HAVING a Club Development Plan created through the GAA Club Planning Programme clearly demonstrates your club’s current position, future direction and the mechanisms in place to monitor progress.

This process not only secures community and member support, which funders value highly, but also shows that you’ve followed a structured planning approach.

It is essential that all governance documents are fully compliant and up to date.

The Club Constitution must align with GAA Official Guide requirements, while valid deeds of trust and proof of ground ownership, or at least a 21‑year lease, must be in place.

These documents require annual review, particularly if trustees have passed away, unless your club has already transitioned to a Corporate Trustee model.

Equally critical are your financial records. Recent audited statements, bank statements and evidence of a dedicated funding reserve or ability to raise funds are indispensable. These documents reassure funding bodies that the club can manage and sustain large capital projects.

Where applicable, planning permission must be secured and kept current for every development element such as floodlights or ball-stops.

Without these permissions, funding applications are unlikely to succeed for large capital projects.

Funding is strictly confined to capital expenditure, assets or infrastructure that remains with the club for more than five years.

This includes facility upgrades like pavilion renovations, pitch enhancements, floodlighting and spectator stands.

Because grant opportunities are competitive and often appear with little warning, being fully prepared puts your club in the best possible position to act swiftly and effectively.

Next Steps

First, perform a self-audit to check that all required documents and permissions are in place. Then, contact your county planning and training officer to join the Club Planning Programme.

Make sure any missing documents, such as deeds of trust or planning permissions, are updated promptly.

Finally, ensure that capital funds are ring-fenced in advance, as this demonstrates financial readiness and significantly strengthens your funding application.