In-line with our Business Strategy 2015-2019, both funds demonstrate our commitment to investing in the local game, whilst the Innovation Fund also supports the innovation strand of the strategy’s core values. For the 2017/18 season we will be aiming to reinvest £30,000 to eligible applicants who require funding to support their on-going development.

Small Grants Fund

The Small Grants Fund aims to re-invest £15,000 of discipline income back into the game for our member clubs and leagues throughout the 2017/18 season. Grants of up to £1,000 for up to 50% of a project’s total cost are offered to cover a wide range of projects from pitch improvement to portable floodlights.

Since the scheme began in 2010 we have awarded just under £50,000 to 45 clubs. A review of the fund for the 2016/17 season can be found in the following infographic.

Innovation Fund

The Innovation Fund aims to challenge applicants to come forward with new and inventive ways to support and drive the game forward over the next 4 years. Football is now competing against a vast array of other sporting and leisure opportunities as well as the increasing time and financial pressures of modern life so needs to ensure the game adapts to meet these challenges head on. The best ideas, and applicants that produce them, will benefit from support and investment to make them a reality. 

Now in its second year the Innovation Fund has evolved to enable clubs to apply as well as leagues. Grants are typically awarded from 50-100% of the total project cost dependent on the project proposed and must address one or more of the following areas:

-     Sustaining and Increasing Participation
-     Support and Development of Players, Coaches and/or Referees
-     Development and/or Protection of Facilities
-     Recruitment, Retention and Development of Volunteers
-     Addressing Poor Behaviour and Promotion of Respect

Both funds are administered by the OFA Development Committee and more information as well as application forms can be found in the funding section of our website here.

Alternatively, more about either fund can be found by contacting OFA Business & Facility Development Manager Andy Earnshaw on 01993 894406 or email Andrew.Earnshaw@OxfordshireFA.com