Applications open for Sport and Leisure Events Grant (UK)

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The Sport and Leisure Events Grant provides funding for eligible sports events held in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough of Northern Ireland. Voluntary constituted groups and sports clubs can receive 50% of eligible event costs, up to £2,000 for local events, £8,000 for national events, or £15,000 for international events. What Is the Sport and Leisure Events Grant? The Sport and Leisure Events Grant supports sporting events that contribute to the development and promotion of sport in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. The programme is designed to help organisations deliver local, national, and international sporting events that: Applicants should check the detailed grant guidance before preparing their final budget because additional exclusions may apply. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their application well before the planned event.

Step 1: Confirm Your Organisation Is Eligible

Check that your organisation:

Is a voluntary constituted group or sports club. Has been established for more than five years. Is involved in a sport recognised by the relevant governing bodies. Meets the programme’s equality and fair-practice requirements.

Step 2: Confirm the Event Location

The sporting event must be held within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough.

Step 3: Identify the Event Category

Determine whether the proposed event qualifies as: Local. National. International. This determines the maximum grant available.

Step 4: Prepare the Event Budget

Identify all anticipated eligible and ineligible costs. The grant can cover 50% of eligible costs, subject to the relevant maximum award. Applicants should also identify their contribution and any other sources of funding.

Step 5: Prepare Supporting Information

The application should clearly explain:

What the event is. When and where it will take place. Who will participate. The expected number of participants and visitors. How the event supports sport. How it benefits Antrim and Newtownabbey. How the event will generate wider community or economic benefits. How grant funding will be spent.

Step 6: Submit the Application in Advance

Applications must be submitted at least six months before the event date. Applicants should therefore avoid leaving the application until shortly before the event.

Step 7: Apply Under One Category

An applicant can apply in only one event category per financial year. Important Application Tips Applicants can strengthen their proposals by demonstrating clear benefits to the local area.

Key points to consider include:

Explain why the event is needed. Provide realistic participant and visitor estimates. Clearly separate eligible and ineligible costs. Demonstrate the event’s contribution to sports development. Explain how the event promotes Antrim and Newtownabbey. Highlight potential economic benefits. Demonstrate community participation and inclusion. Submit the application at least six months before the event. Avoid including routine organisational expenses in the grant request. A clear and evidence-based event plan can make it easier for assessors to understand the proposed impact. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should avoid the following errors: Applying less than six months before the event. Applying for an event that has already started. Requesting funding for wages or general running costs. Including insurance or clothing costs as eligible expenditure. Failing to demonstrate the organisation’s eligibility. Choosing the wrong event category. Applying in more than one category during the same financial year. Providing an unclear or unsupported event budget. Failing to demonstrate how the event benefits the local community. Key Facts About the Sport and Leisure Events Grant

Programme: Sport and Leisure Events Grant.

Purpose: Support sporting events and promote sports development.

Funding rate: 50% of eligible costs.

Local event maximum: £2,000.

National event maximum: £8,000.

International event maximum: £15,000.

Eligible applicants: Voluntary constituted groups and sports clubs.

Minimum organisational age: More than five years.

Event location: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough.

Application timing: At least six months before the event.

Applications per financial year: One category only.

Sports requirement: Sport recognised by Sport NI, an Irish governing body, or a UK registered governing body.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Sport and Leisure Events Grant? The Sport and Leisure Events Grant provides financial support for eligible sporting events in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. It aims to promote sports development, participation, community engagement, and the profile of the Borough. How much funding can a sports event receive? Funding covers 50% of eligible costs, up to £2,000 for local events, £8,000 for national events, and £15,000 for international events. Who can apply for the grant? Eligible applicants include voluntary constituted groups and sports clubs that have been established for more than five years and are involved in sports recognised by Sport NI, an Irish governing body, or a UK registered governing body. What expenses can the grant cover? Eligible expenses can include reasonable catering, equipment and marquee hire, trophies and awards, facility hire, marketing and PR, first aid cover, and accommodation for travelling officials staying within the Borough. Can the grant pay for staff wages or insurance? No. The programme excludes core costs such as wages and utilities, as well as insurance, clothing, entertainment, legal costs, and general administration expenses. How early should an application be submitted? Applications must be submitted at least six months before the event date. Events that have already commenced are not eligible. Can an organisation apply for more than one event category? No. Applicants can apply in only one category per financial year. Conclusion The Sport and Leisure Events Grant p