Deadline: 26-Oct-2026
The Michael Austin Harlick Fund provides grants to support young athletes in Hampshire by funding awards, trophies, and initiatives that promote sports participation. Grants range from £200 to £1,000 and are available to not-for-profit community organizations, schools, and sports clubs. The program aims to celebrate sporting achievements, encourage inclusion, and remove barriers to youth participation in sports and physical activity.
Overview
The Michael Austin Harlick Fund is a grant program dedicated to rewarding and supporting young athletes in Hampshire. Established in memory of Michael Austin Harlick—a Gosport resident and World War II veteran devoted to sport—the fund provides financial assistance to organizations promoting youth sports.
Key Objectives
-
Celebrate sporting achievements of young people
-
Fund the purchase of challenge cups, shields, and medals for leagues and open competitions
-
Promote sport participation across Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Southampton
-
Support initiatives that address barriers to inclusion in sports and physical activity
Funding Details
-
Grant range: £200 – £1,000
-
Funding source: Michael Austin Harlick Fund
-
Eligible organizations: Not-for-profit community organizations, schools, sports associations, and clubs
-
Each organization may receive only one grant per 12-month period
-
Ineligible uses: Internal club competitions and participation awards
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
-
County and district junior sports associations
-
Hampshire school sports associations
-
Cluster groups of schools or individual schools applying on behalf of multiple schools
-
Clubs hosting open tournaments
-
Groups addressing barriers to inclusion in sports and physical activity for young people
Geographic Requirement
-
Projects must be based in and support work within Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Southampton
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
-
Confirm eligibility as a not-for-profit organization operating in Hampshire
-
Define project focus (e.g., trophies, medals, open competitions, inclusion initiatives)
-
Prepare application detailing objectives, project plan, and expected impact
-
Submit application (one submission per organization per 12 months)
-
Await decision from the Michael Austin Harlick Fund
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
-
Relevance to promoting youth sports
-
Impact on sporting achievements and participation
-
Contribution to inclusion and removing barriers
-
Use of funds for awards and recognitions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Applying for internal club competitions or participation awards
-
Submitting multiple applications within the same 12-month period
-
Proposing projects outside Hampshire
-
Failing to clearly demonstrate impact on youth sports or inclusion
Why This Program Matters
The Michael Austin Harlick Fund:
-
Encourages young people to participate and excel in sports
-
Supports community organizations that promote youth inclusion
-
Celebrates achievements with trophies, medals, and recognition
-
Strengthens sports culture and accessibility in Hampshire
Conclusion
The Michael Austin Harlick Fund is an important opportunity for organizations in Hampshire to support young athletes, reward sporting excellence, and promote inclusive participation in sports. With clear objectives, focused use of funds, and a community-oriented approach, the program fosters a thriving environment for youth sports and development.
For more information, visit HiWCF.