‑ordination, and overall wellbeing.

What the Grant Can Support

Successful applicants may receive funding for a wide range of activity‑based initiatives, including:

  • Introductory programmes such as Go for Life Games, aerobics, tai chi, aquafit, dance or yoga.
  • Community‑based activity series, outdoor walking or cycling programmes, or sports‑club‑led initiatives encouraging older adult participation.
  • Equipment purchases such as racquets, pitch‑and‑putt sets, or Go for Life Games resources.
  • Participation events designed to bring groups together socially while promoting movement and fun. 

Grant awards typically range from €250 to €700, depending on programme design and available funding. 

Who Can Apply

The scheme is open to:

  • Community and voluntary groups
  • Sports clubs
  • Care settings such as nursing homes or day centres
  • Local organisations developing physical activity opportunities for older adults

Groups that have applied in previous years must include their Grantee Number on their application. 

Key Dates

Applications for the 2026 round of the scheme are now open and must be submitted by:

🕛 12 noon on Friday, 27th February 2026
Applications can be completed online or by downloading a form from the Age & Opportunity website. 

Need Support Applying?

The Age & Opportunity Active Programme team is available to help applicants with queries about eligibility or completing the form. They can be reached by phone or email.

📞 01 2688607

📧 [email protected]

Cork Sports Partnership
Privacy Overview

We consider the privacy and protection of our users' personal data to be of upmost importance. Read our Privacy and Cookie Policy for more information.