With the fund expected to open shortly, clubs that take steps now to get "grant ready" will place themselves in the strongest possible position to submit a successful application.
Earlier this year, Irish Rugby hosted a dedicated webinar for clubs featuring Patricia Keenan, Director of Funding at 2into3, who shared practical guidance on how clubs can maximise their chances of securing funding.
A key message from the session was that successful applications are built around a clear understanding of a club's needs and the impact a project will have on its community.
Rather than pursuing funding based solely on what is available, clubs were encouraged to clearly define who they serve, identify local needs, and demonstrate how their proposed project will increase participation in sport and community engagement.
Strong applications typically showcase the broad role rugby clubs play within their communities, including their work with:
- Children and young people
- Women and girls
- People with disabilities
- Communities in rural or disadvantaged areas
- Wider community groups and organisations
Projects eligible for support generally focus on facilities and equipment that directly contribute to sporting participation. Examples include:
- Playing and training facilities
- Changing rooms and ancillary facilities
- Accessibility and disability access improvements
- Sports equipment
- Floodlighting and training lights
- Sustainability and energy-efficiency upgrades
- Applications can be further strengthened by demonstrating commitments to inclusion, female participation, shared community use and environmental sustainability. Measures such as LED lighting, solar energy installations and energy-efficient equipment can all add value to a proposal.
Get Grant Ready
- Clubs are encouraged to begin gathering key documentation now, including:
- Proof of ownership or long-term lease arrangements
- A club development or strategic plan
- Project cost estimates and quotations
- Planning permission documentation (where applicable)
- Evidence of match funding
- Common issues that can delay or weaken applications include incomplete documentation, insufficient proof of match funding, incorrect supporting information and last-minute submissions.
- The webinar also highlighted a range of alternative funding opportunities available to clubs, including local authority grants, SEAI energy supports and other community funding programmes.
- With the application window expected to be relatively short, early preparation will be critical.
- Even if a club is unsuccessful in its first application, the experience gained can provide valuable insights and significantly strengthen future submissions.
Watch The Webinar
- Clubs can click here to watch the full Community Sports Facilities Fund Webinar for detailed guidance, advice and examples
Finnegan continues: "The Community Sports Facilities Fund represents a significant opportunity for clubs planning facility developments and improvements, and I would encourage clubs to begin preparing now and to explore all funding opportunities that may be available to them."
For further information on funding supports, visit 2into3 at https://2into3.com/services/funding/ or contact colm.finnegan@irfu.ie.