Major funding scheme for Kildare sports clubs opens next week

KILDARE South Fine Gael TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Martin Heydon is encouraging local sports clubs to prepare applications for a new funding round, which opens next week.

Minister Heydon has confirmed that the next round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) will open for registrations on Monday 28 September, bringing significant improvements designed to help even more clubs and communities deliver better sporting facilities.

The new funding round introduces a redesigned three-tier structure, higher grant ceilings and simpler application requirements, making it easier for sports clubs, community organisations and local authorities to access Government support.

Among the key changes are: local grants of up to €250,000; tier 2 grants of between €250,000 and €550,000; a new Tier 3 with grants of up to €750,000 for larger multi-sport projects; easier eligibility rules, including reduced lease requirements and greater encouragement for partnerships between sports clubs and schools.

Minister Heydon said: “The Community Sport Facilities Fund has transformed sports facilities in every parish, town and village across Kildare, helping clubs to grow, attract new members and provide better opportunities for people of every age to participate in sport.

“This new round builds on that success. Government has increased funding limits, introduced a brand-new funding tier for larger projects and simplified the application process so that even more organisations can benefit.” 

Minister Heydon said: “Every community knows the difference that good sporting facilities make—not only for players, but for volunteers, families and local communities. I would strongly encourage every eligible club to start preparing their application now. If any club has questions about the scheme, I’d be very happy to assist them in the process.”