- Local project maximum grant increased from €150,000 to €200,000
- Regional project maximum grant increased from €300,000 to €500,000
- Specific focus on climate action, sustainability and gender equality
The new round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) will open for new applications from next Monday, 17 July, 2023.
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.
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 SCEP “Guide to Making an Application” 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.
As one of the stated objectives of the Programme is to increase female participation, all applications for funding of women-only facilities will be deemed valid for consideration.
Minister Byrne said:
I have seen at first hand the huge difference that Sports Capital and Equipment Programme grants make to sports clubs and community groups across 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.
Ensuring equality in sport has been a particular priority for me since my appointment.
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.
Welcoming the announcement Minister Rabbitte said:
The conversation is over with regard to equality in sport, we now need tangible action. Too many girls and women around the world are still held back by social norms and traditional school practices that limit their educational right and opportunities.
Yet, their education is the most powerful investment to make for society’s collective future. I am delighted that this round of funding is on access is guaranteed to men and women on equal terms and saddened that we still have to put such conditions in place.
I welcome the new increases in funding to reflect construction inflation on our sports clubs and community groups.
Of course, I am delighted to see priority given to those in disadvantaged areas, those that target people with disabilities, and projects that share facilities amongst different organisations and sports.
Minister Martin said:
This is excellent news for sports organisations that have plans to improve their facilities and wish to avail of support. The Programme has already made an enormous difference to communities in every part of the country.
To encourage as many people to 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
This new requirement is highlighted in the Guide to Making an Application which is available to download on the Department’s website.
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: SPORTS CAPITAL APPLICATION
Once registered, all applications must be made on the same website.
The system will be open for applications from 17 July to 8 September 2023.
The “Guide to Making an Application” was also published on the Department’s website today and can be found here: gov.ie/sportscapital
The Guide essentially sets out the terms and conditions of the Programme.
A review of the 2020 round of the Programme was published in May and all of the main recommendations have been included in the Guide.
- Guide to Registration
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 2023 Guide to making an application
- 2020 Sports Capital Programme Scoring System and Assessment Procedures
- Guide to Accessible Gym Equipment.
- For more information, Cara – Sport Inclusion Ireland have created resource Factsheets (link is external) on how to make your sports facilities, equipment and activities more accessible to people with disabilities (this link is to an external website and the information and views are not those of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media).
- A series of guides on how to get your grant paid
ORGANISATIONS ONLY NEED TO REGISTER ONCE FOR ALL ROUNDS OF THE PROGRAMME
Recent Comments