The INF said the fund would "provide immediate support to those members with the greatest need".

Membership fees for 2021 will be reduced by 50 per cent compared to 2020 for those organisations who have paid in full for this year as part of measures designed to alleviate the financial impact of the pandemic on the sport and its members.

The INF is also set to enter the final stage of the planning process for its new strategic plan, due to be launched later this year.

Members provided feedback to the INF on the plan in a series of regional online "roadshows" held last month.

"The INF acknowledges the importance of consulting with our members when it comes to the development of our new strategy," INF President Liz Nicholl said.

"We are a member’s organisation that relies heavily on the work of the leaders in our regions and nations, and our network of incredible and committed volunteers, and it is essential that we listen to our netball associations and work collaboratively to develop our sport. 

"While we all find ourselves in unique and challenging circumstances, the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled us to introduce new ways of working and we have significantly increased our communication through virtual meetings. 

"I am delighted with the level of engagement we have had and the quality of the input that is informing not only our planning but also our decision making."