Funding Support for Cricket Clubs 

At Hampshire Cricket Board, we’re committed to helping cricket clubs and community groups access the funding they need to grow, improve facilities, and make cricket more inclusive and sustainable. Whether you’re upgrading your pitches, enhancing your clubhouse, or developing junior and women’s programmes, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Access ECB Funding via the Investment Management System (IMS)

All ECB funding applications are managed through the Investment Management System (IMS) — your one-stop online platform for checking eligibility, accessing guidance, and submitting applications. Hampshire clubs can register and apply for multiple funding streams via the IMS portal:

Key Funding Streams Available

Grass Pitch Improvement Fund (GPIF)

Focused on improving access and quality for priority groups including women and girls, diverse communities, disability cricket players, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds, this fund supports:

• Upgrading grass pitches from basic to good quality
• Promoting sustainable ground management (irrigation, 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 include:

• Clubhouses, changing rooms, security, and energy-saving upgrades
• Equipment such as machinery, covers, sightscreens, and net cages
• Pitch improvements, including 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, with a 10% partnership funding requirement.

Fundraising Guidance

In addition to grants and loans, fundraising is vital for club sustainability. The ECB Fundraising Guide offers advice on organising successful events and building community support. Popular ideas include:

• Partnering with easyfundraising.org.uk to earn free donations through everyday online shopping
• Hosting PCA Masters Matches featuring former England and county players
• Community events like 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 We Can Help

Hampshire Cricket Board offers guidance and support throughout the funding application process. We can help you:

• Understand eligibility and funding priorities
• Navigate the IMS platform and complete your application
• Develop projects that align with ECB funding goals