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ECB County Grant Fund

ECB County Grants Fund (2026-2028)

The ECB County Grants Fund supports affiliated cricket clubs to improve facilities and environments that help grow women's, girls' and disability cricket. The programme is delivered locally by the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation (DCF), working with the ECB.

What the fund supports

Clubs can apply under one project theme only, although linked elements within that theme may be considered.

1. Creating Welcoming Environments

Supporting clubs to create inclusive, accessible and welcoming spaces that encourage participation.

 

Examples include:

  • Social spaces- furniture, flooring, patios, decking, heating, glazing
  • Female and disability toilet facilities- improved sanitary provision, baby-changing facilities
  • Catering Facilities- kitchen units, professional equipment, appliances, barbeque
  • Arrival and access- disabled access, exterior lighting, signage, car parking
  • Digitising- WiFi hardware, TVs, PA or music systems, EPOS systems, electronic scoreboards (as part of a wider digitisation project)

 

2. Enhanced Changing Facilities

Improving facilities to support women's, girls' and disability cricket.

Examples include:

  • ECB-approved non-turf match pitches (minimum 30m)
  • ECB-approved non-turf practice facilities (minimum 26m)

All non-turf projects (including refurbishments) must use an ECB-approved system and include a full supplier warranty.

3. Enhanced Changing Facilities

Improving facilities to support women's, girls' and disability cricket.

Examples include:

  • Changing room refurbishments or extensions
  • Individual shower and drying spaces
  • Improved toilet provision
  • Grooming points (mirrors, dryers)
  • Personal storage lockers

Important notes for clubs

  • Funding cannot be used retrospectively - clubs must not start work until a grant offer is confirmed and accepted
  • Second-hand or reconditioned items are not eligible
  • Professional fees (e.g. planning, legal or surveyor fees) are not eligible
  • Clubs may only receive on County Grant per ECB budget year

 

 

Frequently-asked questions

 

Who can apply?

To be eligible, clubs must be ECB-affiliated and actively delivering cricket for at least on of the following during the 2025/26 season:

  • Women's cricket
  • Girls' only cricket
  • Girls' Dynamos cricket
  • Disability cricket

Clubs must also meet standard governance and safeguarding requirements, including:

  • ECB affiliation
  • Appropriate insurance
  • Security of tenure
  • Club bank account and recent accounts
  • Fully compliant safeguarding arrangements

Priority will be given to clubs with established women's, girls' and/or disability sections.

How much can clubs apply for?

  • Typical grants: £1,000 - £15,000
  • Large enhanced changing facility projects (over £30,000): grants up to £50,000

The amount awarded may differ from the amount requested and will depend on project scope, impact and available county budget.

Partnership funding is encouraged (club funds, sponsorship or other grants), but no minimum match funding is required. 

What are the Key dates?

  • Applications open: 1 February 2026
  • Applications close: 30 September 2026 (or earlier if funds are fully allocated)
  • Projects must be completed by: 31 January 2027

How do you apply?

All applications are made via the ECB's Investment Management System (IMS) and begin with an Expression of Interest, which is reviewed locally.

Clubs are strongly encouraged to contact the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation at an early stage for advice and support before submitting an application.

What are the changes to last year?

  • Maximum award of grants typically from £10,000 up to £15,000 for the vast majority of applications
  • Up to £50k grant for larger scale enhanced changing facility projects (total project cost above £30k) - these projects are required to meet Sport England Accessible and Inclusive Sports Facilities Design Guidance (Section D)
  • Closing date for applications has been amended to 30th September
  • Multiple claims ability
  • Removal of Climate Change criteria

Further guidance

Full eligibility criteria, project requirements and application guidance are available in the official ECB Guidance document

ECB guidance document

Need Support?

If you'd like advice on eligibility, project planning or submitting an application, please contact Charlie Storr at [email protected] or call 07775001003

Contact Charlie