Sports Capital Funding scheme open for business
IMPROVING facilities is key for golf clubs looking to retain members and attract new ones.
So it’s little wonder that there will be huge interest in securing funds in the next round of funding provided by the Sports Capital Funding scheme.
The scheme has awarded almost €1bn in grants to over 10,000 projects since it was introduced in 1998, including €2m to 71 golf clubs in 2017 with projects including practice facilities, junior golf academies, drainage work and general course improvements among those approved for a cash injection.
Getting the application right is key and it’s worth noting that a number of changes have been made to the 2018 Sports Capital Programme with a new guide now available.
Clubs that have not previously registered should visit Sports Capital Programme. ie and must have a Tax Registration Number from the Revenue Commissioners.
All applications, including supporting documentation, must be submitted online. Applications by post or email will not be accepted and will be returned.
The deadline for registration is 5pm on Friday, 5 October while the deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, 19 October.
Golf Clubs in Leinster were awarded €1.3m in the last round of funding with clubs in Connacht receiving over €400,000, Ulster over €150,000 and Munster claiming the balance.
Donabate Golf Club is one of the clubs to receive funding in the past and put its €138,119 for the construction of a new practice facility to good use.
The club believes its success came down to attention to detail and making sure the club was as accessible as possible by the local community.
“We did a lot of work on our application – an awful lot of work – and would have been delighted to get any amount,” explained former club captain and president Pat McNeill, who was one of the driving forces behind the project
“We were certainly very excited to get the amount we did get and we see the award as a vote of confidence in our club and the services and the amenities we provide.
“We brought as many people as we could into the circle and didn’t leave anything out and that was key.
“The fact that we have tennis and golf means there will be an even bigger crossover going forward. Getting involved with the local community was vital – going into the local schools and opening up our facilities to them really added to the attraction of the project.”
If you would like further information on the Sports Capital Programme, contact your local Club Support Officer or email: info@cgigolf.org.