On this page, we've listed and summarised some of the more common sources of funding for your sports club. You'll find links to more information on most of the sources in the panels to the right.
In Scotland, sportscotland have published a Guide to Funding for Sports Projects. There is an excellent introductory booklet from Sport England on Running Sport: Fundraising, Grants and Sponsorship which covers many aspects of fundraising, marketing and sponsorship. Both are downloadable from the Resources panel.
Member funding
The vast majority of sports clubs are funded by their own members. This can be derived from a wide range of activities including, for example:
- Membership subscriptions
- Entry fees to activities, competitions, tournaments and events
- Providing training classes and coaching for a fee (to members and/or non-members)
- Sponsored events
- Social activities such as visits, members' nights, and quizzes
- Other fund-raising activities - see the excellent Ideas for Club Fundraising prepared by the Scottish Rugby Union (in side panel)
Where clubs are planning a major project, such as a new club building, an overseas tour, or a new club strip for players, they often turn to their members first to raise the money - perhaps in the form of donations, interest-free loans, or sponsorship.
Many sports club engage in regular fund-raising by organising sponsored events, guest or celibrity events, raffles, 100-clubs, quiz nights, and similar activities. However, certain forms of fund-raising such as street collections and private lotteries do require legal consent from the police or your local Council.
National Lottery funding
Many sports clubs have been successful in their bids to the various National Lottery distribution organisations for projects such as new facilities, equipment, coaching, youth projects, and sports kit. Navigating the maze of Lottery sources and programmes can be daunting. See the link to Lottery funding on the right for more guidance.
Awards for All
This is a small grants programme funded by the National Lottery. As it is directed towards small community groups, it is particularly useful for many sports clubs. Applicants must have an annual income of under £15,000 and be willing to contribute in cash or in kind towards the total costs of their project. Awards range from £500 to £10,000.
Local Authority funding
Many Local Authorities have an active programme to encourage and develop sporting activities - both recreational and competitive - in their area. There is often a particular focus on developing sporting activities as part of a wider social inclusion policy.
Each Local Authority has its own departmental structure and responsibility for sports may rest variously with Recreation, Lifelong Learning, Culture or Community Development Departments. You'll find more information in the link to 'Local Sports Councils' in the right side panel.
sportscotland funding
sportscotland acts on behalf of the Scottish Government and is the national agency for sport in Scotland. It operates several funding programmes for sports organisations and athletes. Most of these programmes are targeted as specific priority organisations such as:
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National sports facilities
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National Governing Bodies of sport
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Educational programmes involving schools
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Talented athlete programmes
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The sportscotland Institute of Sport
It is unlikely that sportscotland would fund the general activities of a local sports club. More information about their funding programmes is available through the link in the Articles panel.
SportsMatch
This scheme, funded by the Scottish Government and administered by sportscotland provides matching funding to commercial sponsorship secured by sports clubs on a £ for £ basis. Sponsors can include any profit-making business such as a local shop, industrial concern or service provider. Sponsors must contribute at least £500 and there can be up to 3 sponsors for each project. Sponsorship can be in cash or in kind (e.g. sporting equipment). Awards range from £500 to £10,000.
Community Amateur Sports Clubs
Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC's) can now apply to be registered with the Inland Revenue to claim tax relief. This will offer them the support and recognition they have long deserved. The new tax package is available to all CASC’s in the country and ensures that community sport is given the best possible chance to nurture and enhance local sports people. Any club which registers will enjoy each of the following:
- 80% mandatory rates relief
- Fundraising income up to £15,000 exempt from tax
- Income from interest exempt from tax
- No corporation tax on trading income under £30,000 per year
- Profits from rental income exempt from tax up to £20,000 per year
- Disposals assets exempt from capital gains tax
- Gift aid on individual donations
- Inheritance tax relief on gifts
- Gifts of assets on no-gain, no-loss basis for capital gains
- Business relief on gifts of trading stock
There is a dedicated CASC information website and the Inland Revenue has published detailed guidance on CASCs (see See Also panel). In general, for a club to become registered as a CASC, it demonstrate that it:
- is open to the whole community without discrimination
- is organised on an amateur basis; and
- provides facilities for, and promotes participation in, an eligible sport
Applications for registration as a CASC should be sent to:
Sports Clubs Unit, Inland Revenue, Meldrum House, 15 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh EH3 7UN
Barclays Spaces for Sport programme
Barclays is committing £30 million to its Spaces for Sport programme over an initial three-year period. The Football Foundation will further provide £2.1 million of matched funding for flagship sites every year, while Groundwork will contribute £250,000 per year to the local sites programme. The programme will create a small number of major capital developments. Of more interest to many clubs will be the 3,000 coaching pack each worth around £750. These are available to clubs and groups in areas of social and economic deprivation focused on those with physical and learning disabilities, young people, women and girls, and black and ethnic minority groups.
