Belfast City Council Sports Funding Opportunities Now Open for 2027/28

Basketball Northern Ireland is encouraging affiliated clubs across Belfast to explore funding opportunities available through Belfast City Council’s Small Grants Programme for 2027/28.

The funding provides opportunities for eligible basketball clubs and organisations to invest in club development, coaching, participation programmes and sporting events, helping to strengthen grassroots basketball across the city.

Applications are now open, with a deadline of 12 noon on Friday 8 January 2027.

If any clubs in the Belfast Area need support with understanding the application process please do not hesitate to reach out to S3 Solutions Client Advisor, Matthew Mallon  @ matthew.mallon@s3solutions.co.uk for support. 

Funding Opportunities for Basketball Clubs

🏀 Support for Sport – Large Development Grant

Funding available: Up to £5,000

Designed to support established sports clubs looking to deliver new development projects, increase participation and strengthen their long-term sustainability.

Projects must form part of a current club development plan.

Potential basketball projects could include:

• Expanding junior basketball programmes.

• Developing new participation opportunities.

• Supporting coaching and volunteer development.

• Increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Important: Clubs must have a current development plan covering at least three years, with at least one year remaining. Equipment purchases and general running costs are not eligible.

🏀 Support for Sport – Small Development Grant

Funding available: Up to £1,500, plus a potential £250 equipment grant

This funding supports smaller club development initiatives, including:

• Coach education and qualifications.

• Safeguarding, first aid and club development training.

• Establishing new clubs or club sections.

• Basketball taster sessions to attract new members.

• Junior basketball festivals and development events.

Eligible newly established clubs or sections may also apply for an additional £250 equipment grant.

Important: Applicants must provide at least 25% of the total project cost from other funding sources. In-kind contributions do not count.

🏆 Sports Event Grant

Funding available: £1,000–£10,000

This grant supports organisations delivering major sporting events in Belfast that contribute positively to the city’s sporting profile and economy.

Basketball organisations planning eligible events could explore support towards:

• Venue and equipment hire.

• Event promotion and marketing.

• Referees and officials.

• First aid, insurance and stewarding.

• Video coverage and event production.

• Accommodation for eligible participants and officials travelling from outside Northern Ireland.

Applications should demonstrate the event’s benefits to basketball, the local community and Belfast.

🌍 Support for Sport – Hospitality Grant

Funding available: Up to £3,000

This funding supports eligible Belfast sports clubs and governing bodies hosting events that attract more than 50 visitors from outside Northern Ireland.

Funding can contribute towards catering and hospitality costs, with awards determined by eligible visitor numbers.

This may be particularly relevant to basketball clubs hosting international tournaments or competitions involving visiting teams.

Additional Community Funding Opportunities

Basketball clubs working with community organisations may also wish to explore:

Good Relations Grant – Up to £5,000

Supports projects promoting positive relationships between people from different backgrounds. Good relations workshops and outreach linked to basketball activity may be eligible, although sporting events and equipment are excluded.

Summer Scheme Grant – Up to £2,500

Supports eligible community groups delivering summer schemes for children aged 5–14 over a minimum of 10 days during July and August 2027.

A separate scheme offering up to £10,000 is available for eligible organisations delivering summer programmes for children and young people with disabilities and/or additional needs.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Applications opened: Monday 19 October 2026

• Closing date: Friday 8 January 2027 at 12 noon

• Funding decisions: Expected late March 2027

• Project delivery: 1 April 2027 – 31 March 2028

Applications must meet the specific eligibility requirements of each funding programme.

Apply online: https://grants.belfastcity.gov.uk

For enquiries about Support for Sport funding, contact Belfast City Council’s Sports Development Unit at leisure@belfastcity.gov.uk.

Supporting the Growth of Basketball

Basketball Northern Ireland encourages eligible clubs to consider how these opportunities could support their ambitions for the coming season, whether through growing junior participation, developing their workforce or creating new opportunities for their communities.

Investment in grassroots clubs, coaches and volunteers is essential to the continued development of basketball across Northern Ireland.

We encourage clubs to review the guidance carefully and submit applications ahead of the deadline.