Sporting Club Grants Program – Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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About the program
How many applications can we submit?
Organisations can submit up to 10 applications in total comprising of the following limits:
- Category 1, Category 2, Category 3 and Category 5: up to 2 applications in total. If submitting 2 applications, they must be in different categories
- Category 4: up to 8 applications.
How long do we have to complete our project?
Organisations have 12 months from receiving the Email of Acceptance to complete projects.
Do I need Child Abuse Insurance for my project?
Child abuse insurance is only required if your project involves delivering ongoing or recurring services or activities to children under 18 years of age.
This applies to some projects in Category 2: Volunteers and Officials, specifically where young volunteers are being trained over time.
Child Abuse Insurance is not required for any application in Categories 1, 3, 4 or 5.
For further clarification on child abuse insurance requirements for this program, prior to submitting your application please contact us.
What is a recurring activity?
‘Recurring’ means the activity happens more than once and your organisation has ongoing responsibility or supervision of children. It’s not a one-off event.
Examples of recurring activities in Category 2: Volunteers and Officials include:
- weekly training sessions for junior volunteer coaches.
- a structured coaching clinic held four times a year
- a program for young volunteers that runs over multiple days or weeks.
Organisation eligibility
Can we apply again this year if we received a Sporting Club Grant in 2024–25?
If your organisation received a grant in categories 1, 2 or 3 of Rounds 1 or 2 of the 2024–25 Sporting Club Grants Program, you cannot apply again this year in categories 1, 2, 3 or 5.
The only category you are eligible to apply for this year is category 4: Travel.
You will be able to apply in the other categories again in the next financial year (2026-27).
How do we check our incorporation status?
You can check your incorporation status on the following websites:
- for incorporated associations, co-operatives or organisations incorporated through other means, go to Consumer Affairs Victoria website.
- for a Company Limited by Guarantee, go to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) website
- for Aboriginal corporations, go to the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations website.
How do we check our Australian Business Number (ABN)?
To check your ABN, visit the Australian Business Register (ABR) website.
What if we don’t have an ABN?
If your organisation does not have an ABN, you must provide a completed 'Statement by supplier not quoting an ABN' form available from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website.
What is an auspice?
Sport or active recreation organisations that are not registered as an eligible organisation entity, can nominate an auspice organisation to take legal and financial responsibility of the grant on their behalf.
Additional information on auspice arrangements can be found under Section 4.3 of the Program Guidelines.
Our organisation is outside of Victoria but is near the border and services many Victorians. Are we eligible to apply?
All organisations must be registered as an eligible entity in Victoria, this includes all cross-border organisations delivering or participating in sport or active recreation in Victoria.
Cross-border organisations submitting applications, must also meet the program eligibility criteria outlined under Section 4 of the Program Guidelines.
We have an overdue report for another project, what do we do?
If you have an overdue report for another Victorian Government grant, please contact the responsible team for assistance. Your key contact person should be listed on the funding agreement for that grant program.
For guidance, please contact us.
Project eligibility
What do you mean by 'on-field' uniforms and equipment?
On-field uniforms and equipment are items that are used by players, umpires, referees and coaches, while they participate or officiate in sport or active recreation.
Examples of 'off-field' uniforms and equipment we regularly receive applications for, which are not eligible for funding include:
- ball and bowling machines
- electronic scoreboards
- weights
- canteen items
- IT equipment
- pitch or wicket covers.
Are temporary marquees and tents that provide sunshade eligible for funding?
Yes, sun protective marquees that are temporary structures are eligible purchases through Category 1.
Fixed structures and all permanent capital expenditure shade structures will not be funded.
Does the program fund travel for all participants and players?
No, Category 4 Travel will only support individual athletes that are selected for representative competition, or who are attending an official representative training camp or selection trail.
The event must take place within Australia and during the dates of 27 September 2025 and 16 February 2026. This program does not fund travel for events taking place overseas.
We are planning an event, can we apply for food and drinks?
No. All food, drinks and catering are not eligible costs through this program. The program also does not fund trophies, prize money or gift packages.
Application process
What supporting documentation is required?
To be considered for funding, applicants must provide information about the proposed project and associated costs.
Required documents include:
- 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 9 of the Program Guidelines.
Do I need Child Abuse Insurance for my projects?
- Category 1: On-field Uniforms and Equipment
- Not required.
- Category 2: Volunteers and Officials
- Required if, grant supports training for people under 18s.
- Category 3: Access and Events
- Category 4: Travel
- Not required
- Category 5: Governance and Engagement
- Not required.
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 pages.
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 4:00 pm, Wednesday 26 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
Application outcomes
How will we be notified?
All organisations will be notified of the outcome of their application via the email address they have supplied as part of their application.
It is important to ensure that a correct and current email address is provided.
Will we get the full amount applied for?
During the assessment process, the department will review each application and may recommend a lower amount based on a number of factors including analysis of the proposed activities, deliverables and project budgets.
Conditions of funding
What reporting will we need to do?
If successful, funded organisations will be required to provide and acquittal reports (end-of project report) on the status of their projects, and a final report and financial acquittal. Online forms for reporting will be made available through the DJSIR Grants Portal.
When will funds be paid?
If successful, payment will be made following the distribution of the Email of Acceptance to your organisation. Outcomes are anticipated to be announced in February 2026.