Application Invited for Sport and Leisure Events Grant 2026 United Kingdom, Funding is available for sport and leisure events organised by governing bodies and sports clubs in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. The scheme supports events that promote and develop sport while delivering economic benefits and raising the profile of the Borough and its facilities.
The Council can provide funding of up to 50% of eligible event costs, subject to maximum funding limits. Eligible events may be held at local, national or international level, provided they take place within the Borough.
Applications must be submitted at least six months before the event date to allow sufficient time for Council approval. Funding is not available for events that have already taken place.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: 31st October 2026
Application Invited for Sport and Leisure Events Grant 2026 United Kingdom
The Sports Events Grant supports Governing Bodies and Sports Clubs that organise sporting events within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. The programme aims to encourage the development of sport, generate economic benefits for the local area, and increase the profile of the Borough and its sporting facilities.
Grant Categories
| Event Category | Example | Maximum Funding |
| Local Events | Local road race held within the Borough | 50% of eligible costs, up to £2,000 |
| National Events | UK or Irish sporting event held within the Borough | 50% of eligible costs, up to £8,000 |
| International Events | International cross-country or European netball event held within the Borough | 50% of eligible costs, up to £15,000 |
Application Invited for Sport and Leisure Events Grant 2026 United Kingdom
General Grant Principles
Funding is awarded according to demonstrated need. Supported projects should provide a clear benefit to the Borough and contribute to improving opportunities and outcomes for local communities.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that:
- The proposed event has a clear purpose supported by evidence of need.
- The event meets the relevant grant eligibility criteria.
- The project can deliver high-quality outcomes while providing good value for money.
- The applicant organisation is appropriately managed and has sufficient capacity to deliver the event.
- The proposed activity supports the Council’s statutory responsibilities and is consistent with its Corporate Plan and Community Plan.
Application Invited for Sport and Leisure Events Grant 2026 United Kingdom
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for funding, applicants and events must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements:
- The event must take place within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough.
- The sport must be recognised by Sport NI or an Irish or UK registered Governing Body.
- The applicant organisation must generally have been established for more than five years.
- Applications can normally be submitted under only one grant category per financial year.
- Applications must be submitted at least six months before the event.
- Applicants must be voluntary constituted groups.
- Organisations must have a proper constitution, defined aims and activities, and an established decision-making process acceptable to the Council.
- Groups must demonstrate a fair and equitable approach consistent with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
- The proposed event must not duplicate existing activities.
- Applicants should provide independently verified or certified annual accounts. New groups may provide a bank statement where applicable.
- Successful applicants must agree to participate in the Council’s monitoring, evaluation and training requirements where requested.
What Can Be Funded?
The grant may contribute towards reasonable costs directly associated with delivering an eligible sporting event. Examples include:
- Catering costs
- Marquee and other equipment hire
- Trophies and awards
- Venue and facility hire
- Equipment hire
- Marketing and public relations
- First-aid provision
- Accommodation for travelling officials staying within the Borough
This list is not exhaustive, and individual costs will be assessed against the programme’s eligibility requirements.
What Cannot Be Funded?
The Council will not normally support expenditure such as:
- Events that have already started when the application is submitted
- Costs already supported through another funding source or income stream
- Core organisational expenses, including wages and utilities
- Legal expenses relating to the event
- Charity or fundraising events
- Clothing and uniforms
- Club or event insurance
- Entertainment such as face painters and bouncy castles
- Confectionery or drinks intended for resale at a profit
- Appearance fees
- Site cleaning before or after the event
- General administration costs
- Alcohol
- Short-life equipment such as balls, bibs and similar items
Additional Exclusions
Funding will not normally be provided for:
- Individuals’ salary costs or unrelated personal expenses
- Retrospective expenditure
- Applications submitted after the closing date
- Events or organisations based outside the Borough
- Activities that fall under the responsibility of another statutory body
- Rent or hire of the applicant’s own facilities
- Unrelated professional fees, such as solicitor, surveyor or architect fees
- Bank charges, loans, deficits or fines
- Costs already funded through another source
- Projects that do not provide a significant benefit to the Borough
- Activities that duplicate existing provision
- Projects inconsistent with Council policies, including the Corporate Plan, Community Plan or Leisure Strategy
- Payments to the applicant organisation’s own staff, volunteers, board members or other individuals involved in delivering the project—for example, a club coach cannot receive grant funding for providing coaching to their own club
- Organisations that have previously failed to comply with the conditions attached to a Council grant
- Alcohol or refreshments
- Community festivals or fun days
Application Deadline
Applications for Sports Events Grant funding must be submitted at least six months before the planned event date. Applications for events that have already commenced or taken place will not be eligible.
The Council aims to operate a grant process that is transparent, accessible and inclusive, with clear guidance, publicly available funding information, communicated decision-making procedures and an appeals process for unsuccessful applicants.
Why This Grant Opportunity Is Important
The Sports Events Grant provides an important opportunity for sports clubs and governing bodies to secure financial support for events that can benefit both sport and the wider community. By covering up to 50% of eligible event costs, the programme can help organisations stage local, national and international competitions without having to meet the full cost themselves.
The grant can also help bring higher-profile sporting events to the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough, attracting participants, spectators and visitors and generating wider economic activity. International and national events, in particular, can showcase the Borough’s facilities and strengthen its reputation as a destination for sporting activities.
For local clubs, the funding can reduce financial barriers to organising quality events, while supporting participation, sporting development and community engagement. Since funding is based on demonstrated need and expected benefits, applicants should clearly explain how their proposed event will create lasting value for the Borough.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Explain the need clearly
Describe why the event is required, who will benefit and what gap or opportunity it addresses. Avoid making general statements without supporting evidence. - Show the benefit to the Borough
Explain how the event will promote sport, increase participation, attract visitors, support local businesses or raise the profile of Antrim and Newtownabbey. - Provide a realistic budget
Clearly identify eligible expenditure and demonstrate that the requested funding represents good value for money. Remember that the grant can cover up to 50% of eligible costs, subject to the relevant maximum award. - Demonstrate your organisation’s capacity
Provide evidence that your club or governing body is properly constituted, financially responsible and capable of successfully delivering the proposed event. - Plan well in advance
Applications must normally be submitted at least six months before the event. Do not wait until the last minute, particularly where Council approval is required. - Avoid ineligible costs
Check the guidance carefully before preparing your budget. Items such as alcohol, insurance, clothing, administration costs, appearance fees and short-life equipment are generally not eligible. - Demonstrate value for money
Explain how the funding will contribute to meaningful outcomes and, where appropriate, show how other income or funding sources will contribute to the overall event budget. - Make your outcomes measurable
Include specific targets such as expected participant numbers, visitor numbers, sporting development outcomes, local economic benefits or promotional reach. - Check your supporting documents
Make sure your constitution, accounts or other required financial documents are available and correctly submitted with the application. - Avoid duplication
Explain why the event provides something different from existing activities and how it complements rather than duplicates other provision in the Borough.
How to apply?
Interested applicants should book a place at one the person/online Grant
Information Sessions where officers will take groups through the grant funding
available as well as the new application forms and online process. For further
information please visit Council’s Grants and Funding webpage:
https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/residents/grants-funding/
Contact details:
For further information, please contact: The Funding Unit E:
fundingunit@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
T: 0300 123 1580
Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below
Get full access to the grant information, visit the Official Website Link
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the Sports Events Grant?
The grant is primarily available to Governing Bodies and Sports Clubs that meet the programme’s eligibility requirements. The applicant must generally be a properly constituted voluntary organisation that has been established for more than five years.
2. How much funding can an organisation receive?
The amount depends on the type of event. Local events can receive up to £2,000, national events up to £8,000, and international events up to £15,000. In each case, the grant can cover up to 50% of eligible costs, subject to the applicable maximum award.
3. Can the grant fund an event outside Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough?
No. The event must take place within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough to be eligible for this funding programme.
4. How early should an application be submitted?
Applications must normally be submitted at least six months before the event takes place. Retrospective applications and funding for events that have already commenced are not eligible.
5. Can the grant pay for any event expense?
No. Funding is limited to eligible expenditure. Examples of potentially eligible costs include facilities and equipment hire, trophies and awards, first aid, marketing and PR, reasonable catering, and accommodation for travelling officials staying within the Borough. Costs such as alcohol, insurance, clothing, administration, legal fees and short-life equipment are generally excluded.
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