Football Foundation - Small Grants

Small grant awards to help you keep playing the beautiful game. A number of areas of improvement are eligible in this fund;

Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund

Supporting clubs and leagues to provide better quality grass pitches and reducing the number of matches postponed is a key priority for the foundation. Purchase materials and engage professional contractors over a six-year period. Information also on specific funds page.

Grass Pitch Maintenance Machinery and Equipment

Effective machinery and equipment are essential for maintaining quality grass pitches. Grants can help with the purchase of new and previously owned pitch maintenance machinery/equipment recommended through your PitchPower assessment report.

Grass Pitch Drainage

Providing a suitable playing surface is essential to sustain and increase participation in grassroots football, so the Football Foundation is able to provide funding for works to improve the drainage of grass pitches.

Changing pavilion or Clubhouse Refurbishment

Grant applications for minor works that enhance facilities, address health & safety issues and improve the financial health of your organisation by reducing operating costs, increase income streams and maintain or increase participation in football. These usually include projects such as refurbishment or modernisation of changing rooms, toilets and clubhouses.

Fencing

Fencing not only does the important job of keeping your facility safe and secure but it's also essential for keeping your pitch in the best condition possible for play. There are a range of different fencing options that vary to fit the circumstances of the applicant.

Goalposts

Grants to purchase new or replacement pairs of goalposts for use within community grassroots football. Projects that are for the exclusive use of educational establishments for their students or from clubs that play within the National League System, Women's Football Pyramid or the Welsh Premier league are not eligible. The maximum grant you can apply for will depend on the size of the goalposts.

Improvements to Playing Surfaces (NEW*)

Grants to build or improve the condition of small-sided pitches and Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGA) that have been identified as a priority for investment within Local Football Facility Plans. The Foundation will also in some circumstance consider making improvements to natural turf playing surfaces – such as levelling, repairing or extending grass pitches.

Portable Floodlights

Portable floodlights can be a cost-effective way for you to use your facilities during the hours of darkness. Applications can be for new and previously owned portable floodlights for use on artificial or natural turf training areas.

Storage Containers

The provision to secure storage such as containers or sheds is a simple cost-effective way of increasing your capacity for equipment and freeing up space within your site for better use.

3G Pitch Maintenance Machinery and Equipment (NEW*)

Grants that help with the purchase of pitch maintenance equipment that has been recommended by either your pitch manufacturer, installer or specialist pitch consultant where we haven't already previously invested in machinery at your site.

With the exception of the funding for goalposts, the Football Foundation will award a maximum grant of £25,000 that does not exceed 75% of total project costs. The maximum grant you can apply for will depend on the size of the goalposts.