Discover Funding Opportunities

Sport Facilities Fund

The Sport Facilities Fund (SFF) supports capital projects that help to create or improve places where people take part in sport and physical activity. The fund aims to support projects that provide more opportunities for people to get involved in and participate in sport and physical activity. With a budget of approximately £2 million per annum, there is likely to be greater demand and competition for funding than is available. Prioritisation will be given to projects that deliver the greatest impact on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion objectives. Projects that can clearly demonstrate an inclusive approach that targets participants in/from SIMD areas or areas of rural disadvantage, or those with additional needs, or those from ethnically diverse communities, or other protected characteristics as identified in The Equalities Act 2010, will be prioritised. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with deadlines on 1st April and 1st September each year at 5pm.

Travel Award for Bands

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has designed this rolling programme to provide support to enable established Bands based in Northern Ireland to travel outside of Northern Ireland. The programme aims to develop bands' performance skills, networks and audiences via opportunities to showcase outside of Northern Ireland, and to contribute to the growth of equality of access to and opportunities in the arts for groups within the bands sector in Northern Ireland. Particular priority will be given to applications which can demonstrate high quality musicianship, a commitment to training and musical education (particularly of young people), and a commitment to repertoire and technique development in relation to the band's existing repertoire and technical standards. Eligible bands include Accordion Orchestra/Band, Brass Band, Concert Band, Flute Band, Pipe Band, and Wind Band. Applicants must provide evidence that they have been invited to showcase or perform by a relevant organisation, event, festival, promoter, or tour operator in the location to which they intend to travel. The scheme covers travel costs including flight, boat, train, and bus tickets, vehicle hire, and fuel costs.