Grass Pitch Improvement Fund
The Grass Pitch Improvement Fund (GPIF) aims to tackle inequalities by providing improved access to good quality, safe playing facilities for targeted groups. The Sport England Lottery Fund will provide funding for projects in England, with projects in Wales supported by the England and Wales Cricket Trust.
The Grass Pitch Improvement Fund (GPIF), supported by Sport England and The National Lottery, will reopen for Expressions of Interest from all eligible applicants from 28 September to 30 November 2026.
As demand is expected to exceed the funding available, the ECB will prioritise projects that can demonstrate the greatest impact and are capable of being contracted by 31 March 2027 and delivered during 2027.
Particular priority will be given to:
- Multi-site projects
- Local authority-led projects
- Projects that can deliver significant and sustainable improvements to grass playing surfaces
- Projects with clear and achievable delivery timescales
In addition, as before, projects must support cricket opportunities for:
- Women and girls
- Diverse communities
- Disabled people
- People living on low incomes
How Expressions of Interest will be assessed
All Expressions of Interest will be assessed against:
- The Grass Pitch Improvement Fund eligibility criteria
- The ECB's commitments to Sport England
- The anticipated impact of the project
- The proposed delivery timetable and readiness to proceed
Submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee funding. Applications will be prioritised based on their strategic fit, impact, and ability to deliver within the required timeframe.