Funding for Sports Clubs: The Complete 2026 Guide to Grants for Kids' Clubs in Ireland

The Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF)

The Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF), previously known as the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP), is the largest source of government funding for sports clubs in Ireland. Run by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, it has supported grassroots sports facilities across Ireland for decades.

The fund supports a wide range of projects, including facility builds or upgrades, floodlighting, pitches, changing rooms and gym equipment. Grant amounts vary but can go up to €200,000 for local projects, €500,000 for regional projects or up to €70,000 for equipment-only applications, which is particularly helpful for clubs that don’t own their own facilities. Eligible clubs include voluntary clubs, not‑for‑profit sports clubs, governing bodies and joint applications with local authorities or education bodies, provided clubs contribute at least 5% of project costs themselves. For‑profit organisations, personal equipment and projects already started before approval are not eligible.

Local Sports Partnership Grants for Sports Clubs

Local Sports Partnership (LSP) grants are one of the most accessible funding routes for kids’ activity clubs in Ireland. Funded jointly by Sport Ireland and local authorities, there are 29 LSPs across the country (one in every county) with each running its own annual grant schemes, usually opening from mid‑year onwards. These grants are designed for grassroots, community‑level clubs and are ideal for early‑stage clubs or those looking to run new programmes.

LSP grants for kids' clubs are often for smaller amounts but easier to secure, with most grants ranging from around €500 to €2,500 and equipment grants ranging between €1,500 and €4,000, depending on the scheme. Funding can cover things like coaching courses, sports equipment and volunteer development. Eligibility criteria are broadly similar across counties: clubs must be not‑for‑profit, affiliated with a Sport Ireland‑recognised National Governing Body, have a working committee and bank account and operate within the relevant county.

Because funding types, amounts, and deadlines vary by location, it’s important to check your local LSP directly for the most up‑to‑date schemes and requirements. Find your local contact with the LSP Contact Finder.

National Lottery Funding

A significant amount of Ireland’s National Lottery funding goes back into sporting and community initiatives, supporting clubs through a few key routes including through LSPs and the CSFF (as noted above). National Lottery money underpins much of the government funding available for grassroots sport, even when it isn’t called a “National Lottery grant”.

The easiest way to access National Lottery funding is through your county Local Sports Partnership, which offers annual grants typically ranging from €500 to €2,500. Clubs may also be accessing National Lottery support indirectly through CSFF capital grants or local authority community grants so if your club already applies for these types of funding, there’s a strong chance you’re benefiting from National Lottery investment.  It's worth checking all routes for grants for kids' clubs locally each year!

The Dormant Accounts Fund is a unique source of funding in Ireland, using unclaimed money from dormant bank and credit union accounts to support people who are disadvantaged or who have a disability. The sports element of the fund is jointly managed by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Sport Ireland. In 2025, a total of €4.17 million was invested in community sport and physical activity initiatives, with funding distributed through Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) and National Governing Bodies (NGBs).

This fund is particularly valuable for kids’ activity clubs that work with disadvantaged communities, children or young people with disabilities or groups underrepresented in sport. To explore grants from this fund, you can contact your local LSP and NGB and ask whether they are distributing Dormant Accounts funding for 2026 as clubs cannot usually apply for this funding directly.

The LEADER Rural Development Programme

The LEADER Programme is a fantastic funding option for kids’ activity clubs and sports clubs based in rural Ireland that is co-founded by the EU. Clubs located in towns or areas with fewer than 10,000 people can use LEADER funding to improve or refurbish facilities, purchase equipment, build infrastructure or launch new community‑focused sports and activity programmes for young people.

Grants typically range from €5,000 to €50,000 and are well suited to clubs looking to upgrade premises, add outdoor or shared facilities or expand their programme or class offering. LEADER funding in Ireland is run locally through Local Action Groups (LAGs) rather than a national application process and priorities can vary by county. To explore this funding, you can contact your county council for the relevant LEADER or LAG contact and arrange an initial conversation. Speaking to a LAG development officer before applying will allow you to check whether your project fits local priorities.

Get the Support You Need to Secure Funding for Your Sports Club

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