Welcome to Around the Table, our regular look at the work Table Tennis England is doing to promote and support table tennis around the country.
This week our subject is Club Facility Funding, a scheme where clubs can apply for funding to improve their facilities or build new ones.
What is Club Facility Funding?
It’s Table Tennis England money, kindly granted by Sport England, which is set aside to help clubs invest in and improve their facilities through capital projects. Our commitment is to increase participation in table tennis – and creating better facilities is an important part of that.
How much is available?
We have £260,000 for the 2015/16 financial year in two pots – £200k in the Dedicated Multi-Table Clubs and Facilities Fund and £60k in the Club Upgrade Fund. There is also funding for table purchase.
How do I know which fund to apply to?
The Dedicated Multi-Table Fund can be accessed by clubs who hope to establish six tables or more in a space which is dedicated to table tennis and where the hours are available to provide a fully inclusive programme for seniors and juniors, including coaching, social sessions and competition. Projects covered by this fund are likely to be refurbishments, extensions or conversions of a current space or a new build where the majority of funding has been secured from another source.
The Club Upgrade Fund helps to improve facilities which are currently used for table tennis or which will be used for table tennis. It will help fund elements such as lighting, flooring or the creation of storage space. Any project supported will increase participation through a structured development plan and is likely to guarantee table tennis a minimum of 8 hours usage a week for a period of 5 years or more.
Can we use this fund to buy tables?
No – we have separate, additional funding to help clubs purchase new tables. Click here for more information
What is the maximum amount a club can apply for?
The maximum award in the Multi-Table Clubs and Facilities Fund is £100,000. In the Club Upgrade Fund it is £10,000.
How do I know if my club is eligible?
Any organisation eligible to receive public funding can apply – for example, sports clubs, voluntary or community organisations, local authorities, schools and colleges.
Are there any other requirements?
You will need to have a minimum of £1 for £1 match funding; projects must be delivered by March 31st, 2016.
Applications to the Club Upgrade Fund must have guaranteed access to the venue for a minimum of 5 years. Under the Dedicated Multi-Table Fund, there must be security of tenure for at least 10 years.
Before applying, please read the full guidance document – click here
When do clubs have to get their applications in?
For the Dedicated Multi-Table Fund, there is an expression of interest deadline of July 1st, 2015 and an application deadline of August 1st, 2015.
More details on all elements of Club facility Funding can be seen by clicking here
May 27, 2015