Posted on by Sid

FUNDING: New Green Sport Initiative – Movement Fund

Announced in June, 10% of this £160 million fund is to be reserved for green sports initiatives that help the sector respond to the impact of climate change. 

The Movement Fund aims to encourage more people to get active. It aims to offer crowdfunding pledges, grants and resources to provide physical activity opportunities for the people and communities who need it the most.

Eligible projects could receive up to £15,000 to cover a wide range of costs and items that will help deliver positive change, particularly for those facing barriers to activity.

Projects providing opportunities for groups facing barriers to activity are of particular interest, such as: 

  • people living on low incomes 
  • disabled people or those with long-term health conditions 
  • older people 
  • people from culturally diverse communities 
  • pregnant women and parents with very young children 
  • girls aged 5-16 
  • LGBTQ+ people 
  • people who are in foster care 
  • people who provide care without pay.

They are also particularly interested in projects that address challenges faced by individuals with combined characteristics.

Projects can now also apply for projects which promote environmental sustainability, through one of the following six criteria:

  • Carbon emissions: travel and facilities
  • Circular economy: supply chains, products and waste
  • Blue-green environment quality and use  
  • Biodiversity  
  • Adapting to climate change and extreme weather events
  • Just transition: inequalities, inclusion and participation.

Examples of possible projects are reducing energy use through solar panels and electric batteries, reducing waste and single-use plastics, or measures to improve resilience and risk of flooding of sports pitches.

Applications can be made at any time by sports clubs, charities, schools, local authorities and other not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects that promote physical activity which could include, for example, active travel, walking, cycling, dance, fitness and sporting activities.

For full details and to apply, visit the Sport England Movement Fund webage.