BACKGROUND

Since 2001 Sport Ireland have provided funding for the Go for Life programme to help increase the
participation of older people in recreational sport and physical activity. This National Grant Scheme for
Sport and Physical Activity for Older People (hereafter referred to as the National Grant Scheme) is one
element of the extensive Go for Life programme which has resulted from this funding.

OVERALL AIM
The National Grant Scheme aims to assist in the implementation of locally-developed, well-planned
initiatives designed to increase participation in recreational sport and physical activity by older people. In
particular, the scheme is aimed at:
– supporting the work of Go for Life including the network of PALs (Physical Activity Leaders) and the
development of Go for Life Games and other initiatives;
– assisting local clubs/organisations to enhance existing opportunities for their members in recreational
sport and physical activity;
– assisting local clubs/organisations to start new initiatives geared at involving older people in recreational sport and physical activity.

WHO CAN APPLY

Grants are available to all eligible local clubs, groups and organisations that promote increased
participation in recreational sport or physical activity for older people as a main element of their activities.

Commercial, statutory or umbrella bodies, or their agents, are not eligible for funding under this
grant scheme. An exception to this are Local Sports Partnerships who are eligible to apply. Day centres
completely funded and directed by statutory bodies, such as the HSE, are not eligible.

Grants are made available for sport or physical activity for older people and the overall membership of
applicants must be such that older people will be the beneficiaries of the grant monies.
Funding for sports clubs will not be considered unless the application specifically relates to older people.
Only one application per group will be considered.

KEY CRITERIA
Applications are encouraged from clubs/organisations that:
– have the potential to increase levels and frequency of participation in recreational sport and physical
activity among older people in the local area;
– can act as showcases or successful demonstration projects that can be replicated by other
clubs/organisations in the future;
– have the potential to develop into a sustainable, longer-term programme;
– have not previously received a Go for Life grant;
– are developing initiatives in designated disadvantaged areas;
– are developing initiatives for minority older populations or older groups with special needs;
– have one or more active Go for Life Physical Activity Leaders (PALs);
– are making a joint application with other groups in their geographical community.

Grant Application Form