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Sporting Club Grants Program

The Sporting Club Grants Program provides funding for community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria.

Access to this funding helps grassroots clubs and organisations address barriers in participation, develop safe and sustainable practices and build social and active local communities.

This program assists organisations to:

  • acquire uniforms and equipment that are essential for participation , first-aid and safety
  • attract, build the capability and retain a skilled workforce – both volunteer and paid
  • increase equity, diversity and inclusiveness
  • implement good governance practices
  • increase participation of individuals and communities who participate less
  • create opportunities so Victorians can participate in ways that suit them
  • build a robust sector that responds to current and changing community needs
  • support athletes to achieve success in their sport at the highest level.

Program Guidelines 

  • Eligibility

    Applicants must meet all nine eligibility criteria listed under Section 4: Who Can Apply of the Program Guidelines.

    Applications are only accepted from community-based organisations involved in the delivery of sport and active recreation in Victoria.

    Applicants must be non-government, not-for-profit, operating in Victoria and registered as one of the following entities:

    • an incorporated association
    • a company limited by guarantee
    • an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation.
  • Program dates

    Round 1
    Funding is available for projects commencing, items purchased or travel taking place from 13 October 2023

    Applications open Tuesday 12 September 2023

    Applications close 4pm, Thursday 12 October 2023

    Notification of outcomes December 2023

    Round 2
    Funding is available for projects commencing, items purchased or travel taking place from 21 March 2024

    Applications open Tuesday 20 February 2024

    Applications close 4pm Wednesday 20 March 2024

    Notification of outcomes May 2023

  • Funding Categories

    In 2023-24, there are four funding categories.

    Eligible applicants can only submit one application in one of the following three categories:

    Category 1: On-field Uniforms or Equipment

    Up to $1,000 to purchase on-field playing uniforms, participation equipment for competitors and active participants, safety, injury prevention and first-aid equipment.

    Category 2: Volunteers and Officials

    Up to $2,000 for projects that provide practical improvements to strengthen volunteering and officiating.

    Category 3: Access and Engagement

    Up to $1,000 to assist with funding for tools and resources that improve accessibility, governance and strengthen engagement with members and participants.

    OR

    Up to $4,000 to plan and deliver a new sport or active recreation program.

    Eligible applicants can submit one or more applications in the following category:

    Category 4: Competitors

    Up to $750 towards the costs of travel, accommodation and event registration fees for individual athletes selected to attend representative competition, selection trials or training camps.

    Funding notes

    Organisations that received a grant from the 2022-23 Sporting Club Grants program are not eligible to receive funding in 2023-24 through Categories 1, 2 or 3. Before applying, please check the list of previous grant recipients below.

    All eligible organisations can apply for funding through Category 4: Competitors.

  • Application questions and guidance

    The Application Questions and Guidance document is intended to assist applicants prepare the information they will require to apply for funding.

    Outlined in the document will be:

    • the questions you will be asked
    • details you will need to provide
    • tips to submit your application online through the DJSIR grants portal

    Application Questions and Guidance documents cannot be submitted in lieu of your online application. All applicants must submit a completed online application via the Department’s Grants Portal before 4pm on 12 October 2023.

    You can download the Application Questions and Guidance documents here:

    Category 1: On-field Uniforms or Equipment

    Category 2: Volunteers and Officials

    Category 3: Access and Engagement

    Category 4: Competitors

  • What's new

    What's new for the program in 2023-24?

    This year, the Sporting Club Grants program provides funding for athlete travel.

    All eligible applicants can submit one or more applications in Category 4: Competitors. Applications can only be submitted by eligible organisations on behalf of athletes - we do not accept applications directly from individuals.

    If organisations are submitting more than one application in Category 4, the details of each application must be specific to the individual athlete they are requesting funding to support. Assessment questions must be answered specifically by the athlete.

    Team applications are not eligible through this program.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Below are some FAQs. Please refer to the Program Guidelines for more detailed information.

    Can I submit a separate application in all four categories?

    No. Applicants can only submit one application, across Categories 1, 2 and 3.

    If multiple applications are submitted by the same applicant, the first application submitted will be considered and all subsequent applications will be ineligible.

    All applicants can submit one or more applications in Category 4.

    Our organisation received a grant in 2022-23, can we apply again this year?

    Organisations that received a grant from the 2022-23 Sporting Club Grants program are not eligible to receive funding in 2023-24 through Categories 1, 2 or 3. Before applying, please check the list of previous grant recipients below.

    All eligible organisations can apply for funding through Category 4: Competitors.

    Can I use an Auspice Organisation?

    Yes.

    If the applicant is not an incorporated association, a company limited by guarantee or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation, it must nominate an Auspice Organisation to receive and auspice any grant funds paid in the event of a successful application. The applicant must attach a letter from your Auspice Organisation to their application, to confirm they agree to act as your Auspice Organisation.

    Will you contact me if there are problems/questions about our application?

    No.

    Applicants will not be contacted during the assessment phase to clarify or request further information. Applications are assessed on the details submitted, to maintain fairness and the integrity of the application process.

    When do I need child abuse insurance?

    Child abuse insurance of $5 million, exclusive of public liability insurance is required for Category 2 or Category 3 projects, where funds will be directly used to deliver activities or services to persons under the age of 18 on a recurring basis.

    Written advice must be provided by the insurance provider and included in the application.

    Child abuse insurance is not required for all Category 1 or Category 4 applications.

    For further clarification on child insurance requirements for this program, please contact Sport and Recreation Victoria prior to submitting your application.

  • Apply now

    Applicants must submit a completed online application via the Department’s Grants Portal before 4pm on 12 October 2023.

    You must apply for funding within the category for which your project is supported.  Applications submitted in the incorrect category will be ineligible for funding.

    Below, please select the category you wish to apply for then click Start a new application to commence your application.  When prompted, applicants need to log-in using an existing Grants Portal account or create a New Account.

  • Contact information

    For preliminary information on this grant program:

    Email srvgrants@sport.vic.gov.au

    Join the Sport and Recreation Victoria Mailing List

    Keen to be informed about upcoming grant programs and initiatives at Sport and Recreation Victoria? Email us at srvgrants@sport.vic.gov.au to join our mailing list.

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Last updated on 31/05/2022