Making Every LDL Club Grant-Ready

Across Ireland, there are funding programmes and development supports that can help sporting organisations improve their facilities and services.

However, identifying a grant opportunity is only the beginning.

Clubs often need governance documentation, financial records, suitable registrations, project plans, quotations and other supporting information before they can submit an application.

For clubs operated by volunteers, preparing this information can be a considerable challenge.

My proposal is to establish an LDL Club Investment and Grants Programme that helps affiliated clubs become better prepared for funding opportunities.

What Does Grant-Ready Mean?

For me, grant readiness means helping a club put the necessary foundations in place before an application deadline arrives.

That includes reviewing:

• Governance and committee structures.
• Financial records and relevant tax requirements.
• FAI Club Mark progress.
• Project priorities and development plans.
• Property and facilities documentation where required.
• Funding eligibility and application requirements.

Each funding programme has its own rules, so the taskforce would help clubs understand which opportunities are relevant to them.

Working with Professional Advisers

I would like to explore engaging specialist consultants, including 2into3, to support the league with funding strategy and grant preparation.

This would be subject to agreement, cost and the appropriate league approval.

I also want to make use of professional expertise already available across Limerick.

Through my experience in construction, I understand the importance of planning, realistic budgets and achieving value for money.

I would seek to bring together people with experience in architecture, engineering, construction, finance and project management who are willing to assist clubs.

A Development Plan for Each Club

One club may want to improve its dressing rooms.

Another may need floodlighting, pitch improvements, accessibility works or a longer-term facilities plan.

The taskforce could help each club identify its priorities, understand the likely costs and develop a realistic plan.

Where suitable grants become available, the league could notify eligible clubs and provide practical assistance with preparing applications.

Making Opportunities Accessible

I do not want clubs to miss opportunities simply because they lack the time or specialist knowledge to prepare the paperwork.

My ambition is for every affiliated club to have access to information, practical guidance and appropriate professional support.

We cannot guarantee funding, but we can help clubs become better prepared to pursue it.

Mark Heffernan
Candidate for LDL Chairperson