Help
Questions and answers
Everything you might want to know about applying for a grant, giving to the Trust and using your account.
Grants
Who can apply?
Young people aged 5 to 18 who live in England or Wales and who, without help, could not realistically take part in their sport. A parent, carer, coach, teacher or support worker can apply on their behalf.
What can a grant pay for?
Kit and equipment, club membership and subscription fees, training, entry fees for competitions and events, and travel to take part. We cannot fund things that are not about taking part in sport.
How much can I ask for?
There is no fixed limit, but we are a small charity, so please ask for what is really needed. List each thing with its cost. For anything over £100, a link, quote or invoice helps.
Do I need to send proof of income or benefits?
No. Tell us about your circumstances in your own words. We may ask a question to help us understand, but we will never ask for bank statements or benefit letters.
How long does it take?
Applying takes about 15 minutes, and you can save it and come back. Our trustees are volunteers and usually decide within a few weeks. If you need something by a particular date, tell us in the form.
Why might you lend equipment rather than give a grant?
If someone is trying a sport for the first time, we may buy equipment and lend it. If they carry on, they can usually keep it. If not, it can help another young person.
How will the grant be paid?
Usually we pay the club or supplier directly, or buy the equipment and send it. If we need to pay you, we will ask for bank details in your account, never by email or phone.
What does the automated check do?
When you send an application, an automated assistant checks it is complete against our criteria, and may ask you for anything missing. It never makes a decision: our trustees read every application and decide.
Can I apply again?
Yes. Many young people need help more than once, for example each season. Start a new application from your account, and your details will be filled in for you.
Giving
How does Gift Aid work?
If you pay UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax, we can claim an extra 25p from HMRC for every £1 you give, at no cost to you. You make a declaration once, and it covers your future gifts and those from the last four years.
Can I change or cancel my monthly Direct Debit?
Yes, at any time. Sign in to your account with the email you give with, and go to Your giving. You can change the amount, pause it for a few months or cancel it. You can also cancel through your bank.
Can I get a statement for my tax return?
Yes. In Your giving, choose the tax year and print a statement of your donations, showing which had Gift Aid.
Is my card or bank information safe?
Card payments are handled by Square and Direct Debits by GoCardless, both regulated payment companies. Your card and bank details never reach our website.
Can I give by cheque or bank transfer?
Yes. Please contact us and we will send you the details.
Where does my money go?
Into grants and loaned equipment for young people. Our trustees are volunteers and we keep running costs as low as we can, so your gift goes as far as possible.
Your account
Why do I need an account to apply?
So you can save your application and come back to it, follow its progress, answer our questions, upload documents and, if we can help, tell us safely how to pay the grant.
Can I use the same account for applying and giving?
Yes. One account, signed in with your email address, shows your applications and your donations.
I have forgotten my password
On the sign-in page, choose "Forgot your password" and we will email you a code to set a new one.
How do I close my account?
Contact us from the email address you sign in with. We keep records of grants and Gift Aid for as long as the law requires, then delete them.