What is the SDF?

SDF is the acronym for the Sports Development Foundation. This is a public body responsible for the development of a Nation (Jamaica) through sports. Our areas of focus are:

• Sporting infrastructure including construction of playfields, multipurpose courts, community centres, changing rooms and lighting and fencing of these projects.
• Funding the programmes of National sporting associations.
• Community sports, through Government Agencies i.e. Insports, Social Development Commission and Independence Park Limited. (add links to Govt. Agencies)
• Assisting the training of physical education teachers and coaches through the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education.
• Providing an athlete’s welfare fund to assist athletes, coaches and sports administrators.

Who is an athlete?

A person who engages in sport for recreation or as a career e.g. footballer, netballer, skier, cricketer, swimmer, equestrian or track and field athlete. The SDF funds athletes at the national, regional and international levels.

How is the SDF Funded

The Foundation is funded by the Gaming Industry through a tax imposed by the Government.

Who can apply for assistance from the SDF?

National sports associations, community groups, churches, schools and other educational institutions, and not for profit organisations and government agencies involved in sports.

The SDF does NOT grant funds to private institutions or sports clubs.

How can I apply for assistance from the SDF?

Requests for funding from the SDF are considered in two (2) categories. Infrastructure projects and Non-infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure Projects

These requests require the completion of the Project Request form which lists the guidelines and how the request will be assessed. Project request forms can be collected from the SDF’s office at 31 Phoenix Ave. Kingston 10, or download here.

Non-Infrastructure Projects

Requests should be submitted in the form of a letter/proposal to include but not restricted to the following

• Background of the requesting entity
• The total budget for the project
• What the project is designed to achieve – Expected impact of the project
• How much funds are being requested from the SDF
• Expected source of funds for the remainder of funds required for the project

Is it a guarantee that my request for assistance from the SDF will be granted?

No, each request is considered based on established criteria to determine feasibility/viability.

What types of infrastructure projects does the SDF implement?

The SDF constructs multipurpose courts, play fields, clubhouses, change rooms, seating, lighting and fencing to these projects.

Who does the assessment of infrastructure request?

Our internal technical team.

How long does it take after applying for work to begin?

The process involves assessing the site for suitability of the intended project, after which an estimate is prepared that is forwarded to the Board of Directors for approval. If approved for immediate implementation, then Tender documents are prepared and the project is tendered. The procurement of goods and services is done in accordance with the procurement guidelines of the Government of Jamaica. After tendering is complete, an award is made to the winning tender and work starts on site after mutual agreement between SDF and the Contractor

Who can construct/tender on projects for the SDF?

Contractors that are appropriately registered by the National Contracts Commission and who have valid Tax Compliance Certificates.

How are other service providers for the SDF chosen?

In accordance with the Government of Jamaica’s procurement guidelines.

What are the requirements for assistance for Infrastructure projects?

See 'how is the SDF funded' above.

What is the Process to approve requests?

The review of requests is a 3-stage process:

1. Review by the allocation Committee which makes a recommendation
2. Review by the Finance Committee to determine if funds are available
3. Final Approval by the SDF Board

How long does the approval process take?

The total time for approval will depend on the type of request

• For non-infrastrcture request; The request is forwarded directly to the next meeting of the Allocation Committee
• For infrastructure requests; The request is forwarded to SDF Projects Departments which send a team out to evaluate the project. The report from the project department is then sent to the Allocation Committee.

The review process by the Projects Department can take up to 15 working days.

For a request to reach the next sitting of the Allocation Committee, it should reach the SDF’s office at least 5 working days before the start of the month that the committee will be meeting.

If this submission deadline is achieved, then the average time for a decision re your request will be as follows;

• Non-infrastructure projects 30 days from the receipt of the request
• Infrastructure projects 45 days from the receipt of the request

Who Do We Work With?

• National governing bodies of sport.
• Other governing agencies involved in sport such as the Institute of Sport (INSPORT), G. C. Foster College of Physical Education & Sports and the Social Development Commission (SDC).
• Local Authorities such as Parish Councils.
• Other Government Agencies and companies such as the Urban Development Corporation.