Regional All Abilities Participation Grants – Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Program and eligibility

What can be considered a sport or active recreation activity?

Sport: Structured, competitive activity involving physical skill and governed by rules/organisations.

Sport examples can be found on out State Sporting Associations page.

Active Recreation: Non‑competitive physical activity done for enjoyment, health or relaxation.

The the list on our State Sport and Active Recreation Bodies page highlights what kind of activities are considered active recreation.

Note, these examples are not exhaustive. If you are unsure if your activity would be eligible, please contact us.

Can we apply for less than $25,000?

Yes. You can apply for any amount up to $25,000 per application.

How many applications can we submit?

Organisations may submit up to 2 applications in total, but only one application per category.

Eligible category combinations:

Category 1 and Category 2
Category 1 and Category 3
Category 2 and Category 3.

Can we submit multiple applications for similar projects across different categories?

No. Duplicate or substantially similar applications will not be accepted, including:

multiple applications with only minor differences in scope or location
submissions for the same project under different names or departments within the same organisation.

Can we submit 2 related applications?

Yes, but they must be clearly distinct. Related applications will only be considered if they:

supplement each other with no same costs
are part of a larger coordinated initiative.

Where possible, applicants are encouraged to consolidate related initiatives into a single, comprehensive application.

We are based in Metropolitan Melbourne. Can we apply?

Yes, but your application must clearly demonstrate that:

the project and all grant funds will be delivered in regional Victoria
the outcomes will benefit people with disability living in regional Victoria.

If you're unsure whether your project or costs are eligible, before applying please contact us.

We’re located outside Victoria but near the border and serve Victorian communities. Can we apply?

Yes, if your organisation is registered as an eligible entity in Victoria and meets all program eligibility criteria outlined in Section 4 of the Program Guidelines.

What are capital works, and are they eligible for funding?

Capital works refer to costs related to building, upgrading, or maintaining infrastructure or property. These expenses are not eligible under this program.

Examples of ineligible capital works:

building or renovating clubhouses, toilets, or storage sheds
constructing or upgrading playing surfaces, including courts, fields, tracks
installing permanent fixtures such as lighting, fencing, or ramps
repairs or maintenance of existing facilities.

Projects must focus on delivering activities, programs, or initiatives, not physical infrastructure.

For clarification, refer to the program guidelines or contact us.

How do we check our legal status?

Depending on your organisation type, you can check your incorporation status at the following websites:

Incorporated associations, co-operatives, or other incorporated entities: Consumer Affairs Victoria
Companies Limited by Guarantee: Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
Aboriginal corporations: Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC).

How do we check our Australian Business Number (ABN)?

Visit the Australian Business Register (ABR) to search for your organisation’s ABN.

What if we don’t have an ABN?

If your organisation does not have an ABN, you must submit a completed ‘Statement by Supplier Not Quoting an ABN’ form.

This form is available from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.

What is an auspice arrangement?

If your sport or active recreation organisation is not registered as an eligible entity, you can nominate an auspice organisation to take legal and financial responsibility for the grant.

Additional information on auspice arrangements can be found under Section 4.3 of the Program Guidelines.

Application process

What supporting documentation is required?

To be considered for funding, applicants must provide detailed information about the proposed project and associated costs.

Required documents include:

project plan
budget
quotes.

You may also include optional supporting documents such as:

letters of support
Partnership agreements
endorsements from local organisations or community leaders.

While optional, these documents can strengthen your application.

For more details, refer to Section 10 of the Program Guidelines.

Do I need Child Abuse Insurance for my projects?

Category 1: Equipment and Travel
- Not required.
Category 2: Inclusion Workforce
- Required if, grant supports roles for under 18s.
Category 3: Programs and Disability-led Initiatives
- Required if, the program involves repeated, structured engagement with people under the age of 18 years.

Additional information can be found under section 10 of the program guidelines.

Can I preview the application questions before starting?

Yes. See our Application Questions and Guidance page.

It outlines all application questions and required details, alongside guidance for using the DJSIR Grants Portal.

Can I save my application and return later?

Yes. You can save your progress in the DJSIR Grants Portal by clicking the ‘Save’ button at the bottom of each page.
Make sure to return and submit your application before the closing date.

How can I update details after submitting our application?

To request updates, contact us with:

your grant application reference number (e.g. GA-F1234567-1234)
your organisation name
the details to be updated (e.g. contact info, attachments, or withdrawal requests)

What if we miss the deadline?

Applications close at 11:59 pm, Wednesday 19 November 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

To avoid last-minute issues, we strongly recommend submitting your application well before the deadline.

Proposed Projects

Can we partner with another organisation for our project?

Yes. Partnerships are encouraged and can include:

two eligible organisations working together (or multiple)
a group of smaller eligible organisations collaborating to deliver a project.

How do we apply as a partnership?

Before applying, you must:

establish the partnership
decide which organisation will submit the application and manage the funds.

Provide supporting documents such as:

letters of support
partnership agreements
endorsements from partner organisations.

For more information on partnerships and assessment criteria, refer to the Program Guidelines.

How long do we have to complete our project?

Organisations have 12 months from acknowledging the Email of Acceptance to complete projects.

Application Outcomes

How will we be notified?

All applicants will be notified via the email address provided in their application.

Ensure your contact details are accurate and up to date.

Will we receive the full amount requested?

Not necessarily. The department may recommend a reduced funding amount based on:

project scope
proposed activities and deliverables
budget analysis.

When will funds be paid?

Funds will be paid after your organisation acknowledges the email of acceptance.

Grant outcomes are expected to be announced in late January 2026..

Why didn’t our grant payment include GST?

All grants under the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants Program are paid on a GST-exclusive basis, regardless of your organisation’s GST registration status.

This means the grant amount requested must include any GST costs your organisation expects to incur, as payments will not include additional GST.

These grants are classified as ‘not for a supply’, meaning they are not provided in exchange for goods or services.

What reporting is required?

Successful applicants must submit:

progress updates (if applicable)
final project report
financial acquittal.

Reporting will be completed via the DJSIR Grants Portal.

Additional Information

Will there be future grant rounds?

Yes. The program will run again in the 2026–27 financial year.

We have an overdue report for another project. What should we do?

If your organisation has an overdue report for a Victorian Government grant, please contact the relevant team listed in your funding agreement.

For general guidance, contact us.

What’s the difference between adaptive, modified, and unmodified programs?

Adaptive: Parallel to traditional sport, with changes to rules or equipment to support participation
Modified: Traditional sport with altered rules, equipment, or playing environment
Unmodified: Sport played under traditional rules without change.