Disability Sport Funding

Funding for disabled athletes in the UK generally falls into three groups: support for elite athletes, support for developing athletes, and funding for participation and equipment. Each comes from different organisations and works in different ways. Like any athlete, a disabled athlete often needs financial help to train, travel and compete, so it is worth knowing which route fits your situation.

Elite funding through UK Sport

UK Sport is the government agency that invests in Olympic and Paralympic sport at the highest level. Its money comes from the National Lottery and the Exchequer, and it is usually allocated in cycles running from one Games to the next.

Most of this money goes to the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of individual sports through the World Class Programme. The NGB then runs the performance programme that elite athletes train on. Eligible athletes may also receive an Athlete Performance Award, funded by the National Lottery, to help with living and sporting costs. A place on a programme does not automatically guarantee one.

Elite funding is not an open grant scheme that any athlete can apply for. Athletes are normally selected or nominated through their governing body. Nominated athletes may then need to complete the relevant award application.

Deaf sport follows a separate path. The Deaflympics are distinct from the Paralympics, so Deaf athletes should contact UK Deaf Sport or their sport's governing body about support.

Grant Eligibility Finder

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Support for developing athletes

Support below elite level varies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the schemes below are not interchangeable UK-wide options.

• TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme): funded by Sport England, TASS provides support services for selected talented athletes aged 16 and over, helping them combine sport with education or another career pathway. Support typically covers services such as strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, sport psychology and lifestyle advice, rather than cash paid to the athlete. Studying at a TASS Dual Career Accredited institution does not by itself mean you will receive funded support.
• SportsAid: a charity supporting young talented athletes, typically aged 12 to 18, although age criteria can differ for para athletes and between programmes. Athletes are usually nominated by their governing body.

Ask your coach, club or governing body about nomination routes, then confirm the criteria with the scheme provider.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Participation, equipment and local funding

Sport England, sportscotland, Sport Wales and Sport Northern Ireland fund clubs, facilities and community projects, and many of their programmes aim to get more disabled people active. Most of these grants are for eligible organisations, not for an individual's training or equipment costs.

For disabled people taking part in sport for enjoyment, the most practical help often comes through clubs: subsidised sessions, equipment loans and local disability sport programmes. In England, Activity Alliance provides information and guidance on inclusive sport, although it is not generally a source of grants for individuals. Scottish Disability Sport, Disability Sport Wales and Disability Sports NI offer similar signposting in their nations. WheelPower and British Blind Sport also provide advice in their own areas.

Specialist equipment such as sports wheelchairs can be expensive. Organisations including WheelPower and the Peter Harrison Foundation have funded sports equipment, but check whether a programme is currently open and whether it accepts applications from individuals, organisations or through referral. Local councils, community foundations, charitable trusts and businesses may also run small grant schemes.

Preparing an application

Most schemes are competitive and have clear rules about who can apply. Before applying:

• Check whether the scheme funds individuals, clubs or both.
• Check age, location, sporting level and disability criteria, and whether a formal sport classification is required.
• Prepare a costed budget, with equipment quotations where needed.
• Gather evidence of your sporting activity, such as results and training records.
• Explain clearly how the support will help you.
• Find out whether costs incurred before a decision are eligible, as many schemes exclude retrospective spending.
• Declare other funding where required, and never claim the same expense twice.

Amounts, deadlines and criteria change regularly. Confirm the current details with the organisation that runs each award before you apply.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Grant Eligibility Finder lets you tell us what you need funding for and we will match you with the types of UK grant most likely to accept your application. Try it now →