Mary Peters Trust
Could Mary Peters Trust fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £200 – £3,000
- Where they fund
- Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Online form
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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marypeterstrust.orgAbout Mary Peters Trust
The Mary Peters Trust supports talented young athletes in Northern Ireland to reach their potential in amateur sport. Established to honour the legacy of Olympic gold medallist Mary Peters, the Trust is driven by values of inclusivity, equal opportunity and personal resilience, believing that sport builds confidence, health and community cohesion. It funds individuals rather than organisations, offering grants for training, equipment, competition costs and coaching. The Trust provides financial assistance to children and young people from across Northern Ireland, with a focus on athletes competing at national or international level in recognised sports. It also offers targeted support in the Belfast area through a local programme. The Trust is open to able-bodied and disabled young athletes alike, aiming to remove barriers such as equipment shortages and travel costs.
What Mary Peters Trust funds
The Trust funds amateur sport and recreation, supporting young athletes in their preparation, development, training and competition in sporting activities recognised by the Trust. Grants cover costs such as training camps, specialist coaching, competition travel, performance equipment and entry fees. The main programme operates across Northern Ireland, while a separate programme provides support specifically within the Belfast area. The Trust prioritises athletes competing at national or international level and works with a wide range of sports, including athletics, swimming, hockey, tennis, judo, cycling, boxing, equestrian and disability sports.
Who can apply
Only individuals can apply – the Trust does not fund organisations of any kind. Applicants must be children or young people from Northern Ireland (or the Belfast area for the local programme) who are talented in their sport and competing at a national or international level. Both able-bodied and disabled young athletes are welcome. The Trust looks for athletes with acute needs that are not met by mainstream funding, such as equipment shortages or travel costs. There is no religious restriction.
What Mary Peters Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund capital works, research, feasibility studies or emergency appeals. Applications from individuals competing in Seniors or Veterans events are not eligible. Organisations of any type – including registered charities, schools, community groups and social enterprises – cannot apply. The Trust also excludes older people as beneficiaries.
How they like to fund
The Trust provides grants to individuals for training, equipment, competition costs and coaching. It operates several programmes, including a main award for Northern Ireland-wide applicants and a local programme for the Belfast area. The funding is person-centred and catalytic, aiming to remove financial barriers at pivotal moments in an athlete’s career. The Trust welcomes unsolicited applications.
How much does Mary Peters Trust give?
Mary Peters Trust runs 3 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 52 sourced facts
- Online application form
- 1 rounds a year
- Online application form
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What Mary Peters Trust funds — and what they won't
To financially assist talented individuals in respect of preparation, training and competition in sporting activities recognised by the Trust.
The full exclusions list (2)
- Applications from individuals competing in Seniors or Veterans events will not be eligible for consideration
- Applications will not be considered if they are received after the closing date
Good to know
How to apply to Mary Peters Trust
Mary Peters Trust takes applications via online form.
- Published programme route: online application form.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Mary Peters Trust could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Mary Peters Trust provide?
Mary Peters Trust runs 3 grant programmes — Make it Happen Award: £2,000 – £2,000.
Where does Mary Peters Trust fund charities?
Mary Peters Trust funds charities operating in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Does Mary Peters Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Mary Peters Trust accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
What does Mary Peters Trust not fund?
Their published exclusions include: Applications from individuals competing in Seniors or Veterans events will not be eligible for consideration; Applications will not be considered if they are received after the closing date. The full exclusions list is further up this page.
How do I apply for funding from Mary Peters Trust?
Mary Peters Trust takes applications via online form. Published programme route: online application form.
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Could Mary Peters Trust be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.