Golf Ireland has confirmed details of the Club Resilience Fund for clubs located in the Republic of Ireland. Delivered by Sport Ireland, the fund aims to provide short-term financial help to golf clubs, support business resilience and future sustainability post COVID-19.
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet the criteria and conditions set out for the fund which is designed to assist clubs most in need of financial supports.
Some of the areas in which clubs could consider applying include sustainability, service improvement, training and education for staff and/or volunteers, programmes for vulnerable and under-represented groups to engage them in golf, modification of facilities and ways to reduce costs. Clubs are however encouraged to apply for other ventures which fall within the terms of the funding rules.
Mark Kennelly, CEO of Golf Ireland said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding for golf clubs in the Republic of Ireland and I’d like to express our thanks to Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Media and Sport Catherine Martin TD, the Minster for State for Sport and Gaeltacht Jack Chambers TD and Sport Ireland for considering the submissions that Golf Ireland made on behalf of golf clubs.”
“Many golf clubs have suffered a losses in revenue because of the pandemic and Golf Ireland is committed to supporting clubs in every way possible. This is a substantial allocation for golf, and it underlines the important role of golf in the sporting landscape. I encourage all clubs to inform themselves of the requirements of the fund and to submit their applications”.
The initial allocation for golf was €2.7m, but an additional €100,000 has since been secured by Golf Ireland to bring the total support package to €2.8m.
Clubs have until 20th January 2021 to submit their applications with an announcement of recipients expected in early February. Grants of up to €25,000 will be awarded to successful clubs. As this programme is state-funded, a list of successful clubs and the amount they have been awarded will be published on the Golf Ireland website once all applicants have been contacted.
Clubs may also at this time apply for Sports Capital Funding (Republic of Ireland) and the Sport Sustainability Fund (Northern Ireland) which are separate funding opportunities to the Club Resilience Fund.