The Primary Club (the Club), now in its 68th year, provides financial support for a wide range of recreational and sporting facilities for the blind and visually impaired (VI). It is the major supporter of the thriving network of VI cricket clubs in the UK. But, while its origins and heart are in cricket, the Club also supports VI futsal, goalball, golf, skiing, swimming, tandem cycling and Braille chess.

The Club is both a registered charity and a membership organisation – open to anyone who has ever been out first ball, in any form of cricket (from a game in the back garden to an Ashes Test Match). It is run entirely by volunteers and its income is derived from donations, legacies and occasional events.

In 2022/23, the Club made grants to 43 clubs and organisations. The average grant was just under £4,000. However, following a significant legacy in 2023 from the late Kenneth G James, the Trustees are keen to encourage applications for more substantial funding for relevant new projects.

How much funding is available?

The Trustees have earmarked a total of £75,000 for this initiative. The maximum amount available for any individual applicant or project is £25,000. There is no lower limit, although applicants for less than £10,000 may be better advised to apply under the normal process.

Which projects are eligible?

The following criteria apply to all funding provided by the Club

All projects must relate clearly to the sporting and/or recreational needs of the blind and partially sighted.
The Trustees generally prefer to support ‘grass roots’ and ‘start up’ activities rather than, for example, international teams of visually impaired sportsmen and women.
The Trustees generally prefer to fund the whole of the cost of a project, even where this is spread across two or more years, rather than to be one of a number of contributors.
The Trustees generally prefer to support running costs or the purchase of equipment, as distinct from items which will significantly increase the recipient’s long-term asset base.

For more information and to apply, please visit Trustees launch James Fund – The Primary Club