How Sport England Funding Works

There are two funding streams – Community and National:

National Investment

At a national level, Sport England works with and invests in a range of national funded partners. These include national governing bodies of sport, plus partners with expertise in areas such as coaching, equity and volunteering. Investment is prioritised in 31 sports, comprising 10 UK priority, 10 English Priority and 11 development sports. Click here to find out more about priority sports

National investment funding is subject to a business planning process by these partner organisations and is not an open application process.

Community Investment Fund (CIF)

Sport England’s community – or regional – funding stream is called the Community Investment Fund, or CIF. This is the National Lottery funding available through and managed by the regional offices of Sport England. Funding is awarded through an open application process.

For more information on the funding process and steps to take before you apply, please see read the 'Funding process' and 'About the Community Investment Fund' pages.

Sport England has produced a range of resources to help with your funding application, and maximise your chances of securing funding. However, please remember that competition is fierce.

Frequently Asked Questions
We have provided some answers to frequently asked questions to help with your application. We recommend you have a look at these as it provides more detailed information and may clarify some issues or answer some queries you may have. Go to FAQs.

Guidance, Templates and Technical Design notes
Sport England has designed a range of documentation, templates and technical design notes to help you develop and plan your project. In order to help shape and develop your project we recommend you look at these before making your enquiry.

It is not necessary to complete these at Stage 1 but they will give you an indication of what will be expected should your enquiry be encouraged.

Whether you are successful with your enquiry or not, you will find these resources extremely useful in the running and development of your project and organisation. Go to Further Help


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