Apply Now
The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme 2025 is now open for applications from groups that promote older people’s physical activity across County Westmeath.
A total of twenty-nine groups in 2024 received a share of €7350 for programs and courses aimed at older people in Co. Westmeath.
The Active National Grant Scheme aims to assist in the implementation of locally developed, well planned initiatives designed to increase participation in recreational sport and physical activity by older people.
In particular, the scheme is aimed at:
Supporting the work of Age & Opportunity’s Active Programme including the network of PALs (Physical Activity Leaders) and CarePALs, and the development of Go for Life Games and other initiatives;
Assisting local clubs/organisations/care settings to enhance existing opportunities for their members in recreational sport and physical activity;
Assisting local clubs/organisations/care settings to start new initiatives geared at involving older people in recreational sport and physical activity;
Encouraging sports clubs to provide new initiatives within their clubs aimed at getting older people involved in their sport;
Assisting those working in care settings (both nursing homes and day care settings) to introduce more initiatives to increase physical activity levels of those in their care.
Funded by Sport Ireland, money is being made available to all eligible local clubs, groups, care settings and organisations across the country that promote increased participation in recreational sport or physical activity for older people as a main element of their activities.
The Active National Grant Scheme aims to assist in the implementation of locally-developed, well-planned initiatives designed to increase participation in recreational sport and physical activity by older people.
In particular, the The Age & Opportunity Active National Grant Scheme is aimed at:
Supporting the work of Age & Opportunity’s Active Programme including the network of PALs (Physical Activity Leaders) and CarePALs, and the development of Go for Life Games and other initiatives; • assisting local clubs/organisations/care settings to enhance existing opportunities for their members in recreational sport and physical activity;
Assisting local clubs/organisations/care settings to start new initiatives geared at involving older people in recreational sport and physical activity;
Encouraging all sports clubs to provide new initiatives within their clubs aimed at getting older people back to their sport;
Assisting those working in care settings (both nursing homes and day care settings) to introduce more initiatives to increase physical activity levels of those in their care.
Who Can Apply?
Grants are available to all eligible local clubs, groups, care settings and organisations that promote increased participation in recreational sport or physical activity for older people as a main element of their activities.
Umbrella bodies, or their agents, are not eligible for funding under this grant scheme.
An exception to this is Local Sports Partnerships who are eligible to apply.
Sports Clubs please note: Funding for sports clubs will only be considered if the application specifically relates to older people (aged 50+ years), and they will be the overall beneficiaries of the grant.
We will be prioritising sports like Pickleball, Go for Life Games and adapted sports like Walking Football and Walking Hockey etc.
Funding for sports equipment will be prioritised for equipment specifically designed or adapted for older people.
Applications Are Open Now
The Age & Opportunity National Grant Scheme is open for applications since 1st February 2025 and will close at 12pm midday on Friday 28th February 2025.
When submitting the application, Age & Opportunity will need to see a detailed description of the activity or activities and a breakdown of the expected costs that the funds will be put towards.
To apply, each group must have their own bank account and insurance.
How To Apply?
Please read the terms and conditions before you fill in the form so you are aware of the application criteria and who is eligible to apply.
You can now apply for the grant online by clicking here: apply for the grant online.
Another option is to download the form, print it, fill it in and send your application to
Age and Opportunity,
St. Patrick’s Hall,
Marino Institute of Education,
Griffith Avenue,
Dublin 9,
Ireland D09 K4P6
If you are having difficulty with the forms, email us on info@westmeathsports.ie or call 044-9390208 and we will email the forms out to you.
Funds Available
Grants will be between €250 and €700* and may be allocated towards the cost of the eligible initiatives outlined below. *Joint applications or applications from Community Development Programmes (CDPs), Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) etc. that provide wider access to community groups may be allocated funding outside of these limits. Any applicants who receive an allocation of more than €1,000 must provide a tax clearance number/tax exemption form.
More Information
For more information speak to the National Active Programme team.
active@ageandopportunity.ie or log on to their website here