Aims/priorities: As part of its 'A Game Free from Discrimination' strategy, the Football Association is working with faith communities across England to support participation, engagement and inclusion across football and has launched the new Faith and Football Fund. The funding may support football programmes that:
- Increase participation in football at any level
- Reach communities or groups who are currently underrepresented or less active
- Remove real or perceived barriers to participation
- Create opportunities for children, young people or adults and may be intersectional in nature
- Use sport to support wider social outcomes
- Build stronger, more inclusive local provision
- Develop sustainable activity that can continue beyond the funding period.
Existing projects can be eligible where the funding will enable them to expand, improve, reach new participants or deliver additional outcomes.
Who can apply: Applications will be accepted from community organisations, clubs, charities, local authorities, voluntary organisations and other eligible partners who are delivering programmes within football and/or sport and have a track record of delivery.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have prior experience of delivering social, community and sport related projects in England.
- Demonstrate that they are able to deliver the programme through a structured and planned approach.
The project can be submitted as a partnership or syndicate of multiple organisations forming a single project.
Grant amount: The maximum grant is £5,000. Applicants should request the amount they genuinely need to deliver the proposed programme rather than the maximum grant.
Application process: The completed application form should be sent to Faith@TheFA.com before the deadline of 25 September 2026 (15:00). The application form and guidelines are available on the FA website: https://www.thefa.com/news/2026/aug/24/fa-faith-and-football-fund-open-for-applications
Deadline: Friday 25 September 2026 (15:00).
Contact: Faith@TheFA.com
Website: https://www.thefa.com/news/2026/aug/24/fa-faith-and-football-fund-open-for-applications