The fund is expected to open for applications from 1 October until 1 January 2027.
Cash4Clubs is a small grants scheme set up in 2008 to support local sports clubs. Distributing around £5million so far, the programme has supported hundreds and thousands of people across the UK and Ireland.
The 2025 programme is focused on supporting adult participation in sport. Funding is available to groups that support over 18s only.
Since Cash4Clubs aims to get vital funds to clubs that need it most, priority will be given to applications from groups working in areas of high deprivation and engaging adults from specific under-represented groups. That means those who:
- Are supporting adults living in an area of high deprivation. (Using Government Indices of Multiple Deprivation and the Pobal HP Deprivation Index).
- Increase access to sport for one or more under-represented groups, including women, people from racially diverse communities, people with disabilities and people from the LGBTQ+ community.
- Encourage adults who would not usually engage in sport to take part. Examples include activities that support physical and mental wellbeing or tackle issues such as loneliness and rural isolation.
- Address broader social issues for the local community, for example tackling crime and anti-social behaviour or supporting community cohesion.
There is a total fund of £500,000 for 2025/26.
250 unrestricted grants of £2,000 are available
The funding should be spent within a six-month period.
Who Can Apply
Applications are accepted from not-for-profit organisations, including charities, community groups and traditional sports clubs.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- Be either registered charities or clubs with a structured governance and constitution.
- Demonstrate that they are using sport for wider social purposes and aiming to increase participation of adults from underrepresented groups. There is particular interest in reaching groups working in areas of higher deprivation.
Eligible Expenditure
The funding is unrestricted and can be used for anything that will support the organisation to continue and/or grow their sports activities for adults.
Typical examples of costs might include a contribution towards:
- Venue hire
- Utilities such as heating or lighting
- Coaching costs
- Volunteer expenses
- Equipment
- Kit
- Marketing and communications
- Training and qualifications
- Insurances and affiliations
How To Apply
The fund is expected to open for applications from 1 October until 1 January 2027.
The guidelines and information on the application process are available online