Rugby Football Foundation FAQ
Please Select From Either the Grants FAQ or the Loans FAQ
Grants FAQ
How long will the fund be open for applications?
This is an ongoing facility for which funds have been allocated annually.
What is a Groundmatch award?
The Ground match scheme provides grant funding for capital playing projects
which contribute to the recruitment and retention of community rugby
players. The maximum grant is now £5,000 and is available on the basis
that the funds are matched by the club’s own funds (generated internally
or externally). Clubs at level 5 and below are eligible for only one
grant per 24 months.
Can a club apply for both a grant and loan at the same time?
No
Where do the matching sources of funding need to come from a
club?
The matching funds can come from a clubs accounts, a sponsor or other external
grants.
How long should a club allow for making a grant application?
Clubs should first consider when they want to undertake the application.
Once a construction date is agreed the club should ensure that they apply
to the RFF at least 8 weeks before this date.
Will the RFF fund a project that we have already undertaken?
The RFF will not fund retrospectively. If the project has already taken
place or if the club undertakes the project before the outcome of the
RFF application is known they do so at their own risk.
How long does a club have to draw down the grant?
The club has 12 months from the date on the offer letter to complete and
draw down the funding.
When does a club need to submit their application?
The club should ensure the complete application and supplementary documents
are submitted before the advertised closing date. If the application
is received after this date it will automatically be entered into the
next award cycle. If any supplementary documents are missing the application
will also automatically move to the next award cycle.
How does the club know if they have been successful?
The RFF Administrator will write to the club within 7 days of the Trustees
Award Panel......back to top
Loans FAQ
Do clubs need to provide security for a loan?
Security is required for all loans extended either in the form of a first
charge over property, or personal guarantees (not less than six).
What security of tenure on clubhouse or grounds are required to qualify
for a loan?
The length of lease or licence must reflect the level of award. Currently these levels are set at:
less than £5000 3 years
£5001 - £10,000 5 years
£10,001 - £25,000 10 years
£25,001 - £50,000 15 years more than £50,001 21 years
How are guarantors liable for the loan amount outstanding?
Although guarantors’ liability is joint and several for
the total loan monies plus related costs outstanding, this is capped at
20% of the loan balance outstanding for each individual.
For a capital build project, at what stage do I submit an RFF
application for a loan?
Applications can be submitted within one of three award cycles a year which
support club’s usual construction/development periods through the
close season. For projects that will take place in the close season such
as clubhouse/grounds redevelopment, pitches and floodlights clubs must
should apply to the February or May award cycles. For any other projects
such as land purchase or projects that do not affect the club during the
in-season period clubs need apply to the October award cycle.
What do I need to include with a stage one application?
- Last three sets of annual accounts
- Evidence of security of tenure
- Either QS Cost Estimate (buildings) or 2 quotes for the work (other projects)
- 1:100 Scale Architectural Drawing demonstrating compliance with RFU Minimum
- Criteria (buildings)
- Planning permission (if appropriate)
How long does the application process take?
Clubs should allow at least 4 months for an application.
Should the club consult anyone else on the application?
The club must gain formal approval from their local Constituent Body Facility
Group before they can apply for a loan. The CB Facility Group will have
a local facility plan detailing all their club’s facility needs.
The RFF will only encourage applications from clubs whose projects are
high priority within the CB Facility Plan......back to top
