Exercise Grant

Round one of the 2024 Exercise Grant will open for application on Tuesday the 23rd January at midday. 

Further notifications will be published on both this website and our social media channels.

The Exercise Grant Scheme is open to Members of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Members can apply once per calendar year, regardless of what round they received their grant in the previous year. Please click here to begin your application and download the Exercise Grant Scheme Policy and Guidelines below.

Background and Purpose of the Exercise Grant

Exercise and physical fitness is of extreme importance for people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF). Not only is it a natural form of chest physiotherapy that increases lung capacity and facilitates airway clearance, and therefore integral to the treatment process for PWCF, it is also instrumental for preserving mental well-being and quality of life.

In order to alleviate the financial burden on individuals and families with CF, and to encourage and facilitate PWCF to increase their physical fitness, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) initiated a pilot Exercise Grant Scheme in 2009.

The purpose of this scheme was to provide financial assistance to PWCF for gym membership fees, purchasing home exercise equipment, fitness lessons etc. Due to the positive feedback received from the pilot scheme and the growing scientific evidence supporting physical fitness for PWCFs.

CFI has continued to support this grant scheme through which over 2,300 grants have since been awarded to members over the last 10 years.    
 

"I do 20 minutes of exercise every morning on the bike. It helps me with my airway clearance and has definitely helped keep my lung function steady, even increasing my lung function."

To apply members will need to provide their contact information, bank details and relevant supporting documentation for their application such as receipts / quotes. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Applications are processed on a first come first serve basis, providing all the grant criteria are met.

CFI strongly advise members wishing to apply for the Grant to submit their application on the day the Grant opens as due to the high volume of applications the budget is usually exhausted within a day.

In recent years, the Exercise Grant Scheme closed within a day.

How much funding is available?

The maximum value of this grant is €300 for PWCF over 16 years of age, and €250 for PWCF under 16 years of age.  
 

How do I apply?

There are two opportunities for members to apply to the Exercise Grant scheme each year. 

You will need the following information to complete the application:

  • Details of applicant (Name, address, telephone, date of birth etc.)
  • Name of Payee (PWCF or Guardian in the case where a child is under 16 years)
  • Bank details of Payee (IBAN, BIC, Name on account, Name, Address and Branch of Bank) – these must be completed in full
  • Quote or receipt – you will be prompted to upload photos / documents during the application process

Please click here to begin your application.

What is the deadline for applications?

There are two opportunities for members to apply to the Exercise Grant scheme each year.

Grants are issued on a first come, first served basis until the funds are exhausted with no exceptions. CFI strongly advise members wishing to apply for the Grant to submit their application on the day the Grant opens as due to the high volume of applications the budget is usually exhausted within a day.

The number of grants awarded for each call will be limited, and will depend on available funding within the Association. 
 

"Getting a grant for gym membership has really helped to motivate me to exercise more.  My lung function is better now than ever and I’ve even made new friends in the gym."

When will I find out if my application was successful?

We aim to issue successful applicants with the grant within 3 weeks of the opening date.

Should you wish to find out whether you have been successful in securing the grant before this period, please call us in the National Office, but please allow 1-2 weeks for processing due to the volume of applications received.
 

Eligibility for the Exercise Grant

PWCF can apply for the Exercise Grant on an annual basis, but only once in any given calendar year.

Where can I get more information?

Please click here to begin your application and download the Exercise Grant Scheme Policy and Guidelines below.

Tuesday 12th SeptemberExercise Grant Scheme Policy and Guidelines Download

Need more convincing?

Watch this video below to hear from the CF Community on the importance of exercise.

For further information about the Exercise Grant Scheme, please contact:

Samantha Byrne
Member Services Senior Co-ordinator
Telephone: 01 496 2433
Email: sbyrne@cfireland.ie

Last Updated: January 2024