Cooper Richardson Fund to Support Inclusive Sporting Opportunities (UK)

Deadline: 20-Mar-2026

The Cooper Richardson Fund provides grants of £1,000–£3,000 to small Northern Ireland organisations to enhance access to sport and physical activity, especially for isolated and disadvantaged communities. Funding supports equipment, programme delivery, minor facility adaptations, and costs that improve inclusion for older adults, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Priority is given to locally based, small organisations with limited funding access.

The Cooper Richardson Fund aims to improve access to sport and physical activity for communities facing barriers, including socially isolated individuals, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged groups.

The Fund targets small, local organisations that find it difficult to access other funding sources, helping them deliver inclusive and meaningful sporting opportunities across Northern Ireland.

Key Objectives of the Fund

The fund focuses on five main objectives:

1. Promote Community Integration – Encourage participation from people who may not usually have access to sport, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds.

2. Improve Health and Wellbeing – Support activities that enhance physical and mental wellbeing while building stronger community connections.

3. Increase Access to Sport – Focus on facilities and resources in economically disadvantaged or isolated areas.

4. Remove Barriers to Participation – Support individuals facing disability, financial, or language-related obstacles.

5. Provide Essential Resources – Fund equipment and programme support for small organisations with limited funding options.

What Funding Can Be Used For

Eligible funding areas include:

• Capital Equipment – General sporting equipment, additional items to expand activities, and minor facility adaptations to improve accessibility (with statutory permissions in place).

• Programme Support – Insurance, venue hire, paid tutoring, or sessional costs that help isolated individuals participate.

• Inclusive Access – Activities specifically enabling participation for older people, ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and socially isolated community members.

Examples of Funded Activities

• Purchasing sports kits or equipment for community clubs

• Hiring venues for inclusive sports sessions

• Minor facility upgrades to improve accessibility

• Engaging sessional coaches to run inclusive programmes

Who Is Eligible

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Constituted organisations, including sports clubs with charitable purposes

• Annual income of £30,000 or less

• Based in Northern Ireland and supporting projects within Northern Ireland

• Small, locally based organisations with limited access to other funding sources are prioritised

Ineligible Applicants and Activities

The Fund does not support:

• Organisations or activities promoting armaments, alcohol, tobacco, pornography, or human rights abuses

• Religious or political promotion, including flags/emblems

• Large organisations, statutory services, schools (except eligible PTAs), or Housing Associations

• Individuals applying alone

• Retrospective costs or trips outside Northern Ireland

• Holiday schemes, parties, or shopping trips

Grant Amounts

• Minimum grant: £1,000

• Maximum grant: £3,000

• Funding is distributed across all Local Authority areas in Northern Ireland in case of high demand

Why This Fund Matters

The Cooper Richardson Fund addresses barriers that prevent community members from accessing sport and physical activity:

• Reduces social isolation by encouraging participation and connection

• Supports inclusion for people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and older adults

• Strengthens small local organisations that may struggle to secure funding

• Enhances the health and wellbeing of communities across Northern Ireland

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation:

• Is a constituted body with charitable purposes

• Has an annual income of £30,000 or below

• Operates within Northern Ireland and serves local beneficiaries

Step 2: Identify Project Needs

• Determine required equipment, facility improvements, or programme support

• Focus on inclusion and accessibility for isolated or disadvantaged groups

Step 3: Prepare Application

• Describe the project objectives, target beneficiaries, and expected outcomes

• Provide a budget and timeline

• Include organisational information (ABN or equivalent)

Step 4: Submit Application

• Applications must meet the criteria outlined above

• Ensure all supporting documentation is provided

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying for funding for ineligible activities (e.g., alcohol, political promotion, trips outside Northern Ireland)

2. Submitting applications from large organisations or with income over £30,000

3. Failing to demonstrate how the project supports isolated or disadvantaged groups

4. Overlooking statutory permissions for facility modifications

5. Leaving out necessary organisational or financial documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?

Small, constituted organisations, including sports clubs with charitable purposes, based in Northern Ireland.

2. What is the funding range?

£1,000 to £3,000 per project.

3. Can individuals apply?

No. Only organisations may apply.

4. Can the funding be used for facility adaptations?

Yes, minor adaptations that improve accessibility are eligible, provided statutory permissions are in place.

5. Are trips or holiday schemes funded?

No. Funding cannot be used for trips outside Northern Ireland, holiday schemes, parties, or shopping trips.

6. Is funding available for coaching or tutoring?

Yes, sessional or paid coaching that supports isolated individuals is eligible.

7. Are there restrictions on beneficiaries?

Funding should prioritize isolated, disadvantaged, or underrepresented groups such as older people, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Conclusion

The Cooper Richardson Fund 2026 provides crucial support for small Northern Ireland organisations to enhance access to sport and physical activity, particularly for isolated and disadvantaged communities.

By funding equipment, facility improvements, and programme delivery, the Fund empowers organisations to deliver inclusive, community-driven activities that promote wellbeing, connection, and participation across Northern Ireland.

For more information, visit Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.