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Preparing for the Community Sports Facilities Fund

 

Guidance for GAA Rounders Clubs

The Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) is expected to reopen in late spring. This fund has supported clubs across Ireland to develop and improve local sports facilities, and it represents an important opportunity for GAA Rounders clubs planning capital works.

While the fund is not yet open, now is the ideal time to prepare.

 

What is the Community Sports Facilities Fund?

The CSFF is administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and supports community-owned sports facilities through capital grants. Typical projects supported in previous rounds have included:

Facility upgrades and improvements

Equipment and storage infrastructure

Accessibility and inclusion enhancements

Pitch and playing area developments

Shared or multi-sport facilities

Funding is competitive, so preparation and good guidance are key.

 

First Step: Contact Your Local Sports Partnership (LSP)

Every club should make early contact with their Local Sports Partnership (LSP).

LSPs are your best local source of information and can:

 

• Confirm eligibility criteria
• Explain funding strands and limits
• Advise on timelines and readiness
• Support clubs with planning and documentation
• Signpost other local or national funding streams

 

Each county in Ireland has an LSP, usually based within the Local Authority.

Clubs should contact the LSP in the county where the facility is located.

A full list of Local Sports Partnerships is available via Sport Ireland.

https://www.sportireland.ie/participation/lsp-contact-finder

 

Why Early Engagement Matters

Clubs that engage early with their LSP tend to:

• Submit stronger, more complete applications
• Avoid common errors
• Align projects with local and national sport priorities
• Be aware of matching funding requirements

Early conversations can also help determine whether your project is ready this year or better suited to a future round.

Making a Strong Grant Application – Key Advice

Even before the fund opens, clubs can work on the fundamentals.

Be Clear on the Need

What problem are you solving?

How does the project benefit your club and wider community?

Who will use the facility (age groups, schools, other clubs, community groups)?

 

Show Community Impact

Strong applications clearly demonstrate:

Increased participation

Inclusion (women & girls, youth, older adults, disability access)

Shared use or wider community benefit

Alignment with GAA and national sport objectives

 

Have Governance in Order

Ensure your club has:

An active committee

Up-to-date constitution

Proper financial oversight

Clear ownership or usage rights for the facility

 

Prepare Your Costings

Obtain realistic quotes

Be clear on total project cost

Understand how the club will fund any shortfall

Avoid underestimating costs

 

Club To-Do Checklist

Before the fund opens, clubs should:

☐ Contact your Local Sports Partnership

☐ Identify and agree the project scope

☐ Confirm ownership or long-term access to the facility

☐ Gather quotes or cost estimates

☐ Review your club’s governance and finances

☐ Discuss the project with your county board / provincial structures if relevant

☐ Identify who will lead the application

☐ Consider how the project supports inclusion and participation

 

Other Free Supports & Useful Information

In addition to LSPs, clubs can access free guidance from:

• Sport Ireland – funding updates, governance guidance
• Local Authorities – planning, accessibility, community use advice
• LEADER Partnerships (in some areas) – rural development supports
• GAA Units – governance and club development resources

 

A Final Word for Clubs

The Community Sports Facilities Fund is competitive, but well-prepared clubs give themselves the best chance. Early planning, local engagement, and clear community benefit are common features of successful applications.

GAA Rounders clubs are encouraged to start conversations now, even before the fund officially opens.