With £100,000 available this year from a wider three-year funding pot of £300,000, Borough of Sport Grant programme is set to support local community organisations delivering free and low-cost opportunities to get residents active.
Merton Council has launched the second round of its Borough of Sport Grant programme, reinforcing its commitment to making sport and physical activity more accessible and inclusive across the borough. With £100,000 available this year from a wider three-year funding pot of £300,000, the initiative is set to support local community organisations delivering free and low-cost opportunities to get residents active.
The Borough of Sport Grant fund was created to boost grassroots clubs, community groups and non-profits that encourage people to lead healthier, more active lives. Building on the success of last year’s programme, the council has increased the maximum grant award from previous levels to £7,000, making it possible to fund larger and more ambitious projects. The new round of funding aims to reach a wider range of residents, especially those from under-represented groups, by prioritising activities for women and girls, children aged four to sixteen, people aged over 65, and marginalised communities.
There is no minimum bid requirement, ensuring that small organisations and volunteer-led initiatives can still access the funding. Applications are open until 12 noon on 7 May 2025, giving interested groups time to apply through Clarion Futures’ dedicated grant portal.
Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Merton’s Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage, said the grant programme was central to the borough’s vision of making sport accessible to all. “One of our Borough of Sport missions is to ensure that every resident can access free and low-cost sport and physical activity. Local clubs, coaches and organisations are an essential part of this, and this grant programme allows us to support a broad range of fantastic inclusive and accessible opportunities for residents to be active here in Merton.”
She added that collaboration with the local sports and voluntary sector is key to encouraging lifelong participation in physical activity. “Becoming a Borough of Sport is about working closely with our local sports sector. In supporting them to thrive, we can have real impact in our communities and get people moving more, in a way which works for them.”
Last year’s inaugural round of the Borough of Sport Grant funded 23 projects across Merton, offering a wide range of inclusive activities. Residents have already benefitted from dance classes for over-65s, gardening projects aimed at young adults with learning disabilities, and self-defence training tailored to visually impaired participants.
One such project was run by Combination Dance, an award-winning charity and lead organisation of the NRICH Consortium, which promotes inclusive dance across London. Artistic Director Anne-Marie Smalldon said the grant had made a tangible difference. “Thanks to the Borough of Sport Grant Fund, we’ve been able to offer high-quality, free dance sessions to people over 60, those with disabilities or on low incomes in Merton through several projects – including our Vintage Dance Company. This group of over-65s benefit from free weekly dance sessions that provide cardiovascular exercise and social get-togethers, while also helping to inspire other Merton residents through their theatre performances.”
The application process is again being managed by Clarion Futures, the charitable arm of Clarion Housing Group – Merton’s largest social housing provider. Their role includes overseeing the grant application system and supporting applicants through the Flexigrant platform.
Matt Parsonage, Head of Communities at Clarion Futures, praised the scheme’s growing impact. “It’s been fantastic to see the variety of projects supported through the first year of the Borough of Sport Grant programme, helping local people find free and low-cost ways to get active that work for them. We’re delighted to be working with Merton Council to build on this success and look forward to seeing what opportunities this presents for those living in Clarion homes and communities across the borough.”
Eligible applicants include non-profit organisations such as charities, community interest companies, PTAs, Friends of School groups and more. The grant can be used to fund new activities, buy equipment, pay for venue hire, expand current sessions or train staff – all with the goal of helping Merton residents lead healthier, more active lives.
For more information or to apply, visit Clarion Futures’ Flexigrant portal before the 7 May deadline.
