Let's Get Active Fund! Grants to Build Active Communities

The Let's Get Active Fund (LGAF) is back, with £40,000 available to improve access to physical activities in West Berkshire.

Since it started in 2019, LGAF, a partnership between West Berkshire Council and Greenham Trust has helped many community groups, organisations, social enterprises, charities, and schools to start or enhance physical activity initiatives.

Previously, this fund awarded grants to 'Donnington Castle' play structure for Shaw-cum-Donnington Parish Council; two football/rugby hybrid nets and a permanent wheelchair-accessible table tennis table for East Ilsley Parish Council; and a community basketball hub for children based in Theale for Reading Rockets basketball club.

Steph Johnson, Director of Community Programmes for Reading Rockets says,

"As a foundation we were so thankful to receive the funding to launch a community basketball hub in West Berkshire in 2021. LGAF helped increase our total hubs to six across the county and enabled us to offer sporting opportunities to girls and boys between the ages of 4 and 12 from both mainstream and SEN schools in the area. Since receiving the LGAF funding, we've gone from strength to strength and our hubs currently give access to basketball to many more children"

The grants cover a wide range of opportunities from improving existing facilities, buying new sports equipment, providing new instructors and coaches, or starting new initiatives.

Janine Lewis, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Public Health, Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside says,

"I'm very excited to announce the next round of LGAF funding. It has helped so many communities in so many ways, not only to keep active but enabling the lovely social aspect that comes from doing that in the company of others."

Rob Daniels, Head of Grants, Greenham Trust says,

"We're excited to offer another round of funding to boost local physical activity, knowing it also benefits mental well-being too. This funding can be used to either enhance existing programs and sports facilities or invest in new ones to meet the needs of our community."

Find out how to apply for a LGAF grant from the fund. or email elisabeth.gowens1@westberks.gov.uk