Free 1-1 bid writing service for projects improving environmental sustainability

As the world’s attention turns to COP28 and Climate Change, the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) is excited to be supporting Hertfordshire’s sports organisations who are looking to find funding for projects that improve environmental sustainability and get people more active.

HSP has partnered with Funding4Sport,  a specialist sport and physical activity bid writing service, which will provide FREE 1-1 support for up to 10 sports clubs or organisations to help them access vital funds for their projects linked to environmental sustainability.

How it works and next steps

• Please complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI) form to outline your project. Alternatively, contact Adrian Ledbury a.ledbury@herts.ac.uk for an informal discussion before submitting your EOI.
• HSP will review the EOI and select up to 10 projects
• Eligible and selected organisations, will be contacted by Funding 4 Sport who will support your project by identifying suitable income streams and supporting the bid writing process.
• Selected organisations will need to commit to working closely with Funding 4 Sport to support the bid writing process.
• There is no guarantee of success as the outcome depends on the funder, however, we will do our best to ensure a successful outcome.

Who is eligible

All not-for-profit sport and physical activity clubs or organisations operating across Hertfordshire.

Eligible Projects

• The 2 main criteria are that the project has a positive contribution to environmental sustainability and is based in Hertfordshire. Ideally, the project should also help to get more people active in sport and physical activity in Hertfordshire.
• Projects can be for revenue (cover running costs, equipment, events, staffing, training, transport, utilities and volunteer expenses) or capital (facilities or large items of equipment*). It cannot be used for alcohol, contingency costs, profit making or fundraising activity, VAT that can be claimed back, religious activity (although religious organisations can be funded if the project can benefit the wider community).
• Projects that reduce carbon emissions and create a positive environmental impact, establish equality of access to the natural environment and improve the quality of natural spaces are examples of eligible projects.
• We want to hear from you, but examples might include: conversion to LED lighting; reducing energy / conversion to green energy; irrigation schemes; biodiversity schemes; active travel; kit recycling; minimising or reducing waste and training programmes.
• The minimum project value is £5000, and the maximum is in the region of £15,000-£20,000.
• Projects that include an element of match funding will have a better chance of success but is not a prerequisite.
• Projects must be delivered within 12-24 months of the award agreement depending on the funder.
• *Higher value projects will be considered but may need match funding.

Further Support

Please go to HSP’s Supporting Sustainable Sport in Hertfordshire webpage for further support including:

• Case studies
• Resources
• Funding database

Further Information

Please do not hesitate to contact Adrian Ledbury a.ledbury@herts.ac.uk for further information.

About Funding 4 Sport

Led by Richard Sutcliffe, Funding 4 Sport has over 15 years experience working with a wide range of sporting organisations to support their fundraising efforts. During this period Funding 4 Sport have helped to raise £7.5 million in funding from a range of sources. Richard knows the key attributes to write a successful funding bid so your project will be in very good hands.