Football Foundation

The Foundation supports capital projects that create, improve, and maintain grassroots football facilities across England. Funded work includes new or refurbished natural grass and artificial pitches, small-sided facilities, changing pavilions, drainage, goalposts, and minor equipment. The Lionesses HERe to Play Fund specifically supports projects that make facilities more welcoming and inclusive for women and girls. All projects must be professionally designed and managed by a suitably qualified sports pitch consultant.

Eligible organisations include registered charities, community groups, schools, local authorities, faith groups, social enterprises, and community benefit societies. Football clubs and sports clubs (non-football) are also welcome. The Foundation does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applicants must be based and deliver projects in England. No specific income thresholds are stated, but organisations must demonstrate not-for-profit status and community benefit.

The Foundation does not fund kit or equipment for players, retrospective projects, routine maintenance and repairs resulting from wear and tear (unless part of a pitch improvement programme), facility hire, projects outside England, or those intended for private gain. Core costs, salaries, events, training, research, and transport are also excluded.

The Foundation offers several grant programmes targeting different facility needs, including the Grass Pitch Creation Grant, Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund, Small-Sided Facility Grant, Lionesses HERe to Play Fund, and the Premier League Stadium Fund. They fund capital works and equipment only, with multi-year grants available through the Grass Pitch Maintenance Fund. Unsolicited applications are accepted, and the Foundation typically awards up to 75% of total project costs.