Funding

Lionesses HERe to Play Fund

HOW TO APPLY The Football Foundation manages this fund to help clubs and organisations improve facilities for women and girls. To ensure fair access, applicants can submit one application per season, unless otherwise agreed with the Foundation. Before applying, please…

By GRF Admin 22 October 2025 3 min read f X W

HOW TO APPLY

The Football Foundation manages this fund to help clubs and organisations improve facilities for women and girls. To ensure fair access, applicants can submit one application per season, unless otherwise agreed with the Foundation.

Before applying, please review the eligibility criteria, gather all required information, and ensure your project details are complete—applications cannot be changed once submitted. Each application must cover a single site.

What Funding Can I Get?

  • The Football Foundation will fund up to £25,000, covering a maximum of 75% of total project costs.

  • Applicants must contribute the remaining 25% through match funding.

  • The minimum grant available is £1,500.

  • Funding can only be used for approved eligible items, including:

    • Signage

    • External lighting / CCTV

    • Toilets

    • Shower improvements

    • Baby change and breastfeeding facilities

    • Female officials’ and players’ privacy changing spaces

    • Changing room improvements

    • Clubhouse improvements

    • External covered spaces

Step 1: Prepare

Read the Football Foundation guidance on creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for women and girls. Consult your users and prepare a list of eligible items you want to apply for.

Step 2: Set Up Your Account

Create or log in to your Football Foundation account and ensure you have:

  • A verified organisation

  • Two verified contacts

  • A verified site

You can find out how to get verified [here]. Once ready, return to this page and select Apply for Funding Now to access the Lionesses HERe to Play Fund application form.

Step 3: Complete Your Application

You’ll need:

  • A list of eligible items and quotes from two suppliers for each

  • A short summary of how the items will improve inclusion for women and girls

  • Evidence of engagement with your County FA and plans to grow the women’s and girls’ game

  • Proof that your club has completed, signed up for, or is on the waiting list for The FA’s Equal Game workshop

After submission, you’ll receive confirmation by email. The Football Foundation Grant Management Team will assess your application and aim to respond within 10 working days. If approved, funds will be released once conditions are met.

Important Information

  • Retrospective funding is not allowed—only start work after formal grant approval.

  • A minimum 5-year tenure (or an SLA for non-owned sites) is required.

  • If relevant, ensure planning permission/building regulations are addressed before applying.

  • Applicants must contribute at least 25% match funding and provide evidence.

  • For projects involving building works, a 5% retention will be held until completion.

Funding Details

The Lionesses HERe to Play Fund offers grants of £1,500–£25,000, covering up to 75% of total costs. Eligible items include:
Signage, lighting/CCTV, toilets, showers, baby change and breastfeeding areas, privacy changing spaces, clubhouse and changing room improvements, and covered outdoor areas.

For the full list of eligible items, grant limits, and guidance, visit the Football Foundation Support and Guidance pages.

Ready to apply?
Log into your Football Foundation account and click below to start your application.

👉 Apply for Funding Now