The Lacrosse Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £57,708 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 4 weeks
• Grant Range: £500 - £5,400
• 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 and registered as a charity in 2007, The Lacrosse Foundation (previously South of England Lacrosse Educational Trust) 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 organization 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 totaling 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 Programs

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

All projects must be deliverable within 12 months of award date.

Priority Areas

• Starting new lacrosse programs
• Expanding existing lacrosse programs
• School lacrosse equipment and curriculum development
• University lacrosse club support
• Coaching programs and development
• Junior program 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

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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 program
• 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

Application Process and Timeline

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 organizational 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 programs (grants of £3,000-£5,000)
• University club development initiatives (£2,000-£4,000)
• Regional coaching programs (£5,000+)
• Junior program establishment (£1,000-£5,000)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will grow lacrosse participation, not just maintain existing programs
• 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 program expansion, not replacement
• Contact grants@thelacrossefoundation.co.uk for guidance before applying
• Expect a relatively quick 4-week decision timeline

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 -