Skip to main content
Sports development

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 was 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 closed at 12 noon on Friday 12 January 2024.

  • 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, check our online funding hub (link opens in new window).

Sign up to our leisure and sports development email updates

Contact us

For more information and advice, get in touch.

leisure@belfastcity.gov.uk

028 9027 0515

Sports Development, Cecil Ward Building, 4-10 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8BP

Read aloud icon Read aloud