I too have been involved in SportNI and DAERA funding applications.
They are far from straight-forward processes and will take alot of patience and commitment to suceed.
Before you even apply to such funds you need to be 'spade' ready, ie have planning permission in place at least.
I know of urban GAA clubs that have been able to secure Dept of Communities funding for capital projects.
GAA clubs generally discuss projects, they visit each other and discuss the pit-falls.
I have met up with a couple of soccer clubs to go through potential programmes and whilst they have genunine eager people involved they are not up for the work-load or dont have volunteer skill sets in-house , projects could run from 3 to 5 years from inception to completion.
GAA clubs are in a stronger position day 1, they generally own their grounds, they cater from the cradle to the grave and alot of clubs offer more activities on their premises than their traditional field games.