The Football Foundation

Charity Number: 1079309

Geographic Focus: Throughout England

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £931m+ since 2000 (24,809+ grants awarded)
  • Success Rate: Not disclosed
  • Decision Time: 2-4 weeks (depending on grant size)
  • Grant Range: Up to £25,000 (Small Grants) - £250,000 (larger programmes)
  • Geographic Focus: England only

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 2000, The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and Government's charity that helps communities across England improve their local football facilities. Since inception, they have awarded over 24,809 grants worth more than £931 million, including more than 1,250 3G grass pitches, over 14,300 grass pitch improvements and over 1,600 changing pavilions. The Foundation recently received enhanced funding commitments with an additional £33 million from the Premier League on top of the £100 million given annually. Their mission focuses on making facilities more welcoming, well-maintained and safe.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

  • Small Grants Scheme: Up to £25,000 (rolling applications)
  • Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund: Six-year tapered grants for pitch enhancement and maintenance (e.g., £3,200 annually in years 1-2 for an 11v11 pitch, reducing over time)
  • Pavilion & Clubhouse Grants: Varying amounts for changing facilities (projects over £25,000 require community engagement evidence)
  • Goalposts Grants: Equipment grants for grassroots clubs
  • Grass Pitch Drainage: Up to £25,000 (maximum 75% of total project costs)
  • Pitch Preparation Fund: Support for pitch preparation work including verti-draining, over-seeding and routine maintenance
  • Grow the Game: Grants of £1,500 per new team (maximum £6,000 for four teams; applications typically open in January annually)
  • Home Advantage: Grants up to £250,000 for clubs taking long-term leases of local authority sites

Priority Areas

  • Grassroots football facility improvements
  • Community accessible facilities
  • Pitch quality enhancement and maintenance
  • Changing rooms and clubhouses
  • Equipment for community football clubs
  • Projects supporting women's and girls' football
  • Disability football facility improvements

What They Don't Fund

  • Facilities not available for community use
  • Kit and equipment (except specific programmes)
  • Projects intended for private gain
  • Projects outside England
  • Retrospective funding for completed works
  • Routine maintenance from normal wear and tear
  • Educational establishments for exclusive student use
  • Individual goalposts (must be purchased in pairs)
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Governance and Leadership

CEO: Robert Sullivan

Chair of Trustees: Martin Glenn

The board includes representatives from all funding partners: Premier League, FA, and Government.

How to Apply to The Football Foundation

How to Apply

All applications must be made online via apply.footballfoundation.org.uk. Applicants must create a user account first. For football clubs, applications must be submitted by the Chair, Secretary, or Treasurer with role verification required.

Decision Timeline

  • Under £50,000: Typically 2 weeks assessment
  • Over £50,000: Typically 4 weeks assessment
  • Confirmation email sent upon submission
  • Decision letters available for download from Foundation account

Success Rates

Specific success rates not disclosed, though the Foundation has awarded over 24,809 grants since 2000, demonstrating significant grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

Applications may be made at any time for rolling programmes, preferably not more than once per football season. No explicit restrictions on unsuccessful reapplications mentioned.

Application Success Factors

  • Community Benefit: Projects must demonstrate clear community accessibility and use
  • Security of Tenure: Essential requirement - freehold, 10-year lease, or 12+ months with landlord agreement
  • Proper Planning: Projects must be ready to begin within specified timeframes
  • Professional Standards: Minimum two members must complete GMA Level 1 Football Grounds Maintenance course (£74/£52)
  • Documentation: Complete all required supporting documents and assessments
  • Authority: Ensure application is submitted by authorised club officials (Chair/Secretary/Treasurer)

The Foundation emphasises that applications should align with their community-focused mission and demonstrate long-term sustainability.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Focus applications on community benefit and accessibility - exclusive use facilities are not funded
  • Ensure security of tenure documentation is in order before applying - this is non-negotiable
  • Consider the Foundation's preference for sustainable, long-term facility improvements over short-term fixes
  • Highlight alignment with strategic priorities including women's/girls' football and disability access
  • Prepare for additional requirements like grounds maintenance training for successful applicants
  • Use their decision tree tool and guidance documents extensively before applying
  • Applications are assessed relatively quickly (2-4 weeks) compared to many funders
  • Different programmes have different application methods - some rolling, some with fixed annual windows

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References

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