Sport England has announced a major revamp into how it will distribute around £45 million of National Lottery funding a year.

Following a widespread consultation involving more than 500 organisations from across England, the national body is set to introduce four new funding strands in a bid to streamline the grant-making process.

The new process includes regular funding rounds to meet specific needs raised by community sport, a series of regular investment in facilities, a small grants scheme, and an innovation fund to showcase best practice in community sport.

Sport England?s current Community Investment Fund (CIF) will be scrapped as part of the overhaul. Subject to regional availability, CIF will continue to accept applications until 6 January 2009.

It is anticipated that criteria and further information about the new funding schemes will be revealed in the New Year, with the funds up and running by 1 April 2009.

Announcing the shake-up, Sport England?s chief executive Jennie Price said:

?I would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to the consultation and influence the way we distribute around £45m of National Lottery funding.

?I am confident that the new funding programmes will play a significant part in developing the modern network of sports clubs, coaches and volunteers we need to create sporting opportunities in every community.?

For more information about the new funding proposals and to apply for support under the current system, visit the Sport England website www.sportengland.org/index/get_funding.htm

Source: Sport England, 14/10/2008