Rugby Football Foundation Interest Free Loan Scheme
Upto £100,000
This scheme provides loans to clubs to help finance capital projects which contribute to the recruitment and retention of community rugby players.
Clubs at level 4 and below are eligible to apply and the maximum loan available is £100,000. Loans will be interest free and the maximum loan period will be 15 years.
They are available on a ‘stand alone’ basis, but projects
are considered stronger if they
include additional funding (internally or externally generated).
How to apply
(more detailed information is contained within the Guidance Notes)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 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.
Within this structure the RFF operates a two stage application process:
- Pre- application - The RFF will not consider any loan applications for projects that have not been identified as a priority within local Constituent Body Facility Plans.
- Stage 1 - The club completes the Stage 1 Application Form. At this
stage the club should ensure that the form is fully completed along with
a number of key pieces of information.
The complete application needs to be logged with the RFF by the advertised stage one closing date for the award cycle the club is applying to. The RFF will then write to the club informing them whether they can proceed to a Stage 2 application or advise them that the application does not meet the Foundation’s Stage 1 application criteria.
- Stage 2 - By the advertised Stage 2 closing date, the club will be required to provide further supporting evidence. Within six weeks of the Stage 2 closing date, the club will be informed in writing by the RFF secretary of the Trustees outcome.
