Funding for sports and leisure activities for disabled people

We should all be able to access sport and leisure activities that help us to keep healthy, including those of us with complex disabilities. 

This page gives more information about different funding sources and schemes that help disabled people access sports and leisure. 

On this page:

A woman and a boy are sitting on the ground and holding footballs

Disability Grants 

The charity Disability Grants provides information on a wide range of sports grants for children, adults, clubs and groups. 

It covers grants for equipment and specialist equipment, clothing, access and training, including for those participating at national level. 

Find out more Disability Grants: Grants for Sports.

Family Fund

Family Fund accepts funding applications for leisure activities and equipment, including:

  • Sports equipment (recreation and household).
  • Sensory toys and equipment.
  • Outdoor play and leisure equipment.
  • Specialist trikes and bicycles.
  • Days out.
  • Family breaks.
  • Games, books and music.

Find out more about applying for a Family Fund grant.

Sport England 

Invests more than £250m of National Lottery and public money each year to help people play sport and take part in physical activity. 

Sport England tries to address inequalities through funding and encourages applications for projects that support people who have poorer health outcomes and lower activity levels. 

Find the right fund with Sport England.

GP social prescribing 

Under social prescribing, your GP can refer you to community schemes or projects for activities such as sports, cooking and healthy eating, arts activities and befriending.  

Further information: 

Contact your GP practice to find out more.

Benefits and financial help

You might be entitled to financial help from your local authority, which could help you pay for leisure activities. 

Find out more about benefits for disabled adults and financial support for parents of disabled children. 

Stay in touch

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This content was last reviewed in July 2023. We’ll review it again next year.