Facilities, Grants & Funding
Unlocking Funding to Grow the Game
Whether you’re upgrading changing rooms, floodlights, pitch maintenance, launching a walking rugby programme, or developing young players, accessing the right funding can take your club to the next level. Below you’ll find essential guidance and key links to help your rugby club apply for grants and support from the RFU, Sport England, and other organisations.
Grassroots rugby is the heart and soul of our sport—it builds communities, nurtures future stars, and gives lifelong players a place to belong. Whether you’re renovating facilities, expanding you’re playing numbers, or launching walking rugby, there’s support out there to help you thrive. Below are some key tools, links, and tips you’ll need to get started.
Key Funding Opportunities
The RFU offers information and advice and possible funding opportunities.
Funding | Rugby Football Union
Grant Finder
Sport England funding options
RFU Club Management
The Rugby Club Business Network
The Rugby Club Business Network is for people who share common challenges, issues and interests relating to the business operations of a community rugby club.
Joining the network will also bring with it the advantages of accessing specialist advice from a range of our contracted consultants.
Pitch Advisors
The RFU have a fantastic team of pitch advisors throughout the country, ready to provide community rugby clubs with free, bespoke advice and support to develop a pitch maintenance programme that will enhance pitch capacity and quality.
Club Offers
If your club is struggling to find a supplier for something you need, for example a particular piece of equipment or furniture or cleaning product amongst many other things; please click on link below for more information.
Please note these offers are not specifically recommended or endorsed by the RFU. Clubs should carry out their own due diligence as to whether the supplier, products and price on offer are suitable for their particular circumstances.
Getting Ready to Apply for Funding & Advice
Before submitting an application, here’s a handy checklist to improve your chances:
- Clearly define your project and its community impact
- Gather evidence of need (participation data, member feedback, local demographics)
- Ensure your club has proper governance, accounts, and safeguarding in place
- Get quotes and cost breakdowns where relevant
- Align your proposal with the funder’s strategic goals (e.g. inclusion, youth development, sustainability)
Stay Updated
Grant windows can open and close quickly—stay in the loop:
- Subscribe to RFU Community Game Updates here
- Follow Sport England on Twitter: @Sport_England
The LRU have a dedicated facilities Facebook page, please join us at https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19MswhJyTt/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Need Help?
If you’re thinking about applying for a grant or just want to chat through some ideas, we are here to help if needed whether it’s pointing you in the right direction or helping you connect with correct people at the RFU
Leicestershire clubs can contact Neil at facilities@leicestershirerugbyunion.co.uk or 07921 055896