The Football Foundation closed its very successful Small Grant Scheme before Christmas 2008. From 1ST July 2009 they will be launching a new fund called Grow the Game. The scheme is similar to the previous Small Grants Scheme in its make up. The key point is that it is seeking to fund football which supports new activity and players taking part in the game.
The main differences are as follows:
The grant will fund up to a maximum of £5000 worth of activity over two years.
Applications are accepted in windows (two per year) – the first is from 1st July to 28th August 2009 (NO applications will be considered after this date).
Applicants will find out in November whether they have been successful.
The process to apply is straightforward and the costs easier to workout as they are presented in a drop down table explaining what is available to access funding for.
No partnership funding is required but clubs will be asked to explain how the activity will continue once funding has expired.
The application process is entirely online.
What this means first of all is that this initial funding will be ideal for activity starting in January 2010. For example if you are looking to set up a mini soccer team(s) or add new adult players to your team from this time the funding available here could be ideal. The Football Foundation will NOT fund retrospectively so if you were to start activity in September 2009 this would be too early to be supported buy this fund.
You would also be able to then fund new activity should you be successful for teams and players joining or being set up for September 2010.
If you are interested in finding out more please don’t hesitate to give Steeven Sharpe, Football Development Officer, a call on 020 8515 6901 or email steeven.sharpe@middlesexfa.com to discuss this further.
The Football Foundations website is as follows http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/
What they encourage
projects conducted over a three-year period
projects aimed at engaging traditionally excluded groups, such as black and minority ethnic communities, women and girls and disabled groups
the introduction of new lunchtime/after school clubs which lead to inter school competition
the introduction of new age groups to a Club
Level One/Level Two coaching courses delivered as part of a wider programme which support the introduction of new teams/delivery of new activity
projects that work towards integrating new players into a league/competition