Deadline: 11-Sep-2026
The Be Active Wales Fund provides National Lottery funding to help not-for-profit sports clubs and community groups across Wales deliver projects that increase participation in sport and improve sporting opportunities within local communities. The fund supports a wide range of initiatives, including equipment purchases, coach development, facility improvements, and activities that encourage more people to become physically active.
The Be Active Wales Fund offers grants of up to £50,000 to eligible not-for-profit sports clubs and community groups in Wales. The programme supports projects that increase participation in sport, develop volunteers and coaches, improve facilities, and create inclusive sporting opportunities for people across Welsh communities.
About the Be Active Wales Fund
The Be Active Wales Fund is a National Lottery-funded programme administered by Sport Wales to strengthen grassroots sport and physical activity throughout Wales.
The programme is designed to help local organisations remove barriers to participation, improve community sports facilities, develop volunteers and coaches, and provide more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport.
Projects should demonstrate clear community benefits and contribute to increasing participation in sport within Wales.
Funding Information
Applicants can apply for grants of up to £50,000.
Funding includes:
- Grants between £300 and £25,000 can cover up to 90% of eligible project costs.
- Grants between £25,001 and £50,000 can cover up to 80% of eligible project costs.
- Applicants must contribute at least 10% of the total project cost.
- Funding amounts are determined individually based on the quality and eligibility of each application.
Certain activities and equipment have specific funding limits as outlined in the programme guidelines.
Eligible Activities
Funding may support projects such as:
- Purchasing sports equipment.
- Coaching qualification courses that develop coaches and volunteers.
- Entry-level training such as first aid or officiating courses.
- Venue hire for establishing new sports teams.
- Pitch improvement and maintenance projects.
- Facility improvements that increase sports participation.
- Activities that create new opportunities for community sport.
- Volunteer development initiatives.
- Projects that improve access to sporting opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit sports clubs.
- Community groups.
- Community-based sports organisations.
- Eligible organisations affiliated with a National Governing Body where required.
Projects must:
- Take place in Wales.
- Primarily benefit people living in Wales.
- Not have started before the application is submitted.
- Not include items that have already been purchased.
- Meet any sport-specific eligibility requirements.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Applications are not eligible if:
- The applicant is not a not-for-profit organisation.
- The project has already commenced before submitting the application.
- Funding is requested for items that have already been purchased.
- The organisation does not provide the required minimum contribution.
- The project does not primarily benefit communities in Wales.
Why This Fund Matters
The Be Active Wales Fund helps strengthen community sport by supporting projects that:
- Increase participation in physical activity.
- Improve access to sporting opportunities.
- Develop coaches and volunteers.
- Strengthen grassroots sports organisations.
- Improve local sports facilities.
- Promote healthier and more active communities.
- Encourage lifelong participation in sport.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Create an account on the Sport Wales Grants and Funding Portal.
- Submit an Expression of Interest.
- Wait for confirmation from Sport Wales before proceeding.
- Complete the full application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit the application before beginning any project activities.
Applications may be submitted in either English or Welsh, with both languages receiving equal consideration.
Application Assessment
Applications are assessed based on:
- Community need.
- Potential to increase sports participation.
- Project quality and feasibility.
- Value for money.
- Organisational capacity.
- Sustainability of project outcomes.
- Compliance with programme requirements.
Only one successful application is permitted per organisation each year.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly demonstrate community demand.
- Explain how the project will increase participation.
- Prepare a realistic and balanced budget.
- Include all required supporting documents.
- Show how the organisation will contribute at least 10% of project costs.
- Ensure the project has not started before applying.
- Confirm affiliation requirements if applicable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Starting the project before submitting an application.
- Requesting funding for items already purchased.
- Omitting required supporting documents.
- Providing an unrealistic budget.
- Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
- Not meeting the minimum applicant contribution requirement.
- Ignoring sport-specific eligibility conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Be Active Wales Fund?
Eligible not-for-profit sports clubs and community groups operating in Wales may apply.
How much funding is available?
Applicants can receive grants ranging from £300 to £50,000, depending on the project.
What types of projects are supported?
The programme supports equipment purchases, coaching development, training, venue hire, facility improvements, pitch enhancement projects, and initiatives that increase participation in sport.
Can projects already underway receive funding?
No. Projects must not begin before the application is submitted.
Is applicant funding required?
Yes. Applicants must contribute at least 10% of the total project cost.
Can applications be submitted in Welsh?
Yes. Applications may be submitted in either English or Welsh, and both languages are treated equally.
How many applications can an organisation submit?
Organisations may submit an expression of interest at any time, but only one successful application is allowed each year.
Conclusion
The Be Active Wales Fund provides valuable financial support to community organisations working to expand access to sport across Wales. By funding participation-focused projects, coach development, facility improvements, and community sports initiatives, the programme helps create healthier, stronger, and more inclusive communities while supporting the long-term growth of grassroots sport.
For more information, visit Sport Wales.