Sports Capital Grants in Ireland
In Ireland, the Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport administers the Sports Capital Programme, partially funded by the National Lottery. This programme provides funding to sports clubs for improving or renovating sports and physical recreation facilities. Examples include:
Playing fields
Training grounds
Lighting installations
Artificial turf fields
Clubhouses
Sports equipment (e.g., fitness gear, defibrillators, maintenance machinery)
Goals of the Programme
The programme aims to:
Support voluntary and community organisations, National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sports, and other entities in developing accessible and safe facilities.
Prioritise the needs of underprivileged areas and groups.
Encourage facility sharing among organisations.
Enable athletes to train in high-quality facilities to compete internationally.
Preparing an Application
Form a Grant Committee
Create a team focused on:
Grant writing
Managing paperwork
Building relationships with community partners
This approach allows other club members to focus on fundraising, awareness campaigns, and coaching.
Understand Scoring and Assessment
Grant applications are evaluated using a scoring system, with criteria changing annually. Key considerations include:
Addressing all criteria thoroughly.
Planning permission for construction projects.
History of receiving Sports Capital Grants.
The club’s ability to fundraise independently.
Funding requirements:
Clubs must raise at least 5% of total project costs.
Local authorities need to raise 30%.
Clubs exceeding the 5% minimum receive favourable consideration
Know the Deadlines
Every programme cycle has specific deadlines. Check the government website for updates. Starting a project or signing contracts before approval will disqualify it.
Gather Documentation
Essential documents include:
Proof of ownership or site access
Professional cost quotations
Approval from the sport’s NGB for regional grants
While planning permission isn’t mandatory, having it strengthens the application.
Ask the Right Questions
Contact your local authority or the Sports Capital Programmes Unit for assistance:
Watch the department’s YouTube video for guidance.
Register to Apply
Clubs must register on the Online Sports Capital Register (OSCAR) system before applying.
How to Apply
Refer to the latest guidance from the Department of Transport, Tourism, and Sport. Key tips:
Avoid having multiple browser windows open for the same application.
Save your application regularly to prevent data loss.
Additional Information
For a historical record of payments since 2011, visit the government’s website. Always consult the most recent documentation to ensure compliance with current requirements.
