Bridgend launches £1,000 grants for grassroots sport
Sports clubs and community organisations in Bridgend County Borough can apply for grants of up to £1,000 through the council’s new Support for Sport Fund. The scheme, launched on 14 October, supports projects intended to increase participation in sport and physical activity. Organisations can submit one application per financial year, subject to funding remaining available.
Support for Sport Fund application rules
- Application frequency
- One per financial year
- Venue hire for new activities
- Up to 10 weeks
- Project completion
- Within 12 months of funding
Who can apply
Eligible applicants include constituted sports clubs, community groups providing sport or physical activity, and community or voluntary organisations operating in the county borough. National Governing Body affiliation is required for certain sports and activities. Applicants must have a bank account in the organisation’s name and a constitution or governing document. Appropriate safeguarding, equality, health and safety and insurance arrangements are also required where applicable.
What the grant can pay for
The fund can support equipment, coaching and officiating qualifications, volunteer training, taster sessions, disability inclusion equipment and community sport events. It can also cover start-up costs for new projects and promotional materials intended to increase participation. Venue hire is eligible for new activities for up to ten weeks. Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding. Successful organisations must provide an end-of-project report, expenditure evidence and participant numbers. The application form and full guidance are linked from the council’s Support for Sport Fund page. Awards are assessed by the Support for Sport Panel and depend on money being available; £1,000 is the maximum award, not a guaranteed payment.
Brackla’s courts upgraded
The launch also highlights a separate facilities investment by the council and Sport Wales’ Capital Investment Fund at Brackla Sports Centre, based at Archbishop McGrath Catholic School. Two existing hard courts have been converted into one all-weather, multi-use playing surface, with LED floodlighting. The council says the upgraded space will support school sport, local clubs and community activities beyond the school day. The facilities investment is separate from applications to the new grants scheme.