Abingdon AC Hardship Fund Policy

Last updated: September 2026

Purpose

We want to ensure cost is not a barrier to participation. This fund aims to provide support to existing and prospective Abingdon AC members who may benefit from financial assistance in a fair and accessible way.

What can be supported

  • Payment of membership or track pass fees (full or partial).

  • Provision of club kit (e.g. vest).

  • Support for other relevant costs (e.g. competition entry, where appropriate).

Budget

An annual Hardship Fund Budget will be agreed by the Club’s Committee as part of the yearly financial planning process, based on demand and club finances. The Committee may exercise discretion to increase this where appropriate.

Members and prospective members are also welcome to get involved in volunteering (e.g. coaching support, administrative support, or supporting at events as an official or team manager), which can provide access to free membership. No previous experience is required and training or support will be provided where needed. If interested, please contact your coach or the club secretary (abingdonacsecretary@gmail.com).

How to request support

  • Members or prospective members should contact your coach or the club secretary (abingdonacsecretary@gmail.com) in confidence to request consideration.

  • Applicants will be asked to briefly explain:

    • Whether they would be interested and able to support with volunteering (e.g. coaching support or officiating at events), which can provide access to subsidised or free membership. No experience is required and full support and training will be provided as appropriate.

    • What support is requested (e.g. payment plan for membership, track pass,, access to kit, partial/full support for membership).

    • Any relevant context to support the application. Detailed financial information is not required.

Decision-making

  • A short summary of the application will be shared with the Committee (anonymised where possible).

  • At least two Committee members must support a request for it to be approved.

  • Decisions will normally be made within two weeks.

  • Any concerns will be discussed by the full Committee, including considering provision of an alternative level of support than requested.

Decisions will be guided by:

  • Available budget.

  • Level of support requested.

  • Ability to support multiple members fairly.

Confidentiality

  • Requests will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

  • Minimal records will be kept (type and value of support only).

Review

The scheme will be reviewed annually to consider changes to the budget and process in line with fairness, accessibility and sustainability principles.