Open Call for Sporting Club Grants Program in Australia

Deadline: 07-Apr-2026

The Sporting Club Grants Program provides funding to Victorian community sport and active recreation organisations to increase participation, strengthen clubs, and support equity, inclusion, and athlete development. Grants range from $750 to $5,000 depending on the funding category, helping clubs access uniforms, equipment, training, events, travel, and governance support.

What is the Sporting Club Grants Program?

The Sporting Club Grants Program supports community sport and active recreation organisations across Victoria. Its goals are to:

• Reduce barriers to participation in sport and physical activity

• Strengthen safe and sustainable club practices

• Foster socially connected and physically active communities

• Improve access to essential items such as uniforms, equipment, first aid, and safety resources

• Enhance club capability to attract and retain volunteers

• Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, including women and girls, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and older adults

• Support organisations in areas of high socio-economic disadvantage

• Encourage innovation to engage underrepresented or inactive communities

• Strengthen governance, operational practices, and sector resilience

• Support athlete development and align with Active Victoria 2022–2026 strategic directions

Funding Categories and Grant Amounts

The program offers funding through five categories tailored to address different club needs:

1. On-field Uniforms and Equipment

• Grants up to $1,000

• Supports the purchase of essential uniforms, equipment, and safety resources for inclusive and safe participation

2. Volunteers and Officials

• Grants up to $5,000

• Provides training and development for volunteers and officials to strengthen skills, confidence, and effectiveness

3. Access and Events

• Grants up to $5,000 for a series of sport sessions for adults

• Grants up to $2,500 for a single-session event targeting children and young people

4. Travel

• Grants up to $750

• Supports travel costs for athletes participating in representative competitions, selection trials, or training camps

5. Governance and Engagement

• Grants up to $1,500

• Assists clubs in strengthening governance practices and supporting long-term sustainability

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Not-for-profit, non-government organisations

• Registered as an Incorporated Association (IAN), Company Limited by Guarantee (ACN), or Indigenous Corporation (ICN)

• Delivering sport, active recreation, or physical activity programs

Applicants are also required to provide an Australian Business Number (ABN). Those without an ABN must submit a Statement by Supplier not quoting an ABN form.

Why It Matters

The program helps organisations:

• Increase participation in sport and recreation across Victoria

• Support social inclusion and access for underrepresented groups

• Build club capacity, governance, and sustainability

• Enhance volunteer engagement and development

• Support regional athletes and community events

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation is a not-for-profit, registered entity delivering sport or active recreation programs in Victoria and has either an ABN or the Statement by Supplier form.

Step 2: Select Funding Category

Choose the grant category that aligns with your project needs: uniforms, equipment, volunteer training, access/events, travel, or governance support.

Step 3: Prepare Application

Provide a detailed plan including:

• Objectives and target participants

• Project activities and timeline

• Budget and resources needed

• Expected outcomes and impact

Step 4: Submit Application

Submit via the official Sporting Club Grants Program portal, including all required documentation and supporting forms.

Step 5: Grant Review and Award

Applications are assessed based on:

• Community impact and inclusivity

• Feasibility and clarity of the plan

• Alignment with program goals and Active Victoria 2022–2026 priorities

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly demonstrate how the grant will reduce barriers to participation

• Include volunteer development plans for relevant categories

• Highlight equity and inclusion initiatives

• Provide a detailed and realistic budget

• Ensure compliance with registration and ABN requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply? Not-for-profit organisations delivering sport, active recreation, or physical activity programs in Victoria.
2. What is the maximum grant amount? Ranges from $750 to $5,000, depending on the category.
3. What categories of funding are available? Uniforms and equipment, volunteers and officials, access and events, travel, and governance and engagement.
4. Are regional clubs eligible? Yes, the program prioritises projects supporting regional participation.
5. Can organisations without an ABN apply? Yes, by submitting a Statement by Supplier not quoting an ABN form.
6. Does the grant support athlete travel? Yes, under the Travel category, for competitions, trials, or camps.
7. Does the program support equity and inclusion initiatives? Yes, particularly for underrepresented or inactive groups.

Conclusion

The Sporting Club Grants Program strengthens Victorian community sport and active recreation by providing funding for resources, volunteer development, events, travel, and governance support. By addressing barriers to participation and promoting inclusion, the program ensures more Victorians can stay active, socially connected, and engaged in sport.

For more information, visit Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.