Norfolk Superhero Fund
The Norfolk Superhero is a charity quadrathlon for those who relish an endurance challenge. Participants take part in teams of two and together cover a course that includes a 1 mile swim, a 4 mile kayak through the creeks, a 45 mile circular cycle route and an 8 mile run across the beach finishing back at Burnham Overy Staithe.
The money raised from this epic challenge will enable new and life changing opportunities for children and young people in Norfolk. Funding activities to get them moving, with the goal of creating the stepping stones towards lifelong healthy lifestyles, while also building confidence and skills.
This is the second year of a three year partnership between Norfolk Superhero and Norfolk Community Foundation.
What is the Norfolk Superhero Fund all about?
Grants of up to £7,500 are available to support Norfolk-based children and young people up to 18 (or up to and including those aged 25 with SEND) who may otherwise experience barriers to sports, outdoor activities and active hobbies by:
- Ensuring activities are accessible, widening participation, and helping young people to broaden their horizons.
- Gaining new and positive learning experiences, hobbies, and interests through physical activity.
- Building friendships, confidence and skills for life.
- Supporting young people to pursue their sporting ambitions and realise their full potential.
- Participating in indoor physical activity which improves health and wellbeing.
Priority will be given to:
- Projects seeking to widen participation for communities experiencing inequalities, such as young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), young people living in communities with high levels of poverty, young carers, young people in care or who are care experienced.
- Projects that will deliver regular consistent physical activity opportunities.*
- Projects that involve swimming and the development of this critical life skill with young people.
- Projects that help young people to play sport and develop teamwork, e.g. football, basketball.
*One-off or time-limited activities may still be funded where they are targeted at young people with clear evidence of need and the experience is likely to have a lasting impact, e.g. a young carers group.
This funding may be right for you if:
- You are either a voluntary, charity or social enterprise organisation working with young people, a sports/activity club (with a charitable purpose), or a uniformed organisation such as Scouts.
- You are a charitable organisation which has a clear track record in delivering a range of charitable, voluntary and community activities where Norfolk is the primary area of benefit.
- You can highlight how you are reaching or plan to reach young people who would otherwise be missing out on the opportunity.
- You are seeking project delivery costs. Requests can include activity costs, transport, equipment to aid in the delivery of activities, membership, essential kit, volunteer expenses and training/ qualifications for staff or volunteers that are embedded within the organisation (e.g youth workers gaining coaching qualifications), and training opportunities for young people.
- You embody the ‘Spirit of the Superhero’: teamwork, communication, respecting your environment, embracing inclusivity, rising to challenges and building resilience.
- You are willing to contribute to an evaluation process.
Unfortunately, there are a few things that can’t be funded. This funding is not right for you if:
-
- You are a school. PTAs or similar organisations that meet NCF’s eligibility criteria may be considered for activities that take place outside of curriculum time.
- You want to fund a building / refurbishment project, or other permanent changes or repairs to premises.
- Proposals for play equipment will only be considered where they form part of a structured, supervised programme and can clearly demonstrate who will benefit, how the equipment will be used over time, and the difference it will make.
- You want to fund qualifications / training for private sports coaches.
What else do I need to know?
When to apply
The fund is now open. The deadline for submission of applications is 12-noon on Monday 13th July. We expect to confirm funding decisions in October.
How to apply
All applicants should check that they meet NCF’s eligibility criteria. Groups are advised to look at the Guidance for Safeguarding, we have specific guidance on expectations for those who adopt a safeguarding policy from a national governing body.
Please use the ‘Apply online’ link below to begin an online application.
Funding Available
Grants of up to £7,500 are available and must be spent within 12 months of the award.
Organisations may apply to receive a larger grant if they are able to demonstrate a developed activity or offer they would like to explore, or if they will be working in partnership with other VCSE organisations. It is recommended that you contact the Programmes Team before making an application if you are considering applying for over £7,500.
The Norfolk Superhero Challenge is actively raising funds towards this programme.
Making great things happen
In 2025 The Norfolk Superhero Fund was able to support 25 projects across the county. These projects included a diverse range of sporting activity and outdoor adventure, and the work that organisations do to help young people thrive.
The videos below highlight some of the great work that we have been proud to fund and how this has helped young people to be active.
Call for Applications
Open
Maximum Grant
£7,500
Deadline
13 July 2026 – 12:00pm
Who can apply?
Charity, Faith organisation, Parish/Town Council, Social Enterprise/CIC, and Voluntary/Community Group
Eligible Area
Breckland, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, North Norfolk, Norwich, and South Norfolk
Find Out More & Apply
Interested? Talk to Stefanie
