London, May 14 (IANS): The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has stated that it will send the application form and the self-assessment tool beginning next week to all Commonwealth Games Associations (CGA) to apply for the Birmingham 2022 Team Preparation Grant.

"I am delighted to advise we have brought forward the date we will accept and process applications. In developing this grant programme, the development team has incorporated many of the views expressed by CGAs to simplify the application process, expanding the range of approved projects and providing guidance and support to CGAs throughout the process," CGF President Dame Louise Martin said on Wednesday in a letter addressed to presidents and secretary generals of CGAs.

Of the five million-pound fund allocated by the British government for Birmingham 2022, slated to be held from July 27 to August 7, the CGF negotiated a 1.5 million pound allocation to fund the CGA Team Preparation Grants, which is a non-charitable programme. The remaining 3.5 million pound allocation must be used for charitable activities through the CSF.

"CGAs will be able to apply for funding to deliver local socially focused projects. More details about this programme and the application process will be distributed to CGAs in June. A budget of 430,000 pounds has been allocated to these grants for CGAs," the letter stated.

"Fundamental to the success of the CSF will be our ability to raise additional funds over and above the resources provided by UK Government and Birmingham 2022 to ensure the CSF's sustainability and long-term future," it added.