RFAs: Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Grants under Clubgrants Program (Category 3) – Australia

The NSW Government’s Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program funds sports and recreation infrastructure that improves access for disadvantaged communities across New South Wales. Grants of $50,000–$300,000 support construction, upgrades and fit-outs of community facilities that increase participation in physical activity and enhance community wellbeing. The program prioritises regional, remote, diverse and vulnerable populations.

Overview

The Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program supports high-impact sports and recreation projects that expand community access to quality facilities. The program funds construction, renovation and fit-out of infrastructure designed to increase participation, promote health and strengthen social inclusion in disadvantaged NSW communities.

Program Purpose

The objective is to develop and upgrade local sports and recreation infrastructure to ensure equitable access for priority groups, including:

• Regional and remote communities

• Drought-affected areas

• Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities

• People with disability

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

• Disaster-affected communities
  These projects help deliver long-term outcomes by improving access to safe, inclusive and functional recreational spaces.

Funding Overview

• Grant range: $50,000–$300,000 per project

• Eligible activities: Construction, alteration, renovation, completion and fit-out of sports and recreation facilities

• Primary goal: Increase participation, community wellbeing and equitable access to physical activity opportunities

Key Concepts Explained

Sports and Recreation Infrastructure

Facilities that support physical activity, community participation and organised sport. This can include:

• Playing fields and courts

• Multi-purpose sports halls

• Community fitness spaces

• Inclusive recreation areas

• Outdoor activity and playground spaces

Community Wellbeing

Wellbeing improves when communities have access to safe, engaging and inclusive activity spaces. Infrastructure investment supports physical health, social connection and long-term community resilience.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible entities include organisations responsible for operating or maintaining the funded infrastructure:

• Not-for-profit organisations

• Schools, if the facilities are available to the public outside school hours

• Local councils, with a requirement to cash-match the amount requested
  Not eligible:

• Individuals

• Businesses or organisations that may financially benefit from the project

Why It Matters

Investing in sports and recreation infrastructure:

• Increases participation in physical activity

• Expands access for disadvantaged and priority communities

• Enhances mental and physical wellbeing

• Strengthens community connection and inclusion

• Provides safe, modern and accessible local spaces

How to Apply

1. Verify eligibility
   Confirm your organisation meets the program requirements and will operate or maintain the infrastructure.

2. Define the project
   Choose a project that directly improves sports or recreation access for priority groups.

3. Prepare documentation
   Include project designs, costings, community benefits analysis and accessibility commitments. Councils must include cash-matching evidence.

4. Submit the application
   Provide all required information via the official NSW Government application portal.

5. Assessment process
   Applications are evaluated on project impact, feasibility, alignment with program objectives and long-term community benefit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with a project that offers commercial gain

• Not demonstrating public access, especially for school-based facilities

• Submitting incomplete or unclear costings

• Failing to show community need or equity impact

• Local councils omitting cash-matching documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of projects are most competitive?
Projects that clearly expand community access to high-quality, inclusive sports or recreation facilities.
2. Can the grant fund outdoor recreation upgrades?
Yes. Outdoor courts, fields, playgrounds and fitness spaces are eligible.
3. Can a school apply?
Yes, but the facilities must be accessible to the public outside school hours.
4. Is co-funding required?
Only local councils are required to cash-match the requested amount.
5. Can not-for-profits apply without co-funding?
Yes. Co-funding is not mandatory for not-for-profits or schools.
6. Are operational expenses funded?
No. Only capital infrastructure costs are eligible.
7. Can individuals or commercial entities apply?
No. The program excludes applicants who may receive financial gain from the project.

Conclusion

The Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program offers significant support for sports and recreation projects that enhance community access and wellbeing across NSW. By funding high-quality, inclusive and accessible facilities, the program strengthens community participation and delivers lasting benefits for priority populations. Organisations with projects that expand physical activity opportunities are well-positioned to take advantage of this funding.