The Open Legacy Fund

Community projects will be able to apply for support from The Open Legacy Fund as the initiative launched at a local engagement event ahead of The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale in July.

Using money provided by The R&A, this year’s fund aims to create a lasting, positive legacy for Southport by providing grants to community projects that will deliver environmental and social benefits long after the Championship has taken place.

Not-for-profit community and voluntary organisations whose activities take place in Southport and directly benefit residents will be able to apply for grants up to the value of £20,000 when the application process opens in May.

Applicants will need to address one of four areas identified by Greenlinks, the sustainability programme for The Open, which include low carbon solutions, moving towards a circular economy, protecting and enhancing nature and delivering meaningful social value for local people. Applications will be reviewed and scored by a panel including representatives from The R&A, Sefton Council and other local stakeholders with successful projects being informed of the outcome later this year.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Chief Championships Officer at The R&A, said, “The Open Legacy Fund is about ensuring that hosting The Open delivers tangible, long-term benefits for the local communities in which it is staged each year. In Southport, we want to support projects that reflect local priorities, strengthen communities and contribute to a more sustainable future. We encourage community groups with strong ideas and clear plans to apply.”

Sefton Council also welcomed the launch of the fund with Cllr June Burns, Mayor of Sefton adding, “The Open is an event of global significance, and its return to Royal Birkdale brings with it a fantastic opportunity for our communities. The Open Legacy Fund is a chance to support meaningful projects that will have a real and lasting impact on people’s lives here in Southport. I would strongly encourage local groups to explore the fund and come forward with ideas that will help make a difference for years to come”

The Open Legacy Fund supported a number of projects which had a positive impact for Southport when the Championship was lasted held at Royal Birkdale in 2017. These included improvements to Southport Pier, a training pathway scheme providing opportunities in the leisure and sports sector for residents not in work and improvements made to Birkdale Common, including a new noticeboard, an accessible boardwalk ramp, new signage and boundary improvements.