Sports Council for Wales

Sport Wales, formally the Sports Council for Wales, is a government-established national organization founded in 1972 to develop and promote sport and physical activity across Wales, with a core mission to enhance the nation's health, wellbeing, and sporting performance. Its values emphasize equality for all regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnicity, or background; sustainability; community empowerment; and innovation. Distinctively, it balances grassroots participation with elite excellence, integrating Welsh Government priorities and shaping policy while delivering grants via National Lottery and public funds to drive social cohesion and inclusion.

It prioritizes projects dismantling participation barriers, addressing inequalities, and fostering innovation, funding inclusive sports for disabled people, women and girls, mental health initiatives, talent pathways, club capacity building, volunteer training, facility upgrades, and outreach for underrepresented groups like low-income, racially diverse, and LGBTQ+ communities. Key programmes include the Be Active Wales Fund for equality-focused community sport and elite athlete support. Beneficiaries span young people, adults, grassroots clubs, voluntary organizations, and deprived areas, with activities covering equipment, coaching, digital engagement, capital works, and holistic community impact.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups based in or serving Wales (urban or rural), with a preference for grassroots and medium-sized not-for-profits demonstrating community benefit and open access; at least 10% match funding is required, and no strict income limits apply. Grants range from £300 to £50,000, typically under £10,000 for community projects. Applications are unsolicited via online two-stage process (Expression of Interest then full submission) during open windows—next EOI deadline 9 January 2026, with decisions weeks later; windows may close early if oversubscribed. Exclusions cover core costs without project links, non-community activities, and anything misaligned with equality, innovation, or sustainability, setting Sport Wales apart as Wales' primary sport funding hub.