Rowing Ireland is encouraging clubs to apply for the 2026 Community Sports Facilities Fund, which replaces the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme and which offers grants up to €250,000 across maintenance, equipment, facilities, local initiatives and regional projects.
The new grant management system for the fund, SPRAOI (https://www.sportscapital.gov.ie/), will be open for clubs who haven’t previously registered with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport previously to register their details from Monday 28th September 2026. Clubs already registered on the previous OSCAR system have had their registrations automatically transferred to the new system but are encouraged to check their information for accuracy. They will also receive an email in due course outlining the steps to login and confirm details.
Key Dates:
- Monday 28th September 2026 – Registration Opens
- Monday 19th October 2026 – Applications Open
- Friday 26th February 2026 – Applications Close
Who Can Apply?
- Voluntary, not-for-profit sports clubs
- Community groups
- National Governing Bodies
- Schools applying in conjunction with a local sports club
What Funding is Available?
- Equipment-only projects up to €70,000
- Local Grants: Up to €250,000
- Tier 2 Grants: Between €250,000 and €550,000
- Tier 3 Grants: Up to €750,000 (for larger, multi-sport projects)
What Do You Need to Apply?
- Proof of ownership or an appropriate lease agreement (not required if applying for equipment only)
- Valid quotations for the proposed project or equipment
- Recent copies of bank statements
- A formal licence agreement (if applying jointly as a school and club)
The process can be lengthy therefore clubs are urged to begin preparations early and ensure they are correctly registered and meet the criteria above. Further information can be found on the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport website www.gov.ie/sportscapital, and queries can be directed to sportscapitalprogrammes@ccs.gov.ie.
