New Movement Fund set to “revolutionise” Sport England funding applications for smaller grants

Sport England has changed its small grant application process in an effort to make it easier for sports clubs and other organisations to secure funding for their projects.

The new Movement Fund, launched this week, aims to simplify funding applications and help those with the “greatest need”.

Worth £160 million over the next four years, the new fund replaces Sport England’s existing Small Grants Programme and Active Together fund.

Aimed at community groups, local clubs and grassroots organisations, Movement FUnd will offer investments of between £300 and £15,000.

The launch coincides with the introduction of a new Movement Hub pilot, designed to make it easier for organisations to find Sport England’s existing tools and resources. 

General eligibility criteria for the Movement Fund include: 

• An organisation working with people living in England 
• An organisation being not-for-profit 
• An organisation not being based on investment in equipment or facilities for football-only projects (these organisations should instead apply to the Football Foundation) 

According to Sport England CEO, Tim Hollingsworth, the launch of the new fund “marks a significant milestone” in the delivery of Sport England’s strategy, Uniting the Movement.

“In our implementation plan we committed to simplifying access to our open funding, with a single point of entry for anyone wanting to be a part of the movement,” Hollingsworth said. “Today we make good on that commitment.

“We know that choosing the best fund to apply for can be confusing, which is why we’ve worked hard to create a single application form that allows us to do the hard work and best assess your suitability.

“But while the method of application may have changed, our intention to unashamedly prioritise funding for people and communities who need it most, has not.

“Whether it’s a crowdfunding pledge or a grant, the Movement Fund is here to help our mission to tackle deep-rooted inequalities and unlock the advantages of sport and physical activity for everyone, to become a reality.”

To find out more about the new fund, click here.