This fund has been developed to help sport and physical recreation organisations to meet their obligations, particularly fixed costs, which are no longer supported with revenue due to COVID-19. This might cover expenditure on rent/lease, utility costs, essential ground maintenance and insurances. 2000 pound small grant scheme for sports clubs and organisations from the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland .
Sport Northern Ireland suspended new applications to the Sports Hardship Fund on 17 April pending confirmation of additional funding. Sport NI invested a further £495,000 into the Sports Hardship Fund on 12 June 2020 for allocation to existing applicants.
Eligibility criteria:
Any organisation delivering sport and physical recreation can apply if experiencing short term financial hardship. These organisations include:
- National Governing Body of Sport (based in NI)
- Constituted local sports clubs affiliated to a Governing Body of Sport recognised by Sport NI
- Community and voluntary sector organisations that deliver or enable sport and/or physical recreation
- Small charitable trusts that do not qualify for financial help elsewhere