Grants to empower First Nations athletes

From the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles to Super Netball, the performances of First Nations athletes on the big stage are an inspiration to all Victorians.

The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program reflects our strong commitment to provide opportunities for Aboriginal athletes of all ages and abilities to shine at all levels of sport and recreation.

The program delivers grants of up to $1,000 to cover team uniforms and sport equipment, as well as $2,500 per junior team and $1,500 per senior team towards travel and accommodation costs to participate in Victorian or national Aboriginal sporting carnivals and tournaments.

Eligible individuals can access up to $250 per person to purchase sporting uniforms and equipment and up to $750 for travel and accommodation expenses.

Previous recipients include Tennis Victoria who aced $2,500 towards travel and accommodation costs for Team Victoria to participate in the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in 2024.

Reservoir based Debbie's Diamonds scored almost $3,000 towards travel costs, enabling their Men’s C Grade and Women’s B Grade basketball teams to compete at the recent 2025 Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Ltd (VACSAL) State-wide Basketball Classic in Mildura.

Mernda Calisthenics Club also bagged more than $500 towards uniforms for five club members from ages 15 to 24 to enable them to compete in the local competition.

Since 2020, the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program has supported the Victorian Aboriginal community to build stronger connections within the community sport sector, providing more than 480 grants to a wide range of clubs and individuals across Victoria’s Indigenous communities.

Applications for this round are open until 11:59 pm on 31 July 2025. For more information or to apply visit Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program.