Grant Funding for Clubs
Grants for Netball Clubs in the East Midlands....where to start?
Running a local netball club is about more than just getting on the court—it involves community engagement, facility upkeep, coaching, and providing opportunities for people of all ages to participate in sport. Thankfully, there are several grants available to help with these costs, from sports-specific funding to more general community development grants. If you run a netball club in the East Midlands, here are some key funding opportunities and organisations to explore:
1. Sport England Movement Fund
Sport England’s New Movement Fund is designed to support grassroots clubs and community groups that aim to create opportunities for people to be active. This fund replaces the Small Grants Programme and offers financial support of up to £15,000 to help netball clubs grow and develop. It can be used to cover costs such as equipment, facility hire, coaching, and even and other delivery costs. The fund particularly focuses on promoting inclusion and encouraging underrepresented groups to get involved in sport.
Who can apply?
Grassroots sports clubs, including netball clubs, that aim to increase participation in physical activity, especially among groups that may face barriers to getting active provided you also meet governance requirements.
How to apply:
Visit the Sport England website
sportengland.org/funding-and-campaigns/our-funding/apply-funding/suitability-checker
2. National Lottery Community Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund offers a fantastic opportunity for local netball clubs to secure financial support for projects that make a positive difference in their community. Grants range from £300 to over £10,000, and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as purchasing new equipment, training coaches, transport, volunteer expenses, running costs or refurbishment projects. This funding is particularly focused on projects that bring people together and strengthens the community too, also to support the challenges with cost-of-living.
Who can apply?
Voluntary and community groups, including grassroots netball clubs.
How to apply:
Applications can be made via the National Lottery Community Fund website.
tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-england#section-3
3. Severn Trent Community Fund
The Severn Trent Community Fund is available to support projects that improve the community’s wellbeing. This includes initiatives promoting physical activity and bringing people together, which makes it an excellent fit for netball clubs. The fund focuses on environmental and social projects within Severn Trent’s service areas, including parts of the East Midlands. Things they will fund include running costs of the new project, skills training, facility improving and more.
Who can apply?
Community groups, including sports clubs, based in the Severn Trent area.
How to apply:
Clubs can apply through the Severn Trent Community Fund website. The next deadline is 13th October.
stwater.co.uk/about-us/severn-trent-community-fund/available-funding/
4. East Midlands Airport Community Fund
The East Midlands Airport Community Fund provides grants to local community groups, including sports clubs, that lie within a set radius of the airport. The fund supports projects that bring the community closer together through facilities for sport, recreation, and other leisure time activities.
Who can apply?
Community and sports groups located near East Midlands Airport.
How to apply:
Applications are made through the East Midlands Airport website. The next deadline is 16th October for the Community Grant up to £2000. For the smaller community sponsorship grant up to £200 the next deadline is 24th December.
magcommunityfunds.smapply.org/
5. East Midlands Netball Regional Grants
We offer our own funding opportunities, specifically aimed at netball development in the region. Grants are available to assist with coaching, equipment, and initiatives that aim to grow the sport at all levels.
Who can apply?
Affiliated netball clubs, teams and members in the East Midlands region.
How to apply:
Available grants can be found under the support sections of our website.
eastmidlandsnetball.co.uk/support#RegionalFunding
6. Local Community Grants
Make sure you are following your local active partnership and signed up to their newsletters as they often advise on local grants specific to your area. Grants can be found from various other organisations such as:
- Young People Physical Activity and Sport Hardship (Active Partnership) Fund supporting young people under 21 years old in Leicestershire and Rutland to continue participating in sport- deadline 2nd March. Read more here.
- Lutterworth Area Community Grant (Local Developer). An initiative to support community and voluntary organisations to deliver local projects within the geographical area surrounding the Magna Park development. Next deadline 31st December. Read more here.
- East Midlands Railway (National Organisation). Criteria for 2025 TBC. Read more here.
- Mansfield Building Society (Local Organisation). Promoting and supporting health and wellbeing in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Read more here.
- West Northamptonshire Council (Council). Supporting sports and physical activity in the local area. Closing 3rd November. Read more here.
This list is not exhaustive but rather gives you an idea of the places to start your search and the type of organisations that offer community grants. Want to search for more funding opportunities? See a funding finder here. This is hosted by Active Together but does search for funds not specific to the area.
