Deadline: 15-Oct-2025
The Significant Sporting Events Program (SSEP) is a Victorian Government funding initiative that supports event organisers in enhancing the delivery of national and international sporting competitions in Victoria.
To be eligible, the sport must be recognised by the Australian Sports Commission and the event must be sanctioned by the relevant national or international governing body. By backing major sporting events, the program helps cement Victoria’s reputation as a global leader in sport while delivering wide-ranging benefits to athletes, communities, and the economy.
The SSEP is designed to achieve a number of important objectives. These include supporting the development or expansion of existing sporting events and attracting new events to the state, as well as building the capability of the Victorian sporting sector and its workforce to deliver high-quality, inclusive competitions. The program also aims to extend activities surrounding national and international events to encourage greater participation and skill development among Victorians. It supports pathways for high performance and talent development for athletes of all abilities, stimulates economic activity across the state, and promotes government-to-government outcomes through sport diplomacy. Collectively, these goals help drive both sporting and social impact across Victoria.
Two types of grants are available through the program. The Event Assistance Grant provides up to $20,000 to offset general operational costs associated with staging sporting events. The Event Development Grant offers up to $150,000 to expand existing events or attract new events to Victoria that deliver significant outcomes for the state. Together, these funding streams ensure that event organisers have the resources they need to deliver world-class sporting experiences.
Eligibility for the program is carefully defined to ensure the greatest impact. Events must take place in Victoria, be nationally or internationally sanctioned, and relate to sports recognised by the Australian Sports Commission. They must occur at least six months after the application date, and where prizemoney is offered, equal awards must be provided to all genders. Organisations applying for funding must hold the rights to host the event, be an incorporated body or association with an ABN, be financially solvent, and hold appropriate public liability insurance. They must also have complied with reporting requirements for any previous Victorian Government grants.
The program does not fund events that fail to align with SSEP outcomes, such as community or state-level competitions, sport or business conferences, charity fundraising events, or those that already receive support through the Victorian Government’s Major Event Fund in the same year. Retrospective funding for events that have already commenced or concluded is also ineligible.
By supporting the growth, attraction, and delivery of significant sporting events, the SSEP plays a vital role in strengthening Victoria’s sporting culture, boosting economic activity, and ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of hosting exceptional national and international competitions.
For more information, visit Victoria State Government.