Deadline: 20-Apr-2026
The Dorset Community Foundation is offering the Lord-Lieutenant’s Fund to support young people in Dorset with recognised sporting talent who face financial or personal barriers. Eligible applicants aged 14 to 21 can receive up to £1,000 for costs such as equipment, kit, coaching, competition fees, travel, and accommodation.
About the Fund
The Lord-Lieutenant’s Fund helps ensure that talented young athletes in Dorset have the chance to develop their sporting potential, regardless of background or financial circumstances.
It is aimed at individuals whose talent has already been recognised, but who may struggle to continue progressing without funding support.
What the Grant Supports
Funding can be used for sporting development costs such as:
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Sports equipment
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Kit or clothing
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Competition or event fees
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Coaching support
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Travel costs
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Accommodation
If claiming for petrol:
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It should be calculated at 45p per mile
Grant Amount
Applicants can receive:
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Up to £1,000
Important note:
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The grant must be used within one year of receiving it
If the item or activity costs more than £1,000, the applicant must explain:
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How the remaining balance will be covered
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Have a home address in Dorset
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Be aged 14 to 21
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Have recognised sporting talent
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Have that talent acknowledged by an appropriate national governing body
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Show they are unable to pursue their sporting ambitions without support due to:
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Financial circumstances, or
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Personal circumstances
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Timing Requirement
The activity or expense being requested for must:
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Begin within 8 months of the grant offer
Who Cannot Apply?
The fund is for individual young people only.
It does not support applications from:
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the application form.
If successful, they will need to provide:
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A recent bank statement (to confirm bank details)
They must also submit:
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Two letters of endorsement
Important:
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One letter must come from a representative of a national governing body
Why This Fund Matters
This is a useful opportunity for talented young athletes who need help covering practical costs that often block progression.
It can support:
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Access to better coaching
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Participation in competitions
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Travel to training or events
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Purchase of essential sports gear
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Continued development at a key stage in a young athlete’s journey
FAQs
1. How much funding is available?
Applicants can receive up to £1,000.
2. Who can apply?
Young people who:
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Live in Dorset
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Are aged 14–21
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Have recognised sporting talent
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Need support due to financial or personal circumstances
3. What can the grant pay for?
It can support:
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Equipment
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Clothing or kit
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Competition fees
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Coaching
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Travel
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Accommodation
4. Can sports clubs or schools apply?
No. The fund does not support:
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Sports clubs
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Schools
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Community groups
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Statutory organisations
5. What endorsements are needed?
You need two letters of endorsement, including:
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One from a national governing body representative
6. What if my costs are more than £1,000?
You can still apply, but you must explain:
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How you will fund the remaining amount
Conclusion
The Lord-Lieutenant’s Fund is a strong opportunity for young athletes in Dorset who have proven sporting ability but need financial help to continue progressing.
With up to £1,000 available for key development costs, it can make a real difference in helping talented young people stay on track and pursue their sporting goals.
For more information, visit Dorset Community Foundation.