New Year, New Budget – What About Your Ambition?
As you turn your attention to annual budgets and work plans, it’s worth pausing to ask a bigger question – are you also making space for your ambition?
Community Sports Facilities Fund: 2023 in Review
We’ve analysed the outcomes and trends on funds allocation from the 2023 CSFF round, which is a valuable resource as you plan your next application.
Philanthropy as a Catalyst for Inclusion in Sports
Importance of diversifying income streams for NGBs to ensure long-term sustainability and greater inclusion.
Building a Strategic Funding Foundation
For many organisations, the need for capital investment is ongoing. Yet behind every thriving community organisation lies a carefully balanced funding strategy.
Q1 2025 Talent Trends: Key Priorities in Recreation & Sport
Recreation and Sports accounted for 7% of all recorded roles in Q1 2025, highlighting an active and expanding subsector within Ireland’s nonprofit landscape. From 2025 onwards, we’ve updated our data collection methods for sporting roles, offering a more accurate and detailed insight into employment trends and strategic priorities shaping the sports industry nationwide.
- The inclusion of high-level executive appointments—such as Chief Executive Officers, General Managers, and Finance Directors—demonstrates a strong, sector-wide focus on organisational development and strategic leadership. These leadership roles signal a shift toward structured, strategically guided sports programmes with greater oversight and long-term vision.
- A significant portion of roles in this period focus on enhancing the sporting experience for both participation and performance. The sector is prioritising high-quality programme delivery to benefit elite athletes and community participants alike.
- Appointments in communications, marketing, digital strategy, brand management, and diversity and inclusion underscore a push toward broader participation and inclusive access. These strategic roles support organisations in shaping public engagement, building cross-sector partnerships, and ensuring their initiatives resonate across diverse demographics and communities.
- The rise in fundraising and development roles highlights a growing focus on financial sustainability. In response to uncertain public funding, sport organisations are actively pursuing philanthropic support, corporate sponsorships, and community giving to diversify their income streams.
- Meanwhile, roles centred around digital engagement reflect increasing investment in technology and innovation. These positions are transforming how sport is delivered, accessed, and experienced—aligning with wider trends in digital transformation across the nonprofit sector.
Together, these findings show that the Sports and Recreation subsector in Ireland is undergoing professionalisation, strategic evolution, and a shift towards inclusion. Career opportunities in sport now extend beyond the field, encompassing areas such as executive leadership, operations, marketing, fundraising, and technology.
Explore Further: Nonprofit Talent Trends Q1 2025
To read our full thematic analysis of nonprofit talent trends in Q1 2025, please visit our website here.
Contact Us
Our Talent Management Team tracks senior nonprofit roles and publishes quarterly trend reports. To explore previous quarterly insights, visit here. For more information or to discuss current opportunities, please contact Shannon Barrett, Head of Talent Services, at shannon.barrett@2into3.com.
Celebrating €8.6 million secured in Community Sport Facilities Fund
We are thrilled to announce that our clients have successfully secured €8.6 million in the recent Community Sports Facilities Fund. This is an average grant of €179,000 per application.
“We’re delighted to have supported a range of organisations in this round – a massive congratulations to our clients! These grants will enable a wide range of communities to enhance their facilities and provide vital opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sports and physical activity. We are excited to see the positive impact these projects will have on local communities.”
– Patricia Keenan, Director of Funding, 2into3.
Largest-ever funding announced for Sport Facilities
Ministers Martin and Byrne announced €230m in grants for sports clubs and facilities under phase 2 of Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly Sports Capital and Equipment Programme). Over a quarter of a billion allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 with a total investment of €256m. This is a record allocation which will facilitate the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. For a full breakdown of allocations, visit the official government page here.
Speaking at the announcement in Ringsend today, Minister Martin said:
“Sport is vital to our sense of togetherness and community, from local clubs to professional and high-performance teams and athletes. Each and every one of these grants represents a project that will create a new or improved opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in sport to the best of their ability. Clubs will be better able to serve their communities with the help of this fund. For example 194 clubs are getting funding to install solar panels, 317 clubs are getting funding for LED floodlights and 966 projects will include improvements to pitches.
“These vital improvements and new facilities will add to the equipment allocations announced earlier this year to ensure that more people than ever have access to the sports they love in their local areas.”
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about the Community Sport Facilities Fund (previously Sports Capital and Equipment Programme) visit our webpage.
From our experience, successful applications are strategic and are adequately prepared for their application in advance. If you’re interested in preparing the best Community Sport Facilities Fund application and require our assistance, contact Patricia Keenan for more information on 086 065 7347, or visit our webpage here.
€250m Fund Available for Sports Capital and Equipment Programme
On Wednesday 29th May, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne T.D., and Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., announced at least €250m in funding under the latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. The allocations will be made this autumn.
The funding available represents a 50% increase on the funding allocated in early 2022 under the 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.
Since 1998, more than 13,000 projects have benefited from sports capital funding, bringing the total allocations in that time to approximately €1.15 billion. The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland with improvements in the quality and quantity of sporting facilities in virtually every village, town and city.
This represented the largest-ever allocation of equipment-only grants under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme to date which will be of practical benefit to multiple sports organisations, their members and athletes across Ireland.
Minister Martin said:
“I am delighted to have secured the largest ever allocation for the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme. This is great news for sporting organisations throughout the country, their members and athletes. As a Government we have committed to 60% overall participation in sport by 2027.
Today’s announcement takes us further along that journey as the funding confirmed, including over €26m for sports equipment earlier this month, will help to increase participation in a wide range of sports. As we look forward to the Olympics just around the corner today’s announcement is an important demonstration of the Government’s commitment to the sports sector and the communities that use the facilities to be funded. I look forward to announcing the sports clubs and organisations throughout the country who will get the funds.”
About 2into3 Grants & Economic Services
In the previous Sports Capital round, our Grants & Economic Services team secured over €3 million for our clients. In this round, we’ve had the pleasure of working with over 50 clients, supporting their Sports Capital Grant Application.
If you have any further queries, contact our Director of Grants & Economic Services, Patricia Keenan on 086 065 7347 or at patricia.keenan@2into3.com, or visit our webpage for more information.
2024 Irish Sport Industry Awards Reward Excellence in Sport
Our partners at Federation of Irish Sport celebrated the 7th Irish Sport Industry Awards on Tuesday 28th May. The awards are a celebration of the financial contribution of Sport to the Irish economy, recognising enterprise, inclusivity, good governance in Sport. Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath TD, gave the keynote address reaffirming the Government’s ongoing investment in sport through the Sports Capital Grants, Major Sports Infrastructure under LSSIF and the record funding available recently announced under the latest round of Sports Equipment Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (‘SCEP’).
The 11 award categories recognise a cross section of the work being done by new and innovative sports tech enterprises, the significant sports sponsorship market, media campaigns in sport, alongside the important work being done by National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships. In addition to this the awards honour standout individuals making a difference in Sport. For the full list of winners see below.
The much-anticipated award for National Governing Body of the Year 2024 went to Canoeing Ireland. Canoeing Ireland has had the challenging task of continuing the organisational growth achieved in recent years with the passion and ambition which is endemic within Canoeing Ireland. Earlier this year they set out a new strategic plan (2024 – 2027) with an ambitious path for the organisation and its members, continuing the growth seen in over the last four years while maintaining and enhancing their excellence in the areas of governance and leadership.
The recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Irish Sport for 2024 is John Trainor (1972-2024). Widely regarded as the ‘father’ of the sponsorship industry in Ireland and, in particular, the professionalisation of the discipline. John was the Founder and CEO of ONSIDE. As well as being the first Irish Board Director of the European Sponsorship Association, he was a fellow of the Marketing Institute of Ireland where his championing of the sponsorship discipline helped give senior marketing decision-makers more confidence to invest in partnerships.
The recipient of the Women in Business in Sport Award, in partnership with KPMG for 2024 is Sarah Keane, CEO of Swim Ireland. This is a milestone year for Keane as it marks 20 years at the helm on Swim Ireland and her final Olympic Games as President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland. Sarah has international experience in Governance and Gender Equality Issues as well as extensive experience in Corporate Management and Governance.
The Jimmy Magee FIS/ASJI Sports Coverage of the Year Award, was presented to Mark Gallagher of the Irish Daily Mail. Mark Gallagher has been a sports journalist with the Irish Mail on Sunday, the Irish Daily Mail since August 2005, covering a wide variety of sports from Gaelic games to boxing to soccer.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “The Federation is delighted to celebrate all the nominees and award winners this evening. It is hugely important to not to underestimate the collective power of sport and the positive impact it has on us as individuals but also to our communities and our economy. The Federation believes that by continuing to invest in sport at a regional and national level, we can ensure that everyone has access to quality facilities, coaching, and opportunities to get involved, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. This not only benefits individual participants but also contributes to the overall health and well-being of our communities, fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging. Congratulations to all those honoured this evening.”
Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath TD, said, “I wish to commend the Federation of Irish Sport on the 7th hosting of the Irish Sport Industry Awards and I want to congratulate all the award winners and all those that have been shortlisted. These awards play a huge part in recognising the depth and quality of the many programmes and initiatives being carried out across the country to promote participation and inclusivity in sport and physical activity.”
For more information on these awards, contact Clare Louise O’Donoghue on 086 0437887 or clarelouise.odonoghue@irishsport.ie. For all awards news, visit: www.irishsportindustryawards.ie.
Full List of Award Winners
Best Sports Sponsorship: Olympic Federation of Ireland & PTSB, Dare to Believe
Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport: FAI, FAI Connect
Best New Sports Business of the Year, in partnership with Sport Ireland: Precision Sports Technology
Best Sports Business of the Year, in partnership with Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet: SportsKey
Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity: LGFA Sports Direct G4MAO (Gaelic4Mothers&Others)
Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity in Sport & Physical Activity: Field Of Vision
Local Sports Partnership of the Year: Clare Local Sports Partnership
Governing Body of the Year: Canoeing Ireland
Jimmy Magee FIS/ASJI Sports Coverage of the Year: Mark Gallagher
Women in Business in Sport Award, in partnership with KPMG: Sarah Keane
Outstanding Contribution to Irish Sport Award: John Trainor
About the Federation of Irish Sport (FIS)
Now in its 22nd year, the Federation’s membership comprises of 110 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) from every corner of the country, representing over 13,000 sports clubs nationwide. Its purpose is “to support and advocate collectively for our members, empowering them to maximise the impact of sport, recreation, and physical activity for society.” The Sport industry in Ireland supports 64,000 jobs, stimulates €3.3 billion in household spending, and generates €3.7 billion gross value added (GVA) to the Irish economy.
3 Successful Grant Application Tips for Locally Led Initiatives
National policies regarding grant investment in communities and rural areas recommend that local development should be locally driven. Focusing on a bottom-up approach, led by local stakeholders and local partnerships, is highly encouraged. In our experience, there are a number of key priority issues that your grant proposal should try to address.
Here are 3 areas you should consider for a successful, locally-led grant application:
1. Identify your community need
There are several community grants available on an annual or semi-annual basis, offering varying levels of funding. Each grant application welcomes a range of proposals for community development. Before proceeding with your proposal, it is important to ask the following key questions:
- What does our community lack?
- What facilities or resources might help address one of our current social issues?
- What facilities might attract new people to our area?
We advise that you focus on developing your response to the above areas in a thorough manner. It is not best practice to rush this process – application assessment rounds re-appear, and it is better to have a well-rounded, shovel ready plan than an incomplete application. Organisations should consult local community groups and stakeholders, conduct surveys, and consider the ‘multi-use’ aspect of your idea.
2. Focus on inclusivity in your grant application
Consider a project that offers something for everyone, no matter their age, ability, or interest. The more inclusive projects typically score higher when it comes to grant assessment. In addition, consider the potential for a social enterprise to collaborate with your project. Most grants will require fiscal projections and want consideration to be made to the future financial sustainability of your project.
Consider inclusivity factors, such as:
- Will there be job creation as a result of your project?
- Could it stimulate the local economy by attracting tourists?
- Will it provide additional facilities for your community, such as an event space?
It’s important to focus on the broader aspect of your community, rather than your personal interests. Doing so will ensure that your project is inclusive and benefits a broad range of diverse community members.
3. Consider long-term projections
It is important to consider the long-term social impact and sustainability of your project. Try to base this off citeable academic research, as local authorities and grant assessors will take an evidence-based approach to evaluation. Consider your project’s long-term projections, such as:
- Who will oversee and run this project?
- Do we need to set up a new committee?
- Does that committee contain team members with useful professional backgrounds in; project management, construction, accountancy, business development?
Considering the future social impact of your project will aid your overall application. Adopting a future-focused plan which contains innovative ideas, rather than repeated projects, are highly regarded by Local Authorities. Therefore, it’s advisable to consider how your project is innovative and could be replicated in other communities, whilst still supporting the strategic objectives of local and national development policies.
Get in touch – grant applications
Oftentimes, grants applications can seem like a lengthy process which may be difficult to navigate. If you’re considering applying for a grant, but require expertise and assistance, get in touch with our Director of Grants & Economic Services, Patricia Keenan on 086 0657347. To view our previous projects, or the range of grant supports we offer, visit here.
2023 Sports Capital Grant Applications
The Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The 2023 Sports Capital and Equipment Programme opened for applications on Monday 17th July 2023 and closed last Friday 8th September.
Sports Capital Masterclasses
Our Masterclasses shed light on the Sports Capital landscape for attendees. During these sessions, our Head of Grants Advisory Practice, Patricia Keenan, shared her experience with attendees to help avoid common pitfalls that lead to invalidity, helping to ensure that they have the knowledge to best strengthen their potential application.
Our grants team completed 4 in-person Sports Capital Masterclass presentations and 18 webinars. Our webinars reached 1,000 clubs across Ireland, with approximately 5,000 views of our webinar recordings. It was fantastic to see so many clubs taking our advice and preparing for their Sports Capital Grant Applications well in advance of the closing date. Our advice is always to be prepared early and ‘be grant ready’.
Sports Capital Applications
The 2023 Sports Capital Programme closed for applications last Friday 8th September at 5pm. Throughout the last two months, our grants team assisted 60 clubs who are requesting grants for a total of €14 million, towards projects that have a total cost of €21 million. We wish our clients the best of luck in the grant allocations.
Since 2014, we have helped Clubs and NGBs secure over €3.3million in Sports Capital Grants. Our Success rate is 94%, as per the latest round of allocations. Last year, our clients received a total of €2 million in grants allocated across 14 applicants, with 50% of clients receiving the full 100% allocation of their grant. The average allocation grant received was 84%.
Get in Touch
If you’re interested in gaining support for grant applications in
