- Local project maximum grant increased from €150,000 to €200,000
- Regional project maximum grant increased from €300,000 to €500,000
- Specific focus on climate action, sustainability and gender equality
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne T.D., have this week announced that a new round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) will open for new applications from 17 July. The SCEP is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country.
Applicants for local projects can now apply for up to €200,000, increased from the previous maximum grant of €150,000. The maximum valid grant available for projects deemed to be of regional significance has been increased from €300,000 to €500,000.
In addition, this year’s SCEP “Guide to Making an Application” has a focus on climate action and sustainability for the first time, supporting local clubs to take steps to reduce their energy consumption and applying for more efficient lighting.
For the first time in the history of the SCEP, projects will only be considered for grant support if access is guaranteed to men and women on equal terms. As one of the stated objectives of the Programme is to increase female participation, all applications for funding of women-only facilities will be deemed valid for consideration.
The first step in obtaining a grant is to register on the Department’s online system and the Ministers encourage any clubs that are not already registered to do so now. Clubs can register at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie .
Once registered, all applications must be made on the same website. The system will be open for applications from 17 July to 8 September.
The “Guide to Making an Application” was also published on the Department’s website this week and can be found here: gov.ie/sportscapital .
The Guide essentially sets out the terms and conditions of the Programme. A review of the 2020 round of the Programme was published in May and all of the main recommendations have been included in the Guide.
Further information about the programme including details of all previous allocations can be found at gov.ie/sportscapital .
The Review of the 2020 Round can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/84105-review-of-spo¬rts-capital-and-equipment-programme-2020/
Applications can be made online only from 9am on 17 July until 5pm on 8th September 2023.
