The Football Foundation

Charity Number: 1079309

Geographic Focus: Throughout England

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £700m+ since 2000 (£17,600+ grants awarded)
  • Success Rate: Not disclosed
  • Decision Time: 2-4 weeks (depending on grant size)
  • Grant Range: Up to £25,000 (Small Grants) - £50,000+ (larger programmes)
  • Geographic Focus: England only

Contact Details

  • Website: www.footballfoundation.org.uk
  • Phone: 0345 345 4555
  • Email: enquiries@footballfoundation.org.uk
  • Online Applications: apply.footballfoundation.org.uk

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 17,600 grants worth more than £708 million, including 885 artificial grass pitches, 3,587 natural grass pitches and 1,210 changing facilities. 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, with recent achievements including exceeding their target of 5,000 quality grass pitches by delivering 6,200 pitches by January 2024.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Small Grants Scheme: Up to £25,000 (rolling applications)
  • Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund: £50,000+ (six-year tapered grants for pitch enhancement)
  • Pavilion & Clubhouse Grants: Varying amounts for changing facilities
  • Goalposts Grants: Equipment grants for grassroots clubs
  • Pitch Preparation Fund: Contractor services and drainage improvements
  • Grow the Game: Grants for clubs expanding team numbers

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. Recent appointments include Richard Masters (Premier League), Wais Shaifta (Senior Independent Trustee), and Clare Sumner CBE (Premier League representative).

Application Process and Timeline

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 17,600 grants since 2000, demonstrating significant grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

Applications may be made at any time, 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 authorized club officials (Chair/Secretary/Treasurer)

The Foundation emphasizes 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

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