Sports Funding News

This article recognises that sports clubs and other organisations developing sports related projects need access to high quality, up to date information. The internet has many recreational and business uses and here we are interested in how it can be used to support fundraising efforts through sports statistics, funding information, grant applications, case studies and lists of grants awarded. Learn how to become a more astute, web savvy fundraiser!

Making best use of the internet

Keeping up to date with information on grants available is no mean feat. If you are lucky enough to have a proactive Local Authority, National Governing Body of Sport or County Sport Partnership, you may be already receiving information on grants which are available through a newsletter or bulletin. If not, then you need to find some shortcuts that will help you gain access to the latest news on funding sources.

Why you need to keep up to date

Finding out where sports clubs and community groups wanting to develop a sports project can apply to for grants, can happen as a result of reading about another sports clubs success in the local newspaper. Why wait to read about a potential funding opportunity? By that time, it is too late. You need to know about funding opportunities at the earliest stage possible, so you can consider whether your sports club should be applying. What�s more, there is evidence to suggest that sports clubs that apply early enjoy a higher success rate. So whether you are interested in lottery, charitable trust, European or central government grants, you need to access to up to date information.

Using the internet to research grants

The world wide web (the internet) is one of the most effective ways of accessing funding information. You can go direct to the websites of funding bodies and download online application forms, case studies and up to date details of grants available. If you are unsure which funds to apply for, you can access one site that provides current information on all sources of funding through a grants database. Smart use of the internet can save time and put you at an advantage because you have information at your fingertips.

Resources for fundraisers on the world wide web (www)

Lists of grants awarded

Sample proposals

Grants databases

Grant applications and guidance material

Statistics about your local area

Conclusion

Believe it or not, there are a multitude of organisations providing advice on the thousands of grants available. The result is information chaos or, if you do not know where to look, information starvation. Our courses can help you understand where to go to get the best information for your sports fundraising activities. The Certificate in Sports Funding runs online 5 times a year.

Louise Germaney is author of this article on Sport Grants. Find more information about Sport Funding here.