Tips for Gaining Grants for a Grassroots Sports Club

For many grassroots sports clubs, securing grants can be a game-changer.  Funding new facilities, establishing programs or simply keeping the lights on. But the grant landscape is competitive and success often comes down to knowing what funders are really looking for.

Here are some practical tips, common mistakes to avoid and how to increase your club’s chances of getting the funding it needs.

  1. Understand the Types of Grants Available

Before diving in, gain an understanding of what’s out there:

  • Program Grants: Funding for specific initiatives like youth outreach or summer camps.
  • Capital Grants: For infrastructure such as clubhouse upgrades, pitches or floodlights.
  • Education Grants: Training for coach or courses to strengthen your club operations.

Clubs who are also legally structured as community organisations may also access grants in areas such as community, health, education or the arts. So, check your legal status. It’s key to knowing which grants you’re eligible for.  

I would strongly recommend you take time to identify the legal status of your club. Setting up a second organisational entity might be beneficial to open up more grants for your club.  Also, it might be beneficial to consider becoming a charity, but again this should only be investigated if it fits with your plan and after conducting deep research.

2. Start With a Strategy

One of the biggest mistakes clubs can do is to ‘chase the money’ without a plan!

Create a club development strategy that identifies what you need most; whether that’s upgrading your clubhouse or coach training. Then, go after funding aligned with those goals.

3. Where to Find Grants

Don’t just wait for opportunities – go find them:

It is recommended to call the funders, get to know them, understand what they are looking in their applications and know what grants will go live over the next 12 months.

4. What Makes a Strong Grant Application?

Ensure you get the basics right:

  • Ensure the evidence provided meets the criteria from the funder
  • Clearly articulate the need for funding, backed by research
  • Define the project objectives, timeline and budget
  • Up-to-date constitution
  • Recent bank statements (normally 3-6 months) or audited accounts
  • Your club policies (i.e. safeguarding or insurance)
  • Board structure and expertise
  • Proof of land ownership or facility access
  • Letters of support (e.g. from community leaders or MPs)

5. Make Your Application Stand Out

    Funders love:

    • Deep, relevant research (surveys, focus groups)
    • A well-thought-out project with clear impact
    • An experienced, skilled project team
    • A strong monitoring and evaluation plan

    6. Budget Clarity is Key

      Your budget should:

      • Break down costs by category (staff, equipment, materials)
      • Show exactly what the grant will cover
      • Highlight any shortfall and how you’ll cover it ie club own funds
      • Be realistic – don’t apply for £100k when the grant offers £10k

      7. Prove Long-Term Sustainability

        Funders want to see your project last:

        • How will you maintain facilities after they’re built? How will you continue the program after the initial grant investment? etc
        • Will you generate income (e.g. from room rentals, events)?
        • Can you reduce costs (e.g. installation of solar panels)?
        • What’s your ongoing community usage plan?

        8. Build Community Partnerships

          Funders love collaboration. Work with:

          • Local community groups (arts, culture, health)
          • Other sports clubs with shared values
          • Local businesses (especially for in-kind support or match funding)

          9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

            • No clear project plan
            • Poor or no research
            • Ignoring eligibility criteria
            • Missing required documents
            • Underestimating monitoring needs
            • Asking for too much – or too little
            • Missing the deadline!

            10. Post project reporting: Show the Impact

              A great post evaluation report includes:

              • Who you are and what you set out to do
              • A recap of the project and budget
              • Evidence (photos, testimonials, stats)
              • Community feedback and research insights
              • A summary of outcomes vs. objectives
              • Learnings and what comes next

              Final Thoughts

              • Don’t chase money – chase grants that align with your club’s strategy
              • Know your legal status of the club
              • Don’t just chase sports grants – there are other grants available outside of sport
              • Assign someone (or small team) within the club to become the grant expert
              • Think long-term – choose projects that save, generate or impact

              About Geoff Wilson

              Geoff runs his own consultancy business, with a focus primarily on sport.  Previously Head of Marketing and Communications at the Irish FA, Geoff now consults to a wide range of global sports organisations on areas such as strategic planning, marketing and communications, digital, fan engagement, public affairs, women’s football, league development, club development and knowledge sharing / capacity building programmes.  Geoff has created numerous academic models for the sports industry.  Geoff is on the Advisory Panel at the English Football League and Chair of the Sports Council Trust Company (Sport England organisation).

              Geoff has written a book which focuses on ‘developing grassroots sports clubs’ to order a copy check out https://www.routledge.com/Leading-a-Grassroots-Sports-Club-A-Practical-Guide-to-Managing-and-Developing-Your-Club/Wilson/p/book/9781041094883?srsltid=AfmBOooMPgFpXYSGYwNBOLxrR6mYShU8mWeM_rbVCGlipdpjnsfqlqVD

              1. Check out Geoff’s online course in strategic planning at https://geoffwilson.teachable.com/
              2. The other sports models created or co created by Geoff can be found below:

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