Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Sports Grant & Bursary Programme 2026–27 is a local funding initiative by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council that supports athletes, sports clubs, and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to develop sport across the region. It promotes participation, equality, inclusion, and improved access to recognised sports in line with the Council’s “Healthy and Engaged Communities” strategy.
The programme offers up to £400 in funding, with the possibility of covering 100% of eligible costs for approved applications. It supports amateur athletes, local clubs, and NGB-supported individuals through a competitive, merit-based selection process.
What Is the Sports Grant & Bursary Programme?
The Sports Grant & Bursary Programme 2026–27 is a sports development funding scheme designed to support grassroots sport and athlete development within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.
It provides financial assistance to help individuals and organisations improve sporting participation, performance, and community engagement.
The programme is aligned with the Council’s long-term strategy to build healthy, active, and inclusive communities.
Programme Objectives
The programme is designed to strengthen local sport and community wellbeing.
Key objectives include:
- Supporting the development of local sport
- Increasing participation in recognised sports
- Expanding opportunities for athletes and clubs
- Promoting social inclusion in sport
- Supporting equality of opportunity
- Strengthening community relations
- Improving access to sporting activities
- Supporting athlete development pathways
- Encouraging active and healthy lifestyles
Funding Overview
The programme provides targeted financial support for sports development.
Key funding details include:
- Maximum funding: up to £400 per application
- Funding coverage: up to 100% of eligible costs
- Funding type: Grant and bursary support
- Geographic scope: Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area
- Funding model: Competitive assessment process
Funding decisions are based on merit, need, and available resources.
Eligible Applicants
The programme supports a range of individuals and organisations involved in sport.
Eligible Groups
- Constituted sports clubs based in the Council area
- Amateur athletes who are residents of the area
- National Governing Bodies (NGBs) applying on behalf of athletes
Recognised Sports
Applicants must participate in sports recognised by Sport Northern Ireland.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet specific governance and compliance standards.
For Sports Clubs
Clubs must have:
- A formal constitution
- Open membership policies
- Established committee structures
- Proper financial records
- Insurance coverage
- Safeguarding policies (where applicable)
- Accountability and governance systems
For Individuals
Athletes must:
- Be residents of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area
- Participate in recognised sports
- Demonstrate sporting development needs or progression goals
For NGB Applications
National Governing Bodies must:
- Apply on behalf of eligible local athletes
- Demonstrate clear sporting development outcomes
Programme Priorities
Funding is guided by key strategic priorities:
Sport Development
- Supporting grassroots and competitive sport
- Enhancing training and performance opportunities
- Strengthening club sustainability
Inclusion and Equality
- Ensuring equal access to sport
- Promoting participation across all communities
- Supporting underrepresented groups
Community Wellbeing
- Encouraging physical activity
- Supporting mental and physical health
- Strengthening community engagement through sport
Youth and Athlete Development
- Supporting emerging athletes
- Enabling progression pathways
- Reducing barriers to participation
Assessment Process
The programme operates through a competitive evaluation system.
Applications are assessed based on:
- Sporting impact and benefit
- Alignment with programme objectives
- Value for money
- Level of need and justification
- Contribution to sport development
- Organisational or athlete credibility
Key Assessment Principles
- Merit-based selection
- Limited funding availability
- No guarantee of approval based on previous awards
- Possible adjustment of funding amounts depending on budget constraints
Funding Conditions
Successful applicants must comply with strict conditions:
- All applications must be submitted before activities begin
- Retrospective applications are not accepted
- Funding must be used only for approved purposes
- Evidence of expenditure must be provided
- Receipts and financial documentation may be required
- Progress and final reports must be submitted
Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
Recipients are required to:
- Work with Council Sports Development Managers
- Participate in monitoring and evaluation processes
- Provide financial evidence of spending
- Submit progress updates when requested
- Demonstrate outcomes and impact of funding
Why This Programme Matters
The Sports Grant & Bursary Programme is important because it:
- Supports grassroots sports development
- Reduces financial barriers for athletes and clubs
- Encourages active lifestyles and health benefits
- Strengthens community cohesion through sport
- Promotes inclusion and equality in sport
- Helps develop future sporting talent in the region
It plays a key role in sustaining local sports infrastructure and participation pathways.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve success chances by:
- Clearly explaining sporting development goals
- Demonstrating measurable athlete or club impact
- Providing detailed and realistic budgets
- Showing strong governance and compliance structures
- Linking activities to inclusion and participation outcomes
- Highlighting long-term sporting benefits
- Submitting complete documentation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Submitting applications after activities have started
- Weak justification of sporting need
- Missing financial or governance documentation
- Overstating impact without evidence
- Poor alignment with programme objectives
- Incomplete safeguarding or insurance details (for clubs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Sports Grant & Bursary Programme?
It is a funding scheme supporting athletes, clubs, and sports organisations in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.
How much funding is available?
Up to £400 per application, with possible 100% funding of eligible costs.
Who can apply?
Local sports clubs, individual athletes, and National Governing Bodies (NGBs).
Can applications be submitted after activities start?
No. Retrospective applications are not accepted.
What sports are eligible?
Sports recognised by Sport Northern Ireland.
Is funding guaranteed each year?
No. All applications are assessed competitively and previous awards do not guarantee future funding.
What is the main purpose of the programme?
To increase participation in sport, support athletes, and promote inclusion and community wellbeing.
Conclusion
The Sports Grant & Bursary Programme 2026–27 provides targeted financial support to strengthen sport at the grassroots level across the Causeway Coast and Glens region. By funding athletes, clubs, and governing bodies, it helps improve participation, inclusion, and development pathways in recognised sports.
The programme plays a vital role in building healthier, more active, and more connected communities through accessible and well-supported sporting opportunities.
For more information, visit Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.