Boost is a boutique grant-giving charity which accepts applications from small and medium-sized charities and non-profit organisations for outstanding sports and physical activity initiatives.
Applications are considered by the trustees quarterly.
Before applying, please read the eligibility criteria below, together with the information about our two different award schemes. Given the volume of applications we receive, we do not respond to applications that fall outside our stated criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
What Boost is looking for:
- Real passion for improving people’s lives through sport
- Well-defined initiatives addressing disability or disadvantage
- Long-term impact and sustainability
- Projects where Boost is a principal funder
Boost does not provide funding for:
- Building/renovation works
- Travel to, or participation in, overseas tournaments
- Grants outside the UK, other than in exceptional circumstances
- Individuals, other than in exceptional circumstances
We have two award schemes that you can apply for:
Small Awards – Under £1,000
Our small award scheme, for awards up to £1,000, is open to organisations with an annual income under £100,000.
Boost is unusual in having a small award scheme, but we know that often a small amount can go far, particularly to help an initiative get off the ground. Applications are usually for a one-off grant.
Applications are considered under a simpler review process.
Large Awards
Our large award scheme is open to organisations with an annual income under £500,000.
Applications can only be made for one year of funding, but we may renew awards for multiple years as we look for long-term impact. Most large awards are in the range of £2,000 to £7,000.
Large awards require a trustee call or visit before approval and for this scheme, in addition to the general criteria, we do not provide funding for:
- Equipment or kit (unless it is a very small part of the overall request)
- One-day or weekend events or very short-term projects.
Our focus here is on the delivery of the programmes, such as coaching, training and venue costs.
Provided there is a well-thought through case, we are happy to consider start-up and early stage funding.
We only accept applications by email.
Please email your submission to sarah.johnson@boostct.org. It should comprise no more than two sides of A4.
Your submission should open with the following bullet point information (in no more than 50 words):
- Organisation name
- Annual income from your latest financial statements
- Description of sport or physical activity
- Aspect of disadvantage/disability addressed
- Location of programme
- Specific amount of funding requested
The remainder of the submission should provide further details of your organisation and the proposed initiative. You must give a budget breakdown. Your application will not be successful if it does not meet our criteria.
Unfortunately, we receive many more applications than we can fund. So, if you are unsuccessful, we advise waiting a year before re-applying.