West Sussex sports groups can apply for gold funding

Inspired Facilities, the Olympic legacy funding programme, has opened a £10million lottery grant round.

A spokesman said: “The money can be used on anything from new equipment to refurbishing existing buildings.

“Community and voluntary organisations, including sports clubs, can apply for grants of between £20,000 and £50,000. At least 70 per cent of the funding available is set aside for these groups.

“Local authorities, statutory organisations, and education establishments such as schools can apply for grants between £20,000 and £150,000.”

To be eligible, projects must be run by a voluntary or community organisation, sports club, school or other education establishment, and based on a site the group owns, intends to own or has a lease for.

Grants will only cover building, as opposed to operating costs, and will only be made to projects that have not yet started, but could be open to the public within 18 months.

The spokesman added: “You will need to show that your project is really needed and that our investment will successfully encourage people to play or keep playing sport in your area.

“If you’re a voluntary or community sector group, you should talk to your members or users and the wider community.” For more information, go to www.sportengland.org