Junior Development Support Grant

Back in 2021, as part of our giving-back and support of our member golf clubs in Kent and a commitment to its members to release funds during the pandemic, Kent Golf launched a County-wide Junior Development Support Grant opportunity which is available to all golf clubs affiliated to Kent Golf.

Who can apply?

All golf clubs affiliated to Kent Golf Limited as long as they are SafeGolf accredited and Affiliation Fees are up to date. The criteria and conditions in place will need to be adhered to.

Purpose/What is it for?

The grant aims to support clubs who wish to take forward a structured plan for developing their junior section by introducing new young golfers into the game and retaining them. 

Ideas of what the grant can be used for?

To defray the costs of acquiring and adopting an ‘approved’ junior product (whether it be from the Golf Foundation, or indeed, some other England Golf approved provider), purchasing equipment for beginners to share (to belong to the Affiliated Club) and/or promoting and implementing any other recruitment/retention initiative, for example, taster days or starting up a Junior Academy. Additionally, if you were considering setting up a Blue Tee Course for your juniors (which can be measured and rated), this grant could be used towards the cost of this eg. blue tee plates and markers etc.

Some golf clubs have used this grant for: Junior Trophy Cabinet, Junior Honours Boards, marketing on social media to get new junior members, putting on a Junior Presentation evening, purchase of junior golf clubs, some fun elements on the driving range and to set up a Junior Academy for Under 10s and Over 10s, setting up a blue tee course for juniors.

What the grant cannot be used for?

The grant is not intended to be used for elite golf which is well served in other ways, or to pay for or subsidise any coaching costs involved.

Process - how to apply

All affiliated clubs can begin the application process by emailing  juniorgrants@kentgolf.org to register their interest, giving the name of their Welfare Officer, their Junior Organiser(s) and a brief resume of what they are intending to use the grant for, how much they wish to apply for, together with an Action Plan, setting out the steps proposed to be taken and the estimated costs. The Golf Foundation could offer their advice and assistance with the Action Plan if required.

Once the application has been approved, and before any grant is paid, the Club would need to provide a Player Register of juniors currently attending coaching and events run by them (both members and non-members) with handicaps or without. This Player Register form will be provided by Kent Golf. 

How much can my club apply for?

All affiliated clubs can apply for grants of up to £1,000.

If approved, the grant would be paid across in two £500 instalments, one at the outset and the balance after returning a 6 month progress report on the implementation of the Action Plan*, and an updated Player Register.

Timeframes

All Applications will be reviewed on a timely basis and the Club will be notified via email, as soon as possible, confirming whether their Application has been successful or not.

The selection/assessment process

Applications will be assessed on the Club’s Action Plan* and goals as far as the recruitment and retention of juniors is concerned.

There are three people who have volunteered to be on the Selection Panel with a diverse range of experience to ensure that grants are awarded in a consistent manner:

• Steven Armstrong (Mid Kent and Sidcup) - Director, Member of Finance Committee, Member of Sponsorship Committee
• Jude Mackenzie (Sundridge Park) - Joint Director of Clubs & Communications, Women in Golf Charter Champion             

Only if required, a final decision on the grant may be referred to the Kent Golf Development Committee.

Clubs should wait to find if their Application has been successful before committing funds.

To apply and for further information 

For further assistance or any queries, please contact  juniorgrants@kentgolf.org

*Action Plan

An Action Plan should state the intended use(s) of the Grant, an estimation of costs involved, your immediate objectives and goals and how you envisage your Junior Section developing over the next year or two.