What is the GAA Development Fund?

Overview

This article provides information on the GAA Development Fund, the terms and conditions of the fund and the loan process along with important timelines for when loan applications open and close.

Table of Contents

• What is the GAA Development Fund
• Terms and Conditions
• Application timelines
• How to submit an application

What is the GAA Development Fund

The GAA Development Fund stands as a cornerstone initiative by the Gaelic Athletic Association dedicated to fostering the growth and enhancement of the infrastructure of Gaelic games at the club level.  It serves as a financial mechanism designed to support the progress and development of GAA clubs and communities throughout Ireland. The fund's primary focus is on upgrading facilities, improving playing conditions, and investing in programs that nurture the development of both players and the sport itself. 

Terms and Conditions

1. Loans are only available to vested GAA properties only.
2. In the likely event the fund is oversubscribed, only applications for Core GAA activity will be reviewed.  Core GAA activities = Land Purchase, Pitch Development (Grass & Synthetic), Floodlights and Dressing Rooms.
3. Only clubs ready to start project work should apply.  If successful, clubs will have 6 months from the letter of offer to draw down the loan.  After this, the loan offer will expire, and the club will need to submit a new application when the fund re-opens.
4. Clubs are expected to have 20% of the overall cost of the project in available funds.  The value of the loan will not exceed 70% of the cost of the project.
5. The cumulative maximum amount available to any one club is €100,000/£100,000 with a maximum repayment term of 10 years and a variable interest rate applicable, currently 1.9%.  This interest rate is set by the NFMC and any changes will be advised in writing to each club.
6. Repayments are monthly by Direct Debit or Standing Order.  Interest will accrue on a daily basis and be charged to the account monthly.
7. The availability of funds is subject to the Funding Policy criteria, as set out by the NFMC for the overall fund.  Should the Fund become oversubscribed, the NFMC retains the authority to decrease the sanctioned loan amount, taking into account the club's demonstrated needs.
8. Clubs who are depositors in the Fund will be given priority consideration where demand exceeds supply.  For the 2025 loan application process, there will be a requirement for clubs to have 25% of the requested loan amount on deposit in the GAA Development Fund for a minimum of 12 months.  This will not affect loan applications for 2024.
9. The unit will then be required to sign a loan agreement reflecting the commercial terms of the loan, following which the funds will be transferred pending receipts of work completed / property acquired.
10. All applications must be guaranteed by the County Board and a recommendation provided by your Provincial Council following submission.
11. Applications will only be considered on receipt of a completed loan application form with supporting documentation, a viable business plan demonstrating repayment capacity and a signed guarantee from the County Board with recommendations provided by the Provincial Council.  If an application is submitted that is incomplete or missing documentation, the application will be rejected.
12. Bridging Loans, Top-Up Loans or refinancing existing debt will not be funded by the GAA Development Fund.

Application timelines

Loan applications open on the 1st of December 2023 and will close on the 1st of February 2024. 

The application review process will commence on the 1st of February 2024.