Sport Scotland – Sport Facilities Fund

The programme is aimed at supporting community facilities, whether this is building new facilities or upgrading existing ones. Projects must be for the public good, provide community benefit, not be for private gain and help to provide equal opportunities for better sport participation and use. The fund supports capital projects that create or improve places for sport and physical activity across Scotland, with strong focus on inclusion, sustainability, and community impact.

Visit Website

Eligible Organisations

The following groups can apply for funding:

  • Voluntary sports clubs
  • Local authorities
  • Social enterprises such as leisure trusts
  • Area sports associations
  • Recognised Scottish governing bodies of sport
  • Charitable trusts, playing field associations, youth and uniformed organisations
  • Educational establishments such as universities, colleges and schools can apply if facilities are open for community use, and projects are led by non-profit organisations
  • Companies limited by guarantee

Suitable Projects

The following project types are eligible for funding:

  • Playing, training or changing facilities (new or upgrading existing)
  • The provision of new changing accommodation
  • Meeting rooms with a sport related use
  • Floodlighting
  • Storage facilities
  • The purchase of major items of non-personal equipment with an effective working life of not less than seven years

Priority is given to projects that improve access, remove barriers, and support people from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups, including rural areas and SIMD communities.

Application Process

Applications can be made online using the provided form. A Small Project Application normally takes two months, while Large Project stages vary by size. Applicants are strongly advised to contact the sportscotland Facilities Team before applying, and decisions are usually made within three months of the deadline.

Important Dates

Deadlines for submission of new Sport Facilities Fund applications are 1 April and 1 September each year. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on each deadline date.

Funding Range

Two funding ranges are available, with Small Projects between £10,000 and £100,000 and Large Projects over £100,000. Funding usually covers up to 50% of eligible costs, with higher support available for some community-led projects, and overall awards typically capped at £200,000.