When do applications close?
Submissions close on Friday 26 May.
Can I speak to someone about my application?
We’ve developed this comprehensive set of Frequently Asked Questions that should have answers to all your questions. Please feel free to contact Kyle Robinson, Club and Community Development Officer at kyle.robinson@irishfa.com, they are on hand to support you during the application process.
What security of tenure is required?
We want to give support applications from all clubs across Northern Ireland with preference given Irish FA Accredited clubs:
. Own their facilities freehold
. Have an uninterruptable lease of 5 years or longer and have your landlord's consent to undertake the proposed works
If you do not have the freehold or uninterruptable lease of 5 years or longer then we would accept the freeholder as a joint applicant. This could include (Local authorities, registered charities, not-for-profit companies, community interest company (CIC) or other social enterprise and town and parish councils.
Do we need partnership funding to be eligible to apply?
No, you don’t need to provide any partnership funding to be eligible, but you must commit to meeting the costs of preparing the room ready for the kitchen to be installed.
We deliver activity at more than one facility; can we apply for funding for each of the sites?
No, each organisation can only apply once.
How do I apply?
All applications must be made directly by completing the form found here.
Applications made by third parties on a club’s behalf, or through any third-party websites, will be withdrawn.
I’ve already received funding from the Irish FA previously - am I eligible to apply?
Yes, if you meet our eligibility criteria.
When will I know if I’ve been successful?
We’ll contact you with the decision on your application by June 2023.
When do we need to spend the funding by?
Your project should be completed with 4 months of the award letter.
We have already started to do some of the work, what should we do?
If the works relates directly to the project, then would be ineligible to apply.
If I’m unsuccessful, when will I be eligible to apply again?
The deal with Howdens is for 3 years and there will be further funding rounds.
Why have I been rejected?
It’s most likely you’ve been rejected for one of these reasons:
. Your organisation type isn’t eligible
There are other works that we need to carry out - can we apply for funding for those as well?
Not if they are enabling works to get the Kitchen fitted, however there might be other funding available locally to assist you but please remember the project cannot be delayed for these works to take place.
I’ve got a query regarding the guidance - who should I contact?
Please feel free to contact your Kyle Robinson, Club and Community Development Officer at kyle.robinson@irishfa.com, they are on hand to support you during the application process.
The Fund
Who has funded this programme?
This programme is being funded by Howdens as a partnership with the Irish FA Foundation. The application process is being administered by Kyle Robinson.
What is the aim of this Fund?
The aim of the Fund is to support Irish FA Accredited clubs to improve their kitchen facilities so that they can offer food and refreshments to players and spectators.
