Women in Sport Week Grant Criteria

Published: January 27, 2026

As part of Women in Sport Week (WIS Week) 2026, Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP) invites sports clubs and disability organisations to apply for funding to deliver participation programmes aimed at increasing female participation in sport and physical activity.

Funded programmes must consist of a four-week activity programme, commencing during Women in Sport Week (Monday 2nd – Sunday 8th March 2026).

This grant forms part of WSP’s ongoing commitment to increasing opportunities for women and girls to engage in physical activity, with a focus on welcoming new participants and creating sustainable participation pathways within clubs.

A total of 12 clubs/organisations will be selected, with each receiving €500.

Programmes that take a proactive, club-driven approach to recruiting and retaining participants will be given priority.

Grant Overview

Number of grants available: 12
Grant amount: €500 per club/organisation
Programme duration: 4 consecutive weeks
Programme start window: Must commence during Women in Sport Week (2nd–8th March 2026)

Grant Criteria

Programmes must consist of weekly physical activity sessions for women and/or girls over a four-week period.
All programmes must begin during Women in Sport Week (2nd–8th March 2026) and conclude no later than Sunday 29th March 2026.
The maximum grant available is €500 per club/organisation.
100% of approved funding (€500) 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
Agreements must be in the name of the club/organisation, not an individual.
Payments will be made to the club bank account only.

Programme Delivery & Support

Successful clubs must agree to partner with a WSP Sports Development Officer (SDO) for programme support, monitoring, and follow-up.
An SDO may attend or visit the programme, including the final session.
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
- Be free of charge

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

Priority will be given to programmes that demonstrate a proactive, club-led approach to recruiting and retaining new participants.

Who Can Apply?

Sports clubs affiliated to a Sport Ireland–recognised National Governing Body, based in Waterford City or County.
Disability organisations based in Waterford City or County delivering activity through a sports club structure.

Who Cannot Apply?

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

Eligible Costs: Equipment specific to the activity | Hire of coach/exercise professional | Venue hire (where applicable) | Promotion and marketing materials | Training directly related to programme delivery | Light refreshments (e.g. tea/coffee/snack post-session)

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.
Clubs must ensure that all promotional material complies with WSP branding guidelines for the duration of the programme.
Successful applicants must also comply with WSP publicity requests, including the provision of photos, participant quotes, and support for media promotion.

Reporting & Accountability

Clubs must submit a post-programme report by Monday 13th April 2026, including:
- Participant numbers
- Feedback and participant quotes
- Learnings and outcomes
- Confirmation of agreement to provide 1-month and 3 month follow-up participation data
All receipts and invoices must match the €500 grant allocation.
Failure to submit the required report and receipts will result in the club being ineligible for future WSP grant schemes.

Key Dates