Funding is the Lifeblood of Grassroots Sport. Let's Make Sure You Know How to Get It.
Every week, grassroots sports clubs across the UK fight to keep their lights on. Coaches volunteer their time. Parents run bake sales. Committees write grant applications late at night. The Sported Skills Academy's Fundraising programme exists to change that, to give the people who keep sport alive the professional skills to secure sustainable funding and build organisations that last.
Sported network organisations have unlocked over £1.2 million in funding through skills development. Imagine what a qualified fundraiser could do for yours.
Start building your Fundraising skills today
Funding is the lifeblood of every grassroots sports club. It's not a nice-to-have skill — it's one of the most important things anyone in your organisation can get better at.
- Write stronger bids and win more of the grants you apply for
- Build lasting relationships with funders, not just one-off applications
- Understand the funding landscape and know exactly where to look and when to apply
- Diversify your income so you're not relying on a single source to keep the lights on
- Make the case for your organisation's impact in a way that funders actually respond to
See what previous learners have gone on to do.
One delegate ran the Gift a Child a Festive Experience Campaign which had an ROI of 24.46%
A delegate gained valuable skills around Bid/Grant writing that resulted in successfully writing grant applications for clients, securing a total amount of £29,300
From the learning around communication and strategy, another delegate was able to support on external communication through a newsletter, with their work increasing the mailing list of prospective target donors by 56%
Katie is an exceptionally hardworking and impressive learner who consistently demonstrates a high level of capability and professionalism. She brings a wealth of knowledge from other areas, and what truly stands out is her outstanding approach to developing her fundraising expertise, actively building on her learning and applying it effectively within her role. Her commitment to translating knowledge into practice is phenomenal. Katie has successfully applied key skills in the workplace, particularly in planning and delivering events, both this week and in July, where she has confidently utilised financial planning and budgeting skills to a high standard. The pitch she has produced for her charity is genuinely outstanding and reflects the quality, depth, and thought she brings to everything she does. She consistently goes above and beyond expectations, showing initiative, dedication, and a genuine passion for her work.
Katie's coach, Sported Skills Academy
Choose Your Level
All programmes are fully funded through the Growth and Skills Levy. No cost to you or your employer.
When can I start?
July 2026 Intake
- Application Deadline10 July 2026
- First Day of Learning31 July 2026
October 2026 Intake
- Application DeadlineTBC
- First Day of LearningTBC
Dates to be confirmed. Submit your EOI now to be first in the queue.
Are you eligible?
If most of these sound like you, you're ready to apply.
You are a contracted member of staff working at least 16 hours per week
You have lived in England for at least 3 years and spend at least 50% of your working hours working in England.
You are enrolled on your organisation's PAYE scheme
You can commit to completing 6 hours per week of OTJ learning. What is OTJ?
You have a Manager who can support your learning while on the programme. Who can act as your Line Manager for these programmes?
Ready to take the next step?
Two intakes a year, July and October 2026. Fully funded, first-come, first-served.
Apply Now