Latest Updates
Applications are now live, with further information on the funding criteria and how to apply.
We have successfully awarded the tender and are currently in contracting with a lead provider for development and management of the Movement, Activity and Sport fund (September 2025).
What is the fund?
The £2.75m fund will support projects across York and North Yorkshire, designed to reduce inequalities and improve wellbeing through increased participation in movement, activity and sport at all stages of life.
If you apply for the fund, your application will be processed by North Yorkshire Sport or the Police, Fire and Crime Team at the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Why have we created this fund?
More than 30% of adults in York and North Yorkshire are classed as ‘physically inactive’, with huge implications for their physical and mental health.
The region presents pockets of stark health inequalities, particularly in coastal and rural communities, where access to facilities and services is limited. There is also a growing older population, many of whom live with one or more long-term conditions.
Improving people’s physical health has been proven to have serious economic benefits, with every £1 invested in sport returning £4 to the economy.
Local organisations and volunteers often lack the facilities, funding and workforce stability to deliver sustained, high-quality physical activity programmes.
The Movement, Activity and Sport fund is designed to help solve that problem.
How does the fund work?
The Movement, Activity and Sport fund will provide funding to help support events, sessions, equipment, new facilities, workforce development and training. The Movement, Activity and Sport fund will be focussed in five key areas
Rural Isolation
- Projects that help keep people active in rural communities, where facilities or fitness groups may be lacking
Disability and Inclusion
- Projects that provide activities for people with disabilities or address other specific areas of inclusion
Women and Girls
- Projects designed specifically for Women and Girls, who are often isolated from traditional groups like sports clubs
Early Intervention and prevention in Health
- Projects that try to keep people active and healthy, in order to protect their health as they get older
Early Intervention and prevention in Anti-social behaviour and crime
- Projects that provide activities for young people at risk of anti-social behaviour, keeping them focussed and engaged during their free time.
Who can apply?
Traditional sport settings and non-traditional settings are both eligible to apply. You do not need to have a background in movement, activity or sport, or be involved in an existing activity-related group (such as a walking group).
You will be given guidance during your application to help you develop your ideas, and understand how best this fund can support your community.
How do I apply?
To apply for funding to support projects in any of the following areas:
- Rural Isolation
- Women and Girls
- Disability and Inclusion
- Early Intervention and prevention in Health
Minimum value available: £3,000
Maximum value available: £49,999 (for capital projects) and £30,000 for revenue projects.
Please click the link below. This will include criteria, application form, guidance notes and deadlines.
This includes contact details for any additional enquiries regarding the fund.
To apply for funding to support projects in the following area:
- Early intervention and prevention in Anti-social behaviour and crime
Minimum value available: £500
Maximum value available: £30,000
Please click the link below. This will include criteria, application form, guidance notes and deadlines.
This includes contact details for any additional enquiries regarding the fund
North Yorkshire Sport
The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, led by the Mayor, has partnered with North Yorkshire Sport to administer the fund.
While the Combined Authority provides financial support for the fund, North Yorkshire Sport is responsible for guiding applicants through the application process, as well as supporting those who are successful to deliver the best outcomes possible.
A Sports Steering Group was created to ensure the programme is based on expert advice.
The steering group has met regularly since April 2025 and includes the following partners:
- City of York Council
- NHS
- North Yorkshire Council
- North Yorkshire Sport
- North York Moors National Park
- University of York
- York City Football Club Foundation
The Steering Group have discussed the current landscape, identified where there are funding gaps and opportunities, and recommended how the Mayor’s role and Combined Authority investment could be applied to have the biggest impact.
Get in touch
If you have any further questions, please fill in the following form and a member of the team will be in touch.
