The Football Foundation has launched its new scheme called “Grow the Game” which has replaced the Small Grants Scheme and has undergone some significant changes. The grant it will align itself more closely with the FA National Game Strategy and the County FA strategy targets.
What has changed?
There is a number of significant differences between the schemes,
• Reducing the maximum grant available from 9k to 5k
• Two funding “windows” per year
• Applicants can now pick from an item menu to demonstrate how they want to spend the grant
• Direct partnership funding is no longer required
• Educational establishments only to be funded at 50%
• Claims will now be made on an annual basis
Who can apply?
Any non profit groups can apply for the “Grow the Game” Grant with applications from groups such as leagues, football development groups or school sport partnerships are accepted.
The Football Foundation will work with the Local County FA’s to determine whether group applications are the best use of resources.
Our priority will be with the clubs rather than leagues as this is more robust and sustainable way of developing teams.
How does it work?
In order to manage time and budget more effectively there will be two application “windows” per year.
The first window will open on 1st July and remain open for 8 weeks until 28th August with applications received within this period will be considered for projects to start early in 2010.
The County FA and Football Foundation will support applicants at this stage to ensure they understand the process and they are inline with the National Game Strategy.
Online applications can be completed but will need all the relevant documents attached e.g. Constitution, Safeguarding Children, Equality Policies etc. These supporting documents should be attached with the online application. If they cannot be attached they should be submitted by post and received by the Football Foundation before the closure of the window.
Any application not submitting the relevant documents will not be considered for Football Foundation Funding.
Organisations can only have one Grow the Game grant running at once and c an only apply once every four years.
Those clubs who have an existing grant under the old scheme cannot submit a new Grow the Grant application.
Funding Options
Another main criteria change is how the money will be distributed to the club / organisation. The club / organisation must create a minimum of one tea and there is no maximum to the number of teams created.
Applications stating just one team can only receive up to £2,500 over 2 years with the funding being taken down into year 1 = £2000, Year 2 = £500. Applications for starting two or more teams the maximum grant is £5000. Please see the below to show options for funding breakdown.
New Teams / Year One Two Three
One Team £2,000 £500 N/A
Two Teams in year one £4,000 £1,000 N/A
Two Teams (One each year) £2,000 £2,500 £500
Funding Menu
The new funding menu gives a list of eligible items that the grant can be spent on.
1. Facility Hire
2. Hire of FA Qualified Coaches
3. Referee Fees
4. FA Coaching Courses
5. Affiliation Fees
6. League Entry Fees
7. CRB Checks
8. Promotional and Recruitment
9. First Aid Kits
There will be a maximum amount that can be spent on each item, if an invoice is received that is larger than the maximum amount only the maximum amount will be paid.
Prioritisation
In order to effectively manage the budget available and to make sure the funding is contributing to the National Game Strategy, all applications will be discussed by the Football Foundation and the County FA assessed and then prioritised.
Grant Management Workshops
To provide continued support in successful applications, Grant Management workshops will be delivered in partnership with the Football Foundation and County FA.
One workshop will take place immediately after the grant is awarded and then they will be annually.
Projects will be encouraged to attend these workshops to run through the claims process, terms and conditions, any amendments and to ensure groups are supported in managing the grant successfully.
For more information and application form (From 1st July 2009) please visit www.footballfoundation.org.uk