Water-Based Activities Grant Criteria

Outdoor Recreation | Water-based Activities Grant 2026

Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) aims to support the ongoing development of Water-based Activities clubs across Co. Waterford.
Water-based Activities clubs located in Co. Waterford are invited to apply for funding for training or equipment that will assist the club to increase participation in their sport.

Water-based Activities Include: Canoeing/Kayaking, Rowing, Wild swimming, Surfing, Coasteering, Wind surfing/Kite, Surfing, Sailing, Diving, Angling, Stand-Up Paddleboarding.

Successful clubs must agree to delivering a programme (6-week minimum) for WSP over the course of the clubs 2026 season.

This grant aligns with WSP’s ongoing commitment to increasing opportunities for participants to engage in Outdoor Recreation through the Water-based Activities clubs in the county. There will be a focus on welcoming new participants and creating sustainable participation pathways within clubs.

A maximum of €700 per club is available with clubs who’s proposed programmes to be delivered priorities increasing participation and retention.

Overview:

Grant Opens: Monday 23^rd March
Grant Closing: Monday 20^th April
€700 max per club available
Funds must be drawn down by 31^st August 2026
Programmes duration: Minimum 6 weeks
Number of sessions: Minimum 6
Programmes must be delivered in the clubs 2026 season (Dates to be provided on application)

Criteria:

70% of approved funding will be paid upfront to the club’s bank account following:
- Submission of a signed WSP Partner Agreement
- Completion of New Supplier Set-Up Form
- Submission of Disability Charter
The remaining 30% will be paid in the 1^st week of September provided receipts for the full amount have been received
Agreements must be in the name of the club/organisation, not an individual.
Payments will be made to the club bank account only
The club must commit one person to complete the online Sports Inclusion & Disability Awareness Course

Eligible Costs:

✔ Equipment specific to the sport
✔ Training courses
✔ Hire of coach
✔ Venue hire (where applicable)

Ineligible Costs

✖ Team jerseys or clothing
✖ Annual club operational costs
✖ Insurance fees
✖ Past purchases
✖ Capital or infrastructure expenditure
✖ Travel Costs
✖ Cameras, audio systems, speakers
✖ Hospitality costs (bars/restaurants)
✖ Subsidised membership Fees

Who Can Apply?

Water-based Activities clubs affiliated to a Sport Ireland (or a) recognised National Governing Body, based in Waterford City or County.

Who Cannot Apply?

Individuals
Commercial organisations
Private facility owners
National or regional governing bodies
For-profit groups

Programme Delivery

Successful clubs must agree to keep in touch with a WSP Sports Development Officer for programme planning and support
Programmes must:
- Be delivered by appropriately qualified personnel
- Be covered by relevant club insurance
- Promote inclusive, welcoming environments for women of all ages and abilities
Applications must clearly demonstrate how the programme will:
- Encourage and support new participant recruitment, and provide a clear and sustainable pathway for participants to continue their involvement in the club beyond the four-week programme
WSP will promote and advertise the programme with support from the club

Promotion & Branding

All programmes must be promoted by the club/organisation.
Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) must be acknowledged on all promotional material related to the programme. Successful applicants will be provided with the official WSP logo and/or approved wording, which must be used on all digital, print, and social media promotion.
Successful applicants must also comply with WSP publicity requests, including the provision of photos, participant quotes, and support for media promotion.

Reporting:

Clubs will be assigned a WSP representative who will be in contact prior to the programme.
The club will be visited by a WSP representative after the programme to gather feedback from the club.
Clubs must submit a post-programme report no later than 2 weeks after the last session, including:
- Participant numbers
- Feedback and participant quotes
- Learnings and outcomes
All receipts and invoices must match the grant allocation.
Failure to submit the required report and receipts will result in the club being ineligible for future WSP grant schemes for a 3 year period.

Dates:

Grant Opens: Monday 23^rd March
Grant Closing: Monday 20^th April
Successful Applicants notified: Thursday 23^rd April
Documents must be sent by: Tuesday 5^th May
1^st payment issued: Friday 8^th May
Funds must be drawn down by 31^st August 2026
2^nd payment issued: 1^st week in September (Providing receipts have been sent)