The Lacrosse Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Grants Awarded: £57,708 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 4 weeks
• Grant Range: Under £1,000 to over £5,000
• Geographic Focus: Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland)

Contact Details

• Website: thelacrossefoundation.co.uk
• Email: info@thelacrossefoundation.co.uk
• Grants Email: grants@thelacrossefoundation.co.uk
• Phone: 07976937990

Overview

Founded in 2006 as the South of England Lacrosse Educational Trust (SELET) and relaunched as The Lacrosse Foundation in September 2018, the Foundation is dedicated to championing the growth and development of lacrosse across Great Britain. With 9 trustees led by founder and chair Robert Collinge, the Foundation operates as a grant-making organisation focused on three core objectives: promoting community participation in lacrosse, assisting in providing facilities for lacrosse, and advancing the education of young people in the sport. In 2024, the Foundation awarded 35 grants totalling approximately £57,708 to schools, universities, lacrosse clubs, and individuals, demonstrating its commitment to expanding the sport's reach across all levels of participation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

• Small Grants: Up to £2,500 (individuals and organisations can apply)
• Large Grants: Over £2,500 (organisations only)

The Foundation provides grants ranging from easier to access small sums of under £1,000 to major grants in excess of £5,000. All projects must be deliverable within 12 months of award date.

Priority Areas

• Starting new lacrosse programmes
• Expanding existing lacrosse programmes
• School lacrosse equipment and curriculum development
• University lacrosse club support
• Coaching programmes and development
• Junior programme development
• Regional lacrosse development initiatives
• Tournament and facility funding

What They Don't Fund

• Replacement of existing equipment
• Normal operating costs of clubs
• Projects that don't advance the growth of lacrosse

Ready to write a winning application for The Lacrosse Foundation?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save hours and increase your success rate.

Learn more >

Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is led by a board of 9 trustees with extensive lacrosse and professional backgrounds:

• Robert Collinge (Chair) - Founded the charity in 2006, former SVP at GlaxoSmithKline
• Adam Footitt - Chartered Accountant, former chairman of City of Stoke Lacrosse Club
• Amit Biswas - Founder trustee, established Blues Lacrosse schools programme
• Peter Jessup - Founder of Sheffield Steelers LC, banking/financial services background
• Heather Carroll - Blues committee member, volunteer management professional
• Aragon St Charles - 30+ years in lacrosse, Global Chief ESG Officer
• Ally McDonald Alonso - Former Wales player, sports consulting professional
• Sarah Laptain - Sheffield Steelers Women player, PhD student
• Alice Innes - Hillcroft Lacrosse Club Chair, sporting event operations

How to Apply to The Lacrosse Foundation

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through online forms available on the Foundation's website. Separate forms exist for Small Grants (up to £2,500) and Large Grants (over £2,500). Full application guidance is provided in their Grant Application Guidance document.

Decision Timeline

• Application to decision: Within 4 weeks
• Notification: Successful applicants receive a Fundraising Award Letter with terms and conditions
• Acceptance required: Within 10 days of award notification
• Project completion: Within 12 months of award date

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. In 2024, the Foundation awarded 35 grants.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated. Unsuccessful applicants receive feedback, though decisions are final with no further discussion.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of recent grants awarded, successful applications typically:

• Focus on introducing lacrosse to new populations (particularly schools)
• Demonstrate clear growth potential for the sport
• Show strong organisational support and sustainability planning
• Target underserved geographic areas or demographics
• Include coaching and development components alongside equipment requests
• Present clear, measurable outcomes aligned with the Foundation's mission

Common successful project types include:

• School curriculum lacrosse programmes (grants of £3,000-£5,000)
• University club development initiatives (£2,000-£4,000)
• Regional coaching programmes (£5,000+)
• Junior programme establishment (£1,000-£5,000)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will grow lacrosse participation, not just maintain existing programmes
• School-based initiatives receive strong support, particularly those introducing lacrosse to the curriculum
• Geographic diversity matters - the Foundation funds projects across Great Britain
• Coaching and development components strengthen applications
• Equipment-only requests should be tied to programme expansion, not replacement
• Contact grants@thelacrossefoundation.co.uk for guidance before applying
• Expect a relatively quick 4-week decision timeline

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Fidelity Uk Foundation
• The Robert Mcalpine Foundation
• P F Charitable Trust
• The Sir John Fisher Foundation
• The Lankellychase Foundation
• The Hargreaves Foundation
• The Fyrish Foundation
• The Kelly Family Charitable Trust
• Imagine Foundation
• The Lennox Hannay Charitable Trust

References

• The Lacrosse Foundation website (thelacrossefoundation.co.uk) -
• Charity Commission Register (register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk) - charity details for 1117592 -
• Recent Grants page (thelacrossefoundation.co.uk/recent-grants) - 2024 grant awards -
• Trustees page (thelacrossefoundation.co.uk/trustees) - board member profiles -
• Criteria page (thelacrossefoundation.co.uk/criteria) - eligibility and funding criteria -
• FAQ page (thelacrossefoundation.co.uk/faq) - application guidance -
• History page (thelacrossefoundation.co.uk/history) - foundation history and SELET background -