Support for Sport

Support for Sport small grants

Our small grants scheme opened for applications on 23 October 2023. There are four categories focussing on Support for Sport.

The funding is available to support Belfast-based sports clubs between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. Sporting activity before or after these dates is not eligible for funding. Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 12 January 2024.

Support for Sport funding workshops

We are holding Support for Sport information workshops to help advise you on your application. To book a place, email Leisure@belfastcity.gov.uk.

Large Development Support for Sport Grants

Eligible sports activity

To be eligible to apply for this funding, your application should include:

• sport science support
• outreach programmes
• coach mentoring
• creation of partnerships
• crime diversion
• inclusive working with excluded or underrepresented groups

Essential requirements ​

In your application, you will need:

• a strong three-year (current) Club Development Plan.
• evidence that programme applied for is linked to SDP
• evidence that project is sustainable and will continue to contribute to the club's development plan
• measurable targets  
• to ensure your application requires links to GB’s plan and letter of support from governing body

How much you can apply for

• maximum award is £5,000
• 80 per cent payment is paid upfront
• 20 per cent on providing end-of-event report form and original receipts

Small Development Support for Sport Grants

Eligible sports activity

• Coach education
• Kick start – new clubs or sections
• Equipment grants
• Try-it events
• Club development
• Sports festivals or development events

How much your club can apply for

• 75 per cent of eligible costs up to a maximum of £1,500
• Equipment grant of £250 (within three years)
• 80 per cent payment upfront
• 20 per cent on production of end of event report form and original receipts
• Cap on medals and marketing of £200 each

Hospitality grants

Eligible hospitality activity

• Hospitality linked to large sporting events in Belfast
• Must bring in a minimum of 50 guests from outside Northern Ireland
• Assessed on
  • Tourism – number of visitors
  • Bednights
  • Media coverage

How much your club can apply for

Maximum award of £3,000 based on the number of visitors to Belfast from outside Northern Ireland.

• More than 50 visitors but less than 100 visitors: £1,000 maximum eligible
• More than 100 visitors but less than 200 visitors: £2,000 maximum eligible
• More than 200 visitors: £3,000 maximum

Events where possible should take place in City Hall. If this venue is not available, events must take place in Belfast.

Sporting Individual Grants

Eligible sports activity

• Applications from recognised sports governing bodies on behalf of:
  • individuals and people playing “team sports” that meet the recognised governing body criteria.

• To financially assist talented athletes on the international stage.
• Grants to assist towards expenses for preparation, training and competition’s recognised by their governing body.
• Individuals must be on GB’s High Performance Squads or equivalent in an Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Sport.

How much you can apply for

• The maximum award is £1,000 towards out-of-pocket expenses
• Excludes day-to-day living costs, membership or insurance, equipment and salaries

More information on Support for Sport

If you're interested in Support for Sport, book a place at an information workshop. Or check our online funding hub (link opens in new window).