Sussex Cricket Foundation

The Sussex Cricket Foundation, established in 2015 as the charitable arm of Sussex Cricket Limited, harnesses cricket to transform lives and build resilient communities across Sussex. Rooted in inclusivity, equality, and the social power of sport, it promotes accessible cricket for all backgrounds and abilities, tackling participation barriers, enhancing health and wellbeing, and fostering life skills through grassroots initiatives. Its distinctive approach leverages the Sussex Cricket brand to bridge professional sport with local clubs, schools, and communities, emphasizing sustainable, volunteer-led environments.

It prioritizes projects reducing inequalities in cricket access, including women and girls' sections, disability and SEND-inclusive formats like Walking Cricket, youth engagement via school outreach (impacting 15,000+ children yearly with partners like Chance to Shine), and support for ethnically diverse, disadvantaged, elderly, and rural/coastal groups. Funding targets grassroots infrastructure (e.g., artificial pitches, facilities), coaching development, volunteer rewards, and capacity building for clubs to become inclusive hubs, always aligned with cricket's community benefits.

Eligible applicants include community groups, cricket clubs, and academic institutions (e.g., schools) operating exclusively within the ceremonial county of Sussex (East and West); preference for small to medium-sized grassroots organizations with modest incomes and evidence of partnerships/sustainability. No religious restrictions apply.

Grants typically range from £1,000–£10,000 (up to £250,000 for major ECB capital projects with 25% match funding), awarded via online forms on a rolling basis (e.g., ECB County Grants Fund, decisions in 30 days after Territory Manager consultation and Club Development Plan). Some rounds have deadlines like 28 August 2025 for East Sussex coaching funds. Exclusions: non-Sussex activities, non-cricket projects, or those lacking inclusivity/impact evidence; uniquely focused on cricket as a vehicle for social change.