Funding Support

At Hampshire Cricket Board, we’re committed to helping cricket clubs and community groups access the funding they need to grow participation, improve facilities, and make cricket more inclusive and sustainable.

Whether you’re upgrading pitches, improving your clubhouse, or developing junior, women’s and girls’ programmes, we’re here to support you throughout the process.

Access ECB Funding via the Investment Management System (IMS)

All ECB funding applications are managed through the Investment Management System (IMS) - the online platform where clubs can:

• Check eligibility
• View guidance and criteria
• Submit and track applications
• Apply for multiple funding streams

Key Funding Streams Available

Grass Pitch Improvement Fund (GPIF)

The GPIF supports projects that improve pitch quality and access for priority groups, including:

• Women and girls
• Diverse communities
• Disability cricket players
• People from low socio-economic backgrounds

Funding can support:

• Upgrading grass pitches from basic to good quality
• Sustainable ground management (e.g., irrigation and machinery)
• Installing hybrid pitches to increase playing capacity

ECB County Grants Fund

Grants between £1,000 and £10,000 to help clubs:

• Create welcoming environments, especially for All Stars, Dynamos, women’s, girls’, and disability cricket programmes
• Enhance facilities and playing opportunities for female-only and disability cricket
• Implement environmentally sustainable projects tackling climate change

Interest-Free Loan Scheme

The England and Wales Cricket Trust offers interest-free loans for capital projects that benefit the wider community.

Eligible projects may include:

• Clubhouses, changing rooms, security and energy-saving upgrades
• Equipment (machinery, covers, sightscreens, net cages)
• Pitch improvements (drainage and approved non-turf pitches)
• Land purchases for cricket use

Loan amounts range from £1,000 to £50,000, depending on your club’s junior section status. A 10% partnership funding contribution is required.

Fundraising Guidance

In addition to grants and loans, fundraising remains a key part of long-term club sustainability.

The ECB Fundraising Guide includes advice on running successful events and building local support. Popular fundraising ideas include:

• Partnering with easyfundraising.org.uk to earn free donations through online shopping
• Hosting PCA Masters Matches featuring former England and county players
• Community events such as Race Nights, Fantasy Leagues, Club Open Days, and Junior Cricket Festivals

Why Fund Your Club?

Securing funding helps your club to:

• Improve playing and training facilities for all members
• Provide safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments for participants of all ages and abilities
• Grow participation among underrepresented groups
• Tackle environmental sustainability and reduce your club’s carbon footprint

How Hampshire Cricket Board Can Help

We can support you at every stage of your funding journey, including:

• Understanding eligibility and funding priorities
• Navigating the IMS platform and completing your application
• Developing project plans that align with ECB funding goals