Free Bid Writing Service

The Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) is excited to be able to support sport & physical activity organisations who are looking to secure funding for larger projects that improve access and opportunities for disabled people in Hertfordshire.

As part of the No Limits 2026 Campaign, HSP has partnered with Funding4Sport, to offer a significant funded allocation of their specialist sport and physical activity bid writing service. This will provide Free 1-1 support for a number of sports clubs or organisations to help them access vital funds for projects linked with Disability & Inclusion.

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, they have helped to secure £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.

How it works and next steps

• Please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form to outline your proposed project. Alternatively, contact Emma Catlin on e.catlin@herts.ac.uk for an informal discussion before submitting your EOI.
• HSP will review the EOI and refer eligible projects directly to Funding 4 Sport.
• Eligible and selected organisations will be contacted by Richard Sutcliffe who will support your project by identifying suitable income streams and supporting the bid writing process.
• Selected organisations will need to complete a Service Level Agreement for it to be approved to be funded by No Limits 2026 and 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 for all applicants.

Who is eligible?

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

Eligible Criteria

• The two main criteria are that the project has a positive contribution to Disability and Inclusion in Sport & Physical Activity and is based in Hertfordshire.
• Projects can be for revenue (cover running costs, equipment, events, staffing, training, transport, utilities, volunteer expenses, marketing & promotion) 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, or religious activity (although religious organisations can be funded if the project can benefit the wider community).
• The minimum project value is £5000, and the maximum is £20,000. Most likely the project funding will be sought through the National Lottery Community Fund Awards for All, or The Movement Fund | Sport England but others may be sourced. Our preference would be to utilise this for projects towards the upper end of this scale in order to gain the most benefit from the service and leverage more funding into the county. If you have a proposal for a smaller project, please get in touch and there may be more suitable pots of funding that we can signpost towards.
• 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 months of the award agreement.

*Higher value projects will be considered but may need match funding.