Community Projects Fund

We’re offering grants of up to £2,000 to help grow squash in local communities. This funding is designed to grow participation and address inequality making our squash and Squash 57 more inclusive and accessible.

A group of women playing squash on court

Purpose of the funding

The community funding programme exists to help increase participation in squash and tackle inequalities in access to sport. We know that some communities face barriers to taking part and are currently less involved in squash. We also know there are many great ideas within the squash community to change this.

This England Squash funding is designed to:

Support clubs, counties, and partners to deliver innovative new activities that attract and retain participants.
Engage people who are currently less involved in squash, including women and girls, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, ethnically diverse communities, and disabled people.
Break down barriers to participation and create sustainable opportunities so participants can continue playing beyond the funding period.
Build stronger local community connections through partnerships and creative approaches.

Our goal is to ensure squash and Squash 57 reaches new audiences, promotes health and wellbeing, and contributes to fairer access to sport for everyone.

Who can apply?

England Squash County Associations
England Squash Affiliated Clubs
England Squash partners*

*An England Squash partner is an organisation that works collaboratively with England Squash or its affiliated clubs and county associations to deliver squash-related activities. This can include community organisations, charities, and faith-based groups. The key is that partners help engage new audiences and support project delivery.

What we will fund

Key dates

Applications close: 20 February 2026
Projects must start by: 30 April 2026
Projects must be completed by: 31 December 2026

Before you apply

Download the application form questions here to prepare your answers in advance.

How to apply

Complete the online application form:

This funding is currently closed

You’ll need to provide:

Organisation details
Project summary and objectives
Evidence of demand and sustainability
Budget breakdown (including match/in-kind contributions)
Safeguarding confirmation

Any questions?

If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]

Application tips and FAQs

Top tips for a strong application

1. Show clear demand

Include evidence that your target audience wants this activity (e.g., sign-ups, surveys, community feedback and partnership working).

2. Focus on inclusion

Explain how your project will engage people who are currently less involved in squash (women & girls, lower socio-economic groups, ethnically diverse communities, disabled people). Demonstrate that you understand what the barriers are to the people you are looking to engage.

3. Plan for sustainability

Describe what will continue after the funding ends and how you’ll ensure that the participants can continue to participate (e.g., volunteer support, training community leaders, small fees, partnerships).

4. Keep it simple and realistic

Outline what you’ll do, who will deliver it, and when. Bullet points are fine.

5. Remove barriers

Show how you’ll make participation easy (cost, kit, transport, accessibility, awareness).

6. Provide a clear budget

Break down costs and include match funding or in-kind contributions.

7. Safeguarding matters

Confirm you have a policy, trained people, and a named safeguarding lead and that those delivering your project are appropriately qualified.

8. Stick to the deadlines

Apply by 20 February 2026, start by 30 April 2026, complete by 31 December 2026.

9. Speak to us

Contact England Squash to discuss or share details of your project as there may be areas in which we can provide support: [email protected]. Apply by 20 February 2026, start by 30 April 2026, complete by 31 December 2026.

FAQs

Can I apply for multiple projects?

Yes, up to the total value of £2,000.

What counts as match funding or in-kind support?

Match funding can be cash contributions from your organisation or partners. In-kind support includes free venue hire, volunteer time, donated equipment, or other resources that reduce project costs.

Can I include coaching fees and facility hire in my budget?

Yes, reasonable costs for coaching, venue hire, equipment, and outreach are eligible. See the application guidance above for exclusions.

How will applications be assessed?

We’ll look at:

How well the project meets the funding criteria
Evidence of demand from your target audience
Sustainability beyond the grant
Safeguarding and Governance compliance
Value for money and clarity of budget

When will I hear if my application is successful?

We aim to notify applicants within 4 weeks of the closing date.

How will the funding be paid?

Typically, 80% upfront and 20% on receipt of a short end-of-project report (including participant numbers and feedback).

Can schools apply directly?

Schools can benefit through community-club delivery, but the lead applicant should be an affiliated club, Coaches Club member, or England Squash partner.

What counts as an England Squash partner?

An England Squash partner is an organisation that works collaboratively with England Squash or its affiliated clubs and county associations to deliver squash-related activities. This can include community organisations, charities, and faith-based groups. The key is that partners help engage new audiences and support project delivery.