The finishing line is in sight to apply for a share of a £10 million fund aiming to increase sporting opportunities in rural parts of England.

Local sports clubs, community groups, schools and local authorities only have until 30 June to submit an initial application to Sport England’s new Rural Communities Themed Round. 

The programme is looking to support projects that break down the barriers preventing many people in rural areas from participating in sport, such as a lack of facilities or limited transportation links. 

It can offer grants to cover both capital projects - such as building new sports facilities and changing rooms – and revenue costs, including recruiting and training new staff or carrying out organisational capacity building. 

The fund is open to applications from fully constituted organisations or statutory bodies, including: 

• Sports clubs.
• Voluntary or community groups.
• Local authorities.
• Educational establishments (schools, colleges and universities).
• National governing bodies of sport (providing the project does not duplicate outcomes they are already receiving Whole Sport Plans funding for).  

Private sector organisations can also apply, providing that they can demonstrate that their project has a charitable purpose and the company will not receive any financial gain. 

For the purposes of the programme, a “rural community” must fall into one of the following Local Authority Classification categories: 

• Category Four: Significant Rural - districts with more than 37,000 people or more than 26% of their population in rural settlements and larger market towns.
• Category Five: Rural 50 - districts with at least 50% but less than 80% of their population in rural settlements and larger market towns.
• Category Six: Rural 80 - districts with at least 80% of their population in rural settlements and larger market towns. 

Initial applications will be assessed against a range of criteria, such as potential impact, value for money, and the applicant’s track record, with priority given to projects that are innovative, sustainable and carry local relevance. 

Shortlisted bidders will then be invited to complete a more in-depth application by 30 October. 

For further information about the Rural Communities Themed Round and to submit an expression of interest by 30 June, visit Sport England’s dedicated funding information website.