Rugby Development Foundation

Could Rugby Development Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants
£500 – £5,000
Applications
Not accepted
Decisions
Rolling (no fixed deadline)

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

Check fit free · no card

rugby-foundation.org.uk

About Rugby Development Foundation

The Rugby Development Foundation, established in 2013 by rugby advocates, is a UK charitable organisation dedicated to advancing the education and development of children and young people through rugby union, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Its mission centres on inclusion, motivation, sporting excellence, and personal growth. The Foundation provides means-tested bursaries, training, coaching, teaching, and equipment to support rugby development. It prioritises projects that enhance access, performance, and personal development for young players, with a distinctive focus on grassroots rugby. The charity is volunteer-led with transparent governance, nurturing talent at grassroots and advanced levels.

What Rugby Development Foundation funds

The Foundation funds targeted rugby development activities, including fees for coaching clinics, training programmes, educational institutions, and equipment purchases. It supports means-tested bursaries for promising individuals from low-income families. Projects that enhance access, performance, and personal development are prioritised. The Foundation operates across England and Wales, with a particular focus on grassroots organisations, local community rugby clubs, youth initiatives, and academic institutions fostering rugby talent.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, and academic institutions based in England or Wales. The Foundation has a preference for smaller, grassroots organisations that work directly with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. There are no strict income thresholds, but support is focused on local-level entities. Projects should benefit children and young people, particularly those from low-income families, and aim to enhance access, performance, and personal development through rugby.

What Rugby Development Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not fund core costs, capital projects, or general operating expenses. Support is restricted to project and programme costs within rugby union youth development, and proposals outside this exclusive focus are not considered.

How they like to fund

Grants are invite-only and awarded at trustee discretion through referrals from rugby networks. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. It uses a means-tested approach for individual bursaries and selects community projects via internal referrals. Funding is provided as one-off project grants.

How much does Rugby Development Foundation give?

£500 – £5,000

Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction
Focus areas
Sport & recreationChildren & youth

How to apply to Rugby Development Foundation

Rugby Development Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

  • A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
  • If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
  • Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).

What you can do here

  1. 1
    Check fit. See if your project aligns with Rugby Development Foundation.
  2. 2
    Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
  3. 3
    Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Rugby Development Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Rugby Development Foundation provide?

Rugby Development Foundation typically provides grants of £500 - £5,000.

Where does Rugby Development Foundation fund charities?

Rugby Development Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Rugby Development Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

Rugby Development Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Rugby Development Foundation?

Rugby Development Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.

Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.

Could Rugby Development Foundation be a fit?

Check free — then find open funders like them.