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Grants & Funding Support for Clubs & Community Groups in Ireland

At Upper Case, we know that investing in outdoor equipment such as branded gazebos or inflatable arches means a significant financial layout for most clubs, community groups and voluntary organisations. But what many don’t realise is that you may not have to pay for these purchases in full yourself — because there are multiple grant programmes available right now that can help fund them.

This article breaks down the key funding opportunities, what they support, how they work, and why now is a great time to consider applying.

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1. Community Sport Facilities Fund (Formerly Sports Capital & Equipment Programme)

One of the most significant funding sources for sports clubs and community organisations is the Community Sport Facilities Fund — the new name for the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme, a major government initiative.

What it funds

This programme provides grants to support:

  • Development and enhancement of community sports facilities, and
  • Purchase of non‑personal sports equipment — including gear that helps promote participation and event delivery.

In 2024 alone, the programme awarded €230 million in grants to almost 2,000 sports clubs and groups across Ireland — including significant allocations specifically for equipment funding.

Who can apply

  • Local sports clubs and voluntary organisations
  • Community groups that provide sport and physical activity
  • National Governing Bodies and some educational partners

Grant amounts

Typical equipment grants can range up to €70,000 for clubs without facility title, with higher amounts available in exceptional cases.

Why this matters

Funding awarded under this national programme can significantly reduce the cost of outdoor equipment — especially if you include items like branded gazebos, inflatable structures, direction/signage equipment, and other long‑lasting gear in your application. They’re designed to increase participation and improve community sport access.

2. Local Enhancement Programme (LEP)

The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) is another source of funding that many community groups and clubs overlook — but it can help with equipment purchases, repairs, upgrades and essential gear that supports your activities.

Who it supports

  • Community and voluntary groups
  • Sports clubs and other not‑for‑profit organisations
  • Priority given to initiatives in disadvantaged areas

What it can fund

The LEP can cover:

  • Outdoor equipment (including items like gazebos, banners, tools)
  • Improvements to community spaces
  • Accessibility and safety enhancements

How to apply

LEP funding is administered locally through Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each County Council area — and the programme runs on an annual cycle.

This means your local council website or community support office often has full application guidance and deadlines.

3. Local Sports Partnership (LSP) Grant Schemes

Across counties in Ireland, Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) manage Small Club Grant Schemes designed to help sports clubs and community groups to purchase equipment and enhance participation.

For example:

  • Louth LSP offers grants of up to €1,500 to support equipment purchases and club initiatives.
  • Cavan Sports Partnership runs equipment grants, supporting clubs in buying material that encourages participation.
  • Similar schemes run in counties across Ireland, including Dublin and Cork — often with specific funding amounts, criteria, and simple application processes.

These local grants are ideal for smaller purchases — especially if your group is planning to buy gazebos, flags, signage, event accessories or other gear that supports broader engagement.

Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) & Contact Pages

4. Local Authority & Community Grants

Many county councils in Ireland provide their own community grant schemes, which can often support equipment or capital purchases.

Examples include:

  • Sports Capital Grants offered by local authorities (e.g., Cork City Council’s scheme supports non‑personal sports equipment used for at least five years).
  • Community and enhancement grants that can support tools and equipment for active community groups.

These can often top‑up national funding or help bridge gaps in project costings.

Local Authority Contact Pages

5. Other Funding Streams That May Help

While not always directly targeted at equipment purchases, a range of other community‑focused schemes may be useful depending on your group’s operations and location:

Community Recognition Fund

This larger‑scale fund supports community projects that deliver long‑term benefits — including equipment purchases for clubs and organisations — though it typically involves higher minimum allocations.

Community Enhancement & Activities Funds

These once‑off or periodic programmes have previously funded equipment (e.g., tables, tools, canopies, signage) through local authorities.

Checking your local council or National Rural Development office website can help you discover current and seasonal funding opportunities.

Tips for Successfully Applying for Grants

  • Start with a clear equipment plan
    Detail exactly what you want to buy — including quotes — and explain how it will benefit your members and community.
  • Get multiple quotes where required
    Many grant schemes (especially larger ones) require two or three supplier quotes as part of the application.
  • Use your local contacts
    LCDCs, Local Sports Partnerships, and county community sections can often provide advice or application support.
  • Include your Upper Case quote
    We can provide grant‑ready itemised quotes for any outdoor equipment you intend to purchase.

How Upper Case Can Support Your Grant Journey

At Upper case, we don’t just supply industry‑leading outdoor equipment — we help clubs and groups across Ireland understand what grants are available and prepare accurate costings for applications.

Whether you’re applying for:

  • A national capital equipment grant
  • A local enhancement programme application
  • Or a small club sports support scheme

…we can help supply quotes and guidance that make your application stronger.

Explore our full range of gazebos, inflatable arches, flags and event gear — and contact us if you’d like a quote tailored for your grant application.

Need some advice or have a general query? We're here to help!

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