Donegal clubs urged to apply as sports funding increased for 2026 - Donegal Daily

Donega sporting bodies are being asked to proactively start preparing their applications as the new CSFF funding has been announced for 2026.

Sporting clubs across Donegal are being urged to prepare their applications as a fresh round of the Community Sports Facilities Fund has been announced for 2026.

There has been an increase in the maximum grants available, whilst new changes have also been introduced in relation to the application criteria.

Other changes designed to simplify the application process have also been introduced.

Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue, formally announced the 2026 round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF).

McConalogue reiterated how the Community Sports Facilities Fund is designed to help thousands of volunteers across the country.

"Every week, thousands of volunteers across Ireland give their time and energy to keeping our sporting organisations running. The Community Sport Facilities Fund is about supporting that commitment by helping those organisations provide the facilities and equipment their communities need.

"I am pleased that we are increasing the maximum grants available while also making several practical changes to the application requirements," said McConalogue.

McConalogue also pleaded with clubs to educate themselves on the details of the new programme and use the next few months to prepare.

“Participation and inclusion remain central to this programme. We want facilities that are accessible to women and men, and projects that demonstrate a genuine commitment to sport for all.

"I would encourage every eligible organisation to familiarise themselves with the information available on the new programme and use the coming months to prepare a strong application,” he added.

An information guide, setting out key terms and conditions, is now available online at gov.ie/SportsCapital

Key details of the new round, including a number of innovations, are as follows:

· Local projects: Maximum grant increased from €200,000 to €250,000 and greater collaboration with schools is encouraged.

· Regional Tier 1: Maximum grant increased from €500,000 to €550,000.

· New Regional Tier 2: For larger, multi-sport projects introduced with maximum grant level of €750,000, targeted at Local Authorities and Governing Bodies.

· Minimum lease term: Reduced from 15 to 10 years, mandatory requirement to have registered lease is removed.

· Administrative simplifications: Introduced to enable more organisations to qualify for the Fund.

The CSFF is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country.

A new grant management system, SPRAOI, has been developed to accept applications and any clubs and organisations in Donegal not previously registered with the Department can now register on SPRAOI. The new round of funding will close for applications on Friday, February 26th, 2027.

The information guide (terms and conditions) is published on the Department’s website at gov.ie/SportsCapital