Funding for Athletes

Individual athletes can receive funding from a variety of sources including grant funding and sponsorship.

Sources of grant funding for individual athletes include:
  • Access for Athletes – Challenged Athletes Foundation
    Provides funding grants for equipment such as sports wheelchairs, handcycles, mono skis, etc, as well as training and competition expenses to physically challenged individuals
  • Boost Charitable Trust
    Build on Overlooked Sporting Talent provides funding to support the disabled and disadvantaged to overcome their challenges through sport
  • GLL Sport Foundation
    North Kesteven’s next generation of title-chasing athletes can apply for support in going for gold in the big events in 2020. Applications open 20 December 2019 and close 20 February 2020
  • LEAP – Active Lincolnshire
    The Lincolnshire Elite Athlete Programme (LEAP) run by Active Lincolnshire
  • UK Sport – The UK’s High Performance Sports Agency
    UK Sport’s National Lottery backed World Class Performance Programme – athletes can receive support for their Olympic or Paralympic campaign
  • Dickie Bird Foundation – Support for individuals with the aim of helping disadvantaged young people under 18 to participate in sport.
Corporate sponsors:

Focused targeting of local and national businesses which can benefit and raise their profile by associating their brand with a successful or promising athlete needs to be undertaken. This is a lengthy task, but can bring rewards – however as an athlete you must be prepared to support the business and commit to their brand and values.

Athletes in education can also try:
  • Independent Schools Council
    Some schools have scholarships available for talented individuals, information is available from the school to which you are applying
  • College/University Sports Bursaries/Grants
    Some colleges and universities will provide financial support to high performing student athletes – contact the Student Services Department of your institution

Other Funding Information Sources: