The Foundation for Sport and the Arts was established in 1991 and channels money, originally donated by Littlewoods and other football pools companies, to a wide range of sporting and artistic causes. Since 1991 we have awarded grants worth over £350 million.

Many communities, organisations and individuals throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland have benefited from major capital projects through to modest but critical training bursaries. Our goal is to increase active participation in sport and the arts, especially amongst young people and those with more ability than resources.

Award criteria

The committee look to support a wide range of activities where there is clearly beneficial impact across the community with a particular goal to encourage active participation by young people.

When looking through applications evidence of energetic fund raising and the involvement and commitment of local people in trying to help source funds is looked upon favourably and can make the difference between success and failure. Apart from professional football and horse racing, most socially inclusive sport is considered.

Application process

The foundation has tried to make the application process as straightforward as possible. All applications should be made on the Questionnaire which can be printed out, completed and sent to the foundation with all relevant documentation.

Please ensure that you download and read the Guidelines relating to applications before completing the paperwork, to ensure that your application is for an activity they are able to support and that your application can be processed as quickly as possible. The foundation undertake to keep you informed at all stages of the application process however should you wish to contact them by telephone please do not hesitate to do so - 0151 259 5505.

For further information please visit the Foundation's website by clicking on their logo above.

Please note:

Following a review of the current level of reserves and in light of the fact that that their only source of income is now the interest generated by those reserves, the Trustees have decided to cease the activities of the Foundation at the end of March 2012. This will enable them to continue to make awards at the current annual levels, and to bring matters to a close in the same year as the London Olympics - a fitting climax. To assist a smooth closure program, no new applications for funding will be considered after the end of March 2009.