Open Call for Sport and Leisure Defibrillator Grant (UK)

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The Sport and Leisure Defibrillator Grant provides up to £1,500 in funding to eligible voluntary sports clubs and community groups in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and associated security casing. The grant covers 100% of eligible costs, but excludes replacement pads, batteries, and defibrillator training course costs. Sport and Leisure Defibrillator Grant – Antrim and Newtownabbey The Sport and Leisure Defibrillator Grant is a funding opportunity established by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to improve community safety and increase access to life-saving defibrillation equipment. The grant supports eligible local sports clubs and community groups in purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and an associated security casing. Eligible organisations can apply for up to £1,500, with 100% of eligible expenditure funded. What Is the Sport and Leisure Defibrillator Grant? The Sport and Leisure Defibrillator Grant helps community-based organisations obtain an AED that can be used during a suspected cardiac arrest. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyses a person’s heart rhythm and can deliver an electrical shock when appropriate to help restore a normal heart rhythm. The grant also supports the purchase of a security casing, which helps protect and securely store the AED at the organisation’s premises. The programme is designed specifically for eligible organisations located within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. Why the Defibrillator Grant Matters Access to an AED can be critical when someone experiences a sudden cardiac arrest. Having a defibrillator available at sports facilities and community locations can improve access to emergency equipment while professional medical assistance is being arranged. The grant supports community health and safety by helping eligible organisations establish access to essential emergency response equipment.

The programme can particularly benefit:

- Local sports clubs. - Community groups. - Community-based recreational facilities. - Organisations that regularly host sporting or community activities. - Venues where members of the public participate in physical activity or attend organised events. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible applicants can apply for a maximum grant of £1,500. The funding provides 100% support for eligible costs associated with the purchase of: - An Automated External Defibrillator (AED). - An associated security casing for the AED. Applicants should ensure that their proposed expenditure falls within the eligible cost categories before submitting an application. Who Is Eligible? The grant is specifically intended for qualifying organisations located within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. Eligible applicants must meet the programme’s organisational and training requirements, including: - Be a voluntary sports club or community group. - Be properly constituted. - Be based within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. - Have at least two members trained or working towards qualification to use a defibrillator. - Demonstrate a fair and equitable ethos consistent with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Applicants should be able to demonstrate that their organisation meets these requirements when applying for funding. What Does the Grant Fund? The Sport and Leisure Defibrillator Grant supports the purchase of equipment needed to make an AED available within an eligible community or sports setting.

Eligible expenditure includes:

- Purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator. - Purchase of an associated security casing. The grant is therefore focused on improving access to defibrillation equipment rather than providing general sports equipment, medical training, or ongoing AED maintenance. What Costs Are Not Eligible? Some costs are specifically excluded from grant support.

The funding does not cover:

- Replacement AED pads. - Replacement batteries. - Costs associated with defibrillator training courses. Organisations should therefore consider these ongoing or additional costs separately when planning to purchase and maintain an AED. How the Sport and Leisure Defibrillator Grant Works The grant provides financial assistance to eligible local organisations so they can purchase an AED and appropriate security casing.

The general process involves:

- Check eligibility: Confirm that the organisation is a voluntary, properly constituted sports club or community group based in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough.

- Check training requirements: Ensure that at least two members are trained or working towards qualification to use a defibrillator.

- Identify eligible equipment: Determine the AED and associated security casing required by the organisation.

- Prepare the application: Provide the information and supporting evidence required by the funding programme.

- Submit the application: Apply through the relevant Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council grant process.

- Use funding for eligible costs: If approved, use the grant funding for the permitted AED and security casing expenditure.

Important Requirements for Applicants Applicants should carefully review the programme requirements before applying.

Key requirements include:

- The organisation must be based within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. - The applicant must be a qualifying voluntary sports club or community group. - The organisation must be properly constituted. - At least two members must be trained or working towards qualification to use a defibrillator. - The organisation must demonstrate an equitable and inclusive ethos in accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. - The requested funding must relate to eligible AED and security casing costs. - The maximum grant request is £1,500. Common Mistakes and Application Tips Applicants can improve the clarity of their application by checking the eligibilit