Launched in April 2024, the new £160 million, four-year Movement Fund offers crowdfunding pledges, grants and resources to improve physical activity opportunities for the people and communities who need it the most.
The new fund replaces Sport England’s existing Small Grants Programme and Active Together fund.
The Movement Fund aims to get more people active and increase sports participation across England, closing the ‘significant activity gap’ between people based on where they live, how affluent they are, their sex, ethnic background or whether they have a disability or long-term health condition.
The launch coincides with the introduction of Sport England’s new Movement Hub pilot – which aims to make it easier to find existing tools and resources.
Grants of between £300 and £15,000 are available for not-for-profit organisations working with people living in England.
The funding is intended for local not-for-profit groups and organisations whose projects promote physical activity, including active travel, walking, cycling, dance, fitness and sporting activities.
Priority will be given to projects in communities where there is a greater need.
There is particular interest in projects providing opportunities for groups facing barriers to activity, 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.
To be eligible, organisations must:
- Be formally constituted with a clear purpose.
- Have at least three non-related trustees or directors who do not live together.
- Ensure decision making and voting rights are equally distributed between their trustees or directors.
- Meet Sport England’s Tier 1 Governance Code requirements (if applying for more than £10,000).
Projects and activities need to address Sport England’s four ambitions:
- Encouraging positive experiences of sport and physical activity.
- Involving the community in planning and delivery.
- Prioritising environmental sustainability.
- A good use of public money.
The money could be used for equipment, facilities, learning and development, delivery costs or emergency relief.
How to apply:
The funding guidance and a short quiz which starts the application process can be found on the Sport England website.
Contact Sport England for further information (details below).