Sports grants increase thresholds for local and regional projects
A HISTORIC new community sports funding scheme has been launched where projects will only be considered for grant support if access is guaranteed to men and women on equal terms.
Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne TD announced a new round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) will open for new applications from 17th July with a specific focus on climate action and gender equality.
The SCEP is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country. Applicants for local projects can now apply for up to €200,000, increased from the previous maximum grant of €150,000; while the maximum valid grant available for projects deemed to be of regional significance has been increased from €300,000 to €500,000.
In addition, this year’s funding has a focus on climate action and sustainability for the first time, supporting local clubs to take steps to reduce their energy consumption and applying for more efficient lighting. For the first time in the history of the SCEP, projects will only be considered for grant support if access is guaranteed to men and women on equal terms.
“This is excellent news for sports organisations that have plans to improve their facilities and wish to avail of support,"commented Minister Byrne.
"The Programme has already made an enormous difference to communities in every part of the country. To encourage as many people participate in sport and physical activity as possible, we need to have appropriate sports facilities and equipment.
"The new round of the Programme will again prioritise applications from disadvantaged areas, those that target people with disabilities, and projects that share facilities amongst different organisations and sports. In relation to changes to the scheme, I am very pleased that applications for improvements to swimming pools will be accepted for the first time. I also welcome the fact that for the first time, the “Guide to Making an Application” as published today, has a specific focus on climate action and sustainability issues.”
“I have seen at first hand the huge difference that SCEP grants make to sports clubs and community groups right across Meath and indeed the country. I am also very aware of the impact that construction inflation has had on our sports clubs and community groups in recent years and I am delighted to note that we are increasing the maximum grants available under the Programme.
Minister Byrne went to say that ensuring equality in sport has been a particular priority for him since his appointment, adding:
"Under this round of the Programme, applicants that do not provide access to facilities on similar terms, to male and female users, will not be eligible for capital funding. I am determined to see consequences for sports that are not committed to providing similar access to their facilities and this new requirement is highlighted in the “Guide to Making an Application”.
The first step in obtaining a grant is to register on the Department’s online system and the Ministers encouraged any clubs that are not already registered to do so now. Clubs can register at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie
Once registered, all applications must be made on the same website. The system will be open for applications from 17 July to 8 September.
The “Guide to Making an Application” is also on the Department’s website.