Ilfracombe BC in Devon has made major strides in energy efficiency and club development, thanks to a £5,000 grant from Fullabrook CIC. Their success highlights the importance of financial planning, member engagement, and seeking external funding.

Building a Sustainable Future

Faced with rising energy costs and past financial challenges, Ilfracombe BC set out to create a warm space and community hub for its members and the local community. The club realised that grant funding could play a crucial role in their development and took action to ensure their applications were well-prepared and aligned with funders’ priorities.

To increase their chances of success, they focused on:

✅ Financial transparency – Implementing better reporting and governance.
✅ Member engagement – Clearly communicating plans and encouraging fundraising.
✅ Strategic development – Outlining a four-stage plan for long-term growth.

Despite an initial funding application being rejected due to financial presentation, the club refined its approach, ensuring accounts were structured correctly and governance was regularly reviewed. By seeking guidance from Bowls England and using fundraising templates, their next application was successful.

A Collaborative Approach to Club Growth

To meet the total project cost of £8,600, members demonstrated their commitment by raising membership fees, contributing £2,250 towards the project. Fundraising efforts also led to visible clubhouse improvements, reinforcing the importance of financial planning and member-driven initiatives.

Looking for Funding?

Ilfracombe BC’s journey proves that good financial management, clear planning, and persistence can unlock valuable funding opportunities.

All affiliated clubs have access to Open4Community, our Funding Portal, which provides a user-friendly search tool to explore hundreds of funding opportunities, updated daily.