Deadline: 14-May-2026
The Noah Donohoe Youth Sports Fund provides grants of up to £2,000 to support sports clubs in Northern Ireland working with young people aged 11–18. The fund helps cover costs such as equipment, coaching, and travel to improve participation and development.
Delivered by the Community Foundation Northern Ireland, it prioritizes clubs with limited income and strong community impact.
What is the Noah Donohoe Youth Sports Fund?
This fund was established in memory of Noah Donohoe to support youth sports development and increase access to opportunities for young people.
It aims to:
- Improve participation in sports
- Support grassroots sports clubs
- Enhance youth development through physical activity
- Provide equitable access to sporting opportunities
Funding Details
Grant Amount
- Up to £2,000 per club
Spending Period
- Funds must be used within 12 months
Priority
- Clubs with limited financial resources
What Costs Are Supported?
The fund covers:
1. Equipment & Kits
- Sports gear
- Uniforms
2. Coaching Costs
- Training sessions
- Qualified coaches
3. Venue Hire
- Facilities for training or matches
4. Travel Costs
- Transport for competitions or events
5. Youth Development Activities
- Programs that enhance skills and participation
Why This Fund Matters
Many young people face barriers to participating in sports due to cost and access.
This fund helps:
- Increase youth participation in sports
- Support physical and mental wellbeing
- Strengthen local sports clubs
- Create opportunities for skill development
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Organizations
Applicants must be:
- Locally based in Northern Ireland
- Not-for-profit, voluntary, or community groups
- Constituted sports clubs with charitable purposes
Organizational Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Active management committee
- Governing document
- Organizational bank account
- Up-to-date annual accounts
- Compliance with previous grants (if applicable)
Target Beneficiaries
- Young people aged 11–18
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify Needs
- Define what your club requires (equipment, coaching, etc.)
- Prepare Application
- Explain funding need and expected impact
- Demonstrate Impact
- Show how the grant will improve opportunities for youth
- Submit Application
- Through Community Foundation Northern Ireland
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Clear need for funding
- Impact on young people’s participation
- Financial need of the club
- Feasibility of proposed activities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly explain how funds will benefit youth
- Provide specific examples (e.g., number of participants)
- Show financial need and sustainability
- Highlight community impact
- Keep the proposal realistic and focused
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Vague or unclear funding purpose
- Missing required documents
- Overestimating impact without evidence
- Applying without proper governance structure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to £2,000.
2. Who manages the fund?
The Community Foundation Northern Ireland.
3. Who can apply?
Not-for-profit sports clubs in Northern Ireland.
4. What age group is supported?
Young people aged 11 to 18.
5. What costs are eligible?
Equipment, coaching, venue hire, travel, and development activities.
6. How long do I have to use the funds?
Within 12 months of receiving the grant.
7. Are low-income clubs prioritized?
Yes, especially if the fund is oversubscribed.
Conclusion
The Noah Donohoe Youth Sports Fund is a valuable opportunity for grassroots sports clubs to expand access and improve opportunities for young people.
By supporting essential costs and prioritizing inclusion, the fund helps strengthen communities and empower youth through sport.
For more information, visit The Community Foundation Northern Ireland.