In the current economic climate grant aid is such an important lifeline for any club. Despite numerous fund raisers, raffles and quizzes, it is for some, the only avenue of getting those much needed facilities. It is or can be a tricky process which is reliant on a fastidious approach to administration and starting the process as soon as possible. Some items of information can take what seems a life time to get and as such planning for your application should take place well in advance. In the interest of this article we are going to presume that the Sports Capital Grant is being applied for but the same principles can be applied to other applications:
1. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Knowing what you want is one thing but knowing what you need is another.
Is your proposed project covered by the grant you are applying for? Some grants such as the Sports Capital Grants excludes certain items such as roadwork's and pavements or other items which are deemed not for the purpose of playing sport. Knowing this is important prior to making your application because if the only way to get an ambulance to your new facility is a tarmac roadway, this is not going to happen or at least won't be paid for by this grant. Some items may be allowed but again make sure you read all the covered items. If in doubt ask questions! There are some guides available and the 2017 sports capital program does have a written guide available as well as YouTube video. All projects must be designed in terms of universal access and must be suitable for use by persons with disabilities.
The reality is that you may not be awarded the total amount for your dream project and especially if your project is going to cost in excess of €100,000. So rather that going for the honey pot first time around it may be more affective to think on a phased approach.
Ask yourself can you get that dream project over the next 5 years over 5 applications? The chances are that you can but it will require an eye on the future when your designing the facility to make sure that any additions are easily achieved with little cost implications.
When deciding what to apply for the project should not just be thought about in isolation. This means, how much will it cost to maintain the new facility? In the case of an artificial pitch, how will we afford to replace the surface when it reaches the end of its life? Let's approach it from a personal point of view i.e. buying a car. Would you buy a car without knowing how much it costs to service, tax or what its fuel efficiency is? I don't think so and the same can be said for any major investment in playing facilities. The same can be said when it comes to replacing a surface, do you want to keep up with the same standard that you have become accustomed to? If so you need to put aside some funds so that the surface can be replaced.
Approach it with eyes wide open and with an understanding that a bit of forwarding thinking needs to happen in order to make sure the benefits of a new facility are still being enjoyed in year 20 as they are in year 1!
2. The A-Team
Put together an application team which will be responsible for applying for the grant on behalf of the club. The team should have the various skills and personalities necessary to make the application a success. A skills audit should be undertaken to make sure that there is a good mix of skills necessary and if those skills aren't available within the club it may be necessary to employ the skills of a third party.
In terms of project administration then a suitable qualified professional with relevant experience in the supply of sports surfaces should be employed. Not all technical supervisors such as architects, engineers or quantity surveyors have the relevant experience. Shop around and look for a professional with relevant experience and a practical approach for designing your facility, especially if it is to be on a phased basis.
3. Pieces of the Puzzle
The next issue is identifying what pieces of information are required to accompany the application. This may include, but not limited to, some of the following:
- Planning permission
- Planning permission exemption letter
- Land registry letter
- Bridging loan
- Tax clearance
- Local club support
- Support of sports association
This item can be the making or breaking of an application. If your application process begins too late it may be difficult to get some of the above pieces of information in time. I know what you are saying and it may be overkill, but I would personally recommend starting the process 12 months before a planned application.
4. S.o.S
Ask for help! It can be as simple as that. Ask another successful applicant club for help. More that likely they would be delighted to help. At the end of the day sharing is caring and someday you may be asked to help them. We all know clubs that seem to have a great application strike rate so why not ask them!
Unfortunately you could spend all day talking about the intricate details of what is required. Applications are now made online via the departments OSCAR system. The department now offer comprehensive guidance information and clubs should closely examine this well in advance of making an application. Should you start out too late then make sure you learn from your mistake and get prepared for the next submission!
http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/sport/english/2017-sports-capital-programme-guide-filling-out-application-form/2017-sports-capital-programme-guide-filling-out-application-formc.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Diz7eyEdc&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDl-L2l5JXQ
Mark Nally
Facilities Consultant at SportWorks
Ireland
