Apply now for A Place for Sport Crowdfunder Program (UK)

A Place for Sport Crowdfunder by Sport Wales provides financial support to not-for-profit sports clubs and community groups in Wales to improve and modernise sports facilities. Eligible organisations can receive up to £15,000 in matched funding after successfully raising community contributions through Crowdfunder. The programme supports projects that increase participation, improve accessibility, and create better sporting environments for local communities.

Overview of A Place for Sport Crowdfunder

A Place for Sport Crowdfunder is a funding programme offered by Sport Wales to help not-for-profit sports organisations improve their facilities and create better spaces for community participation.

The programme focuses on supporting facility improvement and modernisation projects that make sports venues safer, more accessible, inclusive, and suitable for long-term community use.

The initiative encourages community involvement by combining crowdfunding with financial support from Sport Wales. Applicants must demonstrate local support by raising funds through a Crowdfunder campaign before receiving the Sport Wales contribution.

Purpose and Objectives of the Programme

The main goal of A Place for Sport Crowdfunder is to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure across Wales.

The programme aims to:

• Improve the quality of sports facilities.
• Increase participation in sport and physical activity.
• Support inclusive and accessible sporting environments.
• Help community sports organisations maintain and upgrade their facilities.
• Encourage local communities to contribute to projects that benefit residents.
• Strengthen the sustainability of not-for-profit sports clubs.

The fund recognises that high-quality facilities play an important role in improving health, wellbeing, community connection, and equal access to sport.

What Projects Can Be Supported?

Funding can support a wide range of internal and external sports facility improvements.

Eligible projects may include:

• Upgrading changing rooms, toilets, and shower facilities.
• Renovating clubhouses and community spaces.
• Improving kitchen or bar areas.
• Installing bike racks or storage facilities.
• Improving accessibility through ramps, lifts, and inclusive facilities.
• Repairing fences and boundaries.
• Adding spectator stands and seating areas.
• Purchasing scoreboards or video equipment.
• Buying pitch maintenance tools and equipment.
• Other facility improvements that improve sporting participation.

Projects should demonstrate clear benefits for local communities and support continued use of sports facilities.

Funding Amount and Financial Support

Successful applicants can receive up to £15,000 towards eligible facility improvement projects.

The funding process works through a matched crowdfunding model:

• Applicants must raise at least 25% of their total fundraising target through Crowdfunder.
• Projects must receive donations from the required minimum number of supporters.
• The fundraising target must be achieved before Sport Wales funding is released.
• Sport Wales provides 50% of total project funding up to £15,000 once fundraising requirements are met.

Additional support may be available for projects that focus on improving inclusion.

Sport Wales may contribute up to 60% of total project costs for:

• Projects supporting under-represented groups.
• Projects located in areas with higher levels of deprivation based on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit sports clubs.
• Community groups where sport is the main activity.
• Organisations delivering sporting activities for communities in Wales.

Applicants must:

• Operate in Wales.
• Provide benefits mainly to people living in Wales.
• Meet Sport Wales and Crowdfunder eligibility requirements.
• Develop projects involving community participation.
• Use funding only for approved facility improvement activities.

Who Cannot Apply?

The programme does not support:

• For-profit organisations.
• Individuals applying personally.
• Projects that do not relate to sports facility improvements.
• Activities that do not benefit communities in Wales.
• Projects that fail to meet Crowdfunder requirements.

Why This Funding Matters

Sports facilities are important community assets that support physical health, social connection, and wellbeing.

Many grassroots sports organisations face challenges such as:

• Ageing infrastructure.
• Limited accessibility.
• Rising maintenance costs.
• Lack of modern equipment.
• Barriers preventing people from participating.

By supporting facility improvements, A Place for Sport Crowdfunder helps communities create welcoming spaces where children, adults, older people, and under-represented groups can participate in sport.

The programme also strengthens community ownership because local supporters actively contribute to projects through crowdfunding.

How Does the Application Process Work?

Applicants must complete a staged process before receiving funding.

Step 1: Create a Sport Wales Funding Account

Applicants must create an account through the Sport Wales grants and funding portal.

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest

Organisations must submit an initial expression of interest explaining:

• The proposed facility improvement project.
• The community need.
• Expected benefits.
• Estimated costs.

Sport Wales reviews the expression of interest and provides further guidance.

Step 3: Receive Approval to Proceed

Successful applicants receive confirmation and instructions on the next steps.

Step 4: Create a Crowdfunder Page

Applicants must create a fundraising page through Crowdfunder.

The page should explain:

• The purpose of the project.
• How the improvements will benefit the community.
• The fundraising target.
• How local people can support the project.

Step 5: Complete Fundraising

Applicants must:

• Raise the required community contribution.
• Receive support from the minimum number of donors.
• Achieve the fundraising target within the required timeframe.

Step 6: Receive Sport Wales Contribution

Once crowdfunding conditions are achieved, Sport Wales provides the approved financial contribution.

Application Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Community need for the facility improvements.
• Impact on participation in sport.
• Benefits for local residents.
• Accessibility and inclusion improvements.
• Community involvement.
• Sustainability of the project.
• Ability of the organisation to deliver the improvements.

Projects with strong community support and wider social benefits are likely to be prioritised.

Tips for a Successful Application

Applicants should consider the following:

• Clearly explain why the facility improvement is needed.
• Demonstrate how the project will increase participation.
• Show evidence of community support.
• Prepare a realistic fundraising target.
• Explain how the improvements will benefit different groups.
• Highlight accessibility and inclusion benefits.
• Provide clear cost estimates.
• Promote the crowdfunding campaign effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without a clear facility improvement plan.
• Setting unrealistic fundraising targets.
• Not involving the local community.
• Providing unclear project budgets.
• Starting project work before approval.
• Using funds for activities outside the approved purpose.
• Failing to meet Crowdfunder requirements.

Project Requirements After Approval

Successful applicants must:

• Use funding only for approved facility improvements.
• Complete the project according to agreed plans.
• Follow Sport Wales grant conditions.
• Provide required updates or reports.
• Maintain financial records.
• Demonstrate appropriate use of funds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is A Place for Sport Crowdfunder?

A Place for Sport Crowdfunder is a Sport Wales funding programme that helps not-for-profit sports clubs and community groups improve their facilities through a combination of community fundraising and matched financial support.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible organisations can receive up to £15,000 towards approved sports facility improvement projects.

Do applicants need to raise money themselves?

Yes. Applicants must create a Crowdfunder campaign and raise at least 25% of their fundraising target before receiving Sport Wales support.

Who can apply for A Place for Sport Crowdfunder?

Not-for-profit sports clubs and community groups in Wales can apply if sport is their main activity and their project benefits people living in Wales.

What types of improvements are funded?

Funding can support improvements such as changing rooms, accessibility upgrades, clubhouses, storage facilities, seating areas, equipment, and other sports facility upgrades.

Can projects receive additional funding support?

Yes. Projects supporting under-represented groups or located in high-deprivation areas may receive up to 60% of project costs from Sport Wales.

When can organisations apply?

Applications are accepted throughout the year and follow a staged application and crowdfunding process.

Conclusion

A Place for Sport Crowdfunder provides valuable support for grassroots sports organisations across Wales by helping them improve facilities, increase participation, and create inclusive community spaces. Through a combination of local fundraising and Sport Wales investment, the programme enables sports clubs and community groups to deliver long-term improvements that benefit athletes, volunteers, and communities.