Sporting Club Grants Program – Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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 or Category 3: maximum 1 application
- Category 2: maximum 1 application
- Category 4: up to 8 applications.
Applicants must decide if they will submit an application in Category 1 or 3.
We will not accept an application by the same organisation in both Category 1 and 3.
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 required if your project will deliver ‘services to children’.
‘Services to children’ means services provided by a non-government organisation that is responsible for the supervision of, or authority over, a child under the age of 18 years on a recurring basis.
This includes providing:
- care
- education
- services or activities.
In this context, services to children does not include one-off activities, nor incidental or ad hoc contact with children.
Some project examples where child abuse insurance may, or may not be required, are provided in the 'Additional information' section of our Sporting Club Grants Program webpage. The examples provided are a guide to explain the requirements. They do not cover all possibilities.
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 activities are activities that are not a singular day or one-off singular day events.
Organisation eligibility
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.
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.
Application process
What supporting documentation needs to be included?
To be considered for funding, applicants must provide project details that fully illustrate the type of project to be undertaken and the associated costs.
Supporting documentation must include quotes.
You may attach additional supporting documents such letters of support, partnership agreements or endorsements from local organisations or community leaders. Whilst these are not mandatory, they may improve the likelihood of a successful application.
Additional information can be found under section 9 of the program guidelines.
If we begin our application online but can’t finish, can we leave the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) Grants Portal and return at another time to complete the application?
Yes. At the bottom of each page of the application form, click the button ‘Save’. Be sure to go back and complete and submit your application before the closing date.
What happens if we can’t submit our application on time?
The closing date and time for the grants is 4:00 pm Thursday 27 March 2025.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. We recommend that you plan ahead and aim to submit your application well ahead of the closing time to avoid technical difficulties.
Can I preview the application questions before starting an application?
Yes. For each of the 4 categories, there is an Application Question and Guidance resource. This outlines all application questions, the details required to provide and guidance to apply through the DJSIR Grants Portal.
How can I update details after submitting an application?
Please provide the grant application reference number (format as follows: GA-F1234567-1234), organisation name and the details to be updated and contact us. This can include anything from contact or address information, attachments to upload or requests to withdraw an application.
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 Competitors 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 28 March 2025 and 26 September 2025. This program does not fund travel for events taking place overseas.
We are planning an on-going volunteer program, 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 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 May 2025.