Grants and Funding

Ards and North Down Sports Forum Grants are now open for 2026-27

Sports Forum Grants are only available to Sports Forum members who have been affiliated for a minimum of three months prior to application. 
Click here for details and to apply for Sports Forum membership.

£90,000 has been allocated for 2026/2027 financial year, application forms and guidance notes for each grant are available:

• By clicking on the links below.
• By emailing sportsdevelopment@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
• By contacting Sports Development on 0300 013 3333 ext.40338

Grant workshops have been organised for anyone who wishes to learn more about the process:
Wednesday 22 April 2pm to 4pm at Londonderry Park, Newtownards, book by 15 April
Wednesday 29 April 2pm to 4pm at Bangor Aurora, Bangor, book by 22 April.
Places can be booked by emailing Sports Development on the above email. Please give the names of attendees and preferred session.

2026-27 Sports Forum Grants

The various funding streams available include the following:

• Anniversary -  Application Form  /  Guidance Notes - Grant value up to £750
• Coach Education -  Application Form  /  Guidance Notes - Grant value up to £500
• Goldcard - Application Form / Guidance Notes - Access to Council leisure facilities.
• Individual Travel and Accommodation - Application Form  /  Guidance Notes - Grant value up to £600
• Schools/Sports Clubs Pathway -  Application Form  /  Guidance Notes - Grant value up to £500
• Seeding -  Application Form  /  Guidance Notes - Grant value up to £1000
• Sports Equipment* - Application Form  /  Guidance Notes
• Events* - Application Form  /  Guidance Notes

*Sports Equipment and Event grants are available in 2 tranches: 
Tranche 1 - closes at 12 noon Wednesday 13 May
Tranche 2 - opens at 12 noon Tuesday 1 September, closes at 12 noon Tuesday 13 October.

Application is now open for the 2026-27 scheme and closes at 12 noon on Monday 1 June 2026.

Capital Grants Application Form

Capital Grants Application Guidance Notes

The Sports Development Capital Grant Programme provides financial assistance to eligible Sports Clubs for the delivery of capital projects and the purchase of capital equipment. ‘Capital Expenditure’ is defined as expenditure for purchase, improvement, restoration and construction of an asset directly related to the applicant organisation. It should have ‘physical substance’ i.e. be a tangible asset that can be listed on an asset register or a company’s balance sheet (e.g. equipment, buildings) for use in the delivery of an organisation’s activities; and it should have a useful life of more than one year. 

The Council has set aside £90,000 for 2026/27 financial year and can award up to 60% of eligible capital costs with a maximum award of £6,000 in respect of any one project. Following grant assessment and allocations and if there is funding remaining, Council may consider awarding grants of more than £6,000 should the need be identified and in merit order.