Aim of the scheme
The scheme aims to increase participation by both players and volunteers in grass roots football by supporting the cost associated with providing new activity
Grant ceiling
Funding of up to £9,000 is available for projects costing up to £10,000. Percentage support varies, but will not exceed 90% of the total project cost.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcomed from community groups, youth clubs, football clubs and education establishments. The Foundation also seeks to encourage applications from groups whose income is less than £15,000 per annum.
Who cannot apply?
Individuals and profit making organisations cannot apply.
What the Foundation looks for?
Applicants should...
- comply with the aim of the scheme, clearly stating what the objectives are and how they are going to achieve them
- ensure that all costs within the application relate to new activity - set out the details of activity already provided and what new activity will be delivered if funding is secured
- outline how many individuals the group currently engage (of which age and gender) and how many new participants (of which age and gender) they aim to attract
- identify partnership funding
- provide all appropriate supporting documentation
- demonstrate partnership working. This is encouraged so that projects do not work in isolation but link to other initiatives where appropriate
- demonstrate how the project will continue after Foundation funding ceases
The Foundation encourages...
- projects conducted over a three year period
- projects aimed at engaging traditionally excluded groups, such as black and minority ethnic communities, women and girls and disabled groups
- the introduction of new lunchtime/after school clubs which lead to inter school competition
- the introduction of new age groups to a Club
- level one/level two coaching courses delivered as part of a wider programme which support the introduction of new teams/delivery of new activity
- projects that work towards integrating new players into a league/competition
The Foundation funds....
- Training courses, for example, each new team, or group of players, could aim to get two people qualified as coaches. It is also advisable to recruit volunteers to undertake refereeing courses.
- Hire of FA qualified coaches. For each new team whilst volunteers are undertaking coaching qualifications, it may be necessary for the club / group to hire an external coach (the Nottinghamshire FA can help identify potential coaches and provide details of relevant costs). Once volunteers complete their courses it is anticipated that the cost of coach hire will reduce in each year as volunteers will be qualified to undertake coaching duties.
- Hire of qualified/affiliated referees. If you wish to enter your teams into leagues you will be required to provide referees. Until volunteers are qualified, it is often necessary for groups to request funding to pay for referees. Please talk to your league about their requirements in this area.
- Facility hire. You can include facility hire for both training and matches.
- Publicity and promotion. This can be in the form of getting leaflets printed, advertising in local press and printing posters.
- Recruitment events. The Foundation is able to fund events that lead to regular activity. For example, you could hold a taster day and provide people with free coaching sessions, or you could run a small tournament to introduce new participants to your group. If part of your grant is to be used for organised events, the Foundation’s contribution can only be used for facility, coach and referee hire and not insurance, refreshments, equipment, trophies, certificates or similar.
- First aid kits. The Foundation would look to fund one first aid for each new team established through this project.
- Travel expenses. The Foundation can offer a contribution to essential travel costs for players and volunteers.
ALL COSTS MUST RELATE TO NEW ACTIVITY
The Foundation does not fund...
- Groups which have received Foundation funding in the last 3 years (with the exception of Junior Kit Scheme, Goalpost Safety Scheme and Capital projects under £20,000)
- Projects with a total cost exceeding £10,000
- Retrospective or existing work
- Curriculum time activity other than for Special Education Needs (SEN) groups
- Projects based solely on coach education
- Education resources – i.e videos/workshops/exhibitions
- Permanent employment of Officers (posts)
- Purchase of/contribution to mini buses
- Capital improvements (including goal posts)
- IT equipment
- Applications which have the sole aim of achieving FA Charter Standard
- Travel costs to watch matches
- Projects based on performance and excellence
- Insurance, registration, consultant fees or administration costs
- Mixed football aged 11+
- End of season presentations, trophies etc
- Annual or one-off events that do not lead to regular activity
overseas travel and expenses.
Either apply for a Small Grant Scheme on-line or request an application form through the post.