Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
Active Kent & Medway is offering small grants to help clubs and organisations increase participation in sport and physical activity across Kent and Medway. The fund provides up to 50% of project or training costs, with a maximum grant of £500.
About the Fund
This fund supports clubs and organisations that want to:
- Increase participation in sport and physical activity
- Re-engage previous participants
- Attract new audiences
- Reduce inactivity and inequalities
- Improve health and wellbeing
- Build stronger, more connected communities
It also supports workforce development through training and qualifications for coaches, leaders, and instructors.
Priority Groups
There is a strong focus on reaching:
- Culturally diverse communities
- People with disabilities
- People with long-term health conditions
- Women and girls
- LGBTQA+ communities
- People from low socio-economic backgrounds
Funding Available
1. Project Delivery Funding
For activities such as:
- New delivery programmes
- Taster sessions
- Events
- Pilot initiatives
Funding available:
- Up to 50% of total project costs
- Maximum grant of £500
2. Workforce Development Funding
For training and qualifications that improve the local workforce, such as:
- Coaches
- Officials
- Instructors
- Leaders
Funding available:
- Up to 50% of training costs
- Maximum grant of £500
Important:
Training support is only available for:
- Courses up to Level 2 (or equivalent)
- Courses scheduled within 6 months
Funding is released only after submitting a completion certificate.
Eligible Costs
The fund may cover costs such as:
- Facilitator or coaching fees
- Venue hire
- Small-scale equipment
- Community taster events
- Training and qualification courses
Note: Some costs have capped limits, including:
- Hourly coaching rates
- Venue hire rates
Who Can Apply?
A wide range of organisations are eligible, including:
- Voluntary or community groups
- Sports clubs
- Registered charities
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Not-for-profit companies
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Schools (for community-focused projects)
- Statutory bodies such as:
- Local authorities
- Councils
Financial Documents Required
Applicants must provide financial information, such as:
- Recent accounts, or
- If newly established, projected income and expenditure for up to 3 years
Application Process
Applications are reviewed monthly.
Key Review Timing
- Applications are considered by a panel on the second Friday of each month
After Decision
- Successful applicants receive funding by bank transfer
- Unsuccessful applicants can request feedback and may reapply later
Why This Fund Matters
This is a useful small grant opportunity for local organisations wanting to test or grow activity-based programmes without needing large budgets.
It is especially helpful for:
- Grassroots clubs
- Community sports groups
- Inclusion-focused activity projects
- Small pilot programmes
- Volunteer and coach development
How to Apply
Suggested Steps
- Decide whether you are applying for:
- Project delivery funding, or
- Training/workforce development funding
- Design a small project or course with clear participation outcomes
- Make sure the fund request is no more than 50% of costs
- Keep the request within the £500 cap
- Gather your financial documents
- Submit before the next monthly review deadline
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Requesting more than 50% of total costs
- Applying for more than £500
- Choosing training above Level 2
- Applying for training taking place after 6 months
- Missing required financial documents
- Not showing how the project increases participation or inclusion
Quick Facts
- Funder: Active Kent & Medway
- Location: Kent and Medway, UK
- Maximum Grant: £500
- Funding Rate: Up to 50% of costs
- Supports: Project delivery and workforce development
- Training Limit: Up to Level 2 or equivalent
- Review Cycle: Monthly
- Panel Timing: Second Friday of each month
FAQ
1. How much funding can I apply for?
You can apply for up to £500, covering up to 50% of total costs.
2. What can the funding be used for?
It can support new programmes, taster sessions, events, pilot activities, coaching fees, venue hire, equipment, and training.
3. Can I apply for training support?
Yes. Training funding is available up to 50% of costs, capped at £500, for courses up to Level 2 within 6 months.
4. Who can apply?
Community groups, clubs, charities, CICs, schools (for community projects), and some statutory bodies can apply.
5. When are applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed monthly, with panel decisions made on the second Friday of each month.
6. Can unsuccessful applicants apply again?
Yes. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to get feedback and reapply in the future.
Conclusion
The Active Kent & Medway Fund is a practical small-grants opportunity for organisations looking to boost sport and physical activity participation in local communities.
With flexible support for both delivery projects and training, it is especially well suited for grassroots, inclusive, and community-focused initiatives across Kent and Medway.
For more information, visit Active Kent & Medway.