Sport Access Foundation Kick Start Grant Program (Australia)

The Kick Start Grant provides financial assistance to young Australians with disabilities to help them participate in community sports and reconnect with sporting clubs and competitions. The program offers five grants of AUD 1,000 each to support expenses such as registration fees, equipment, coaching, travel, uniforms, and other participation-related costs.

Program Overview

The Kick Start Grant is designed to support children and young people with disabilities in maintaining or re-establishing their involvement in community sport.

The grant aims to reduce financial barriers that may prevent participation in sporting activities and helps young athletes remain connected to their clubs, teams, and local sporting communities.

The program promotes:

Inclusive sport participation
Community engagement
Physical activity and wellbeing
Equal sporting opportunities
Long-term involvement in organized sport

Program Objectives

The grant seeks to:

Support young people with disabilities in participating in sport
Reduce financial barriers to sporting involvement
Encourage continued engagement with local sporting clubs
Promote physical health and social inclusion
Help participants remain active within their communities

Funding Details

Grant Amount

AUD 1,000 per recipient

Number of Grants Available

Five grants available nationwide

Funding Purpose

The funding is intended to help cover expenses directly related to sporting participation.

Eligible Expenses

Grant funds may be used for:

Sporting club registration fees
Competition entry fees
Team uniforms
Sporting equipment
Travel expenses
Additional coaching support
Carer or support person costs
Other participation-related expenses required for involvement in sport

Applicants should ensure that requested expenses directly support their sporting participation.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

Aged between 7 and 17 years

Disability Requirement

Applicants must:

Have a disability

Additional Eligibility Conditions

Applicants must:

Be residing in Australia
Meet all application requirements
Not be previous recipients of the 2026 Kick Start Grant

Previous grant recipients are not eligible to apply during the current funding round.

Why This Grant Matters

Young people with disabilities often face additional financial and logistical barriers when participating in sport.

This grant helps:

Improve access to sporting opportunities
Encourage social inclusion
Support physical and mental wellbeing
Build confidence and independence
Strengthen community connections
Promote equal participation in sport

Community sport plays an important role in personal development, teamwork, and long-term health outcomes for young people.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify that:

The applicant is between 7 and 17 years old
The applicant has a disability
The applicant has not previously received a Kick Start Grant

Step 2: Identify Sporting Needs

Determine which expenses require support, such as:

Registration fees
Equipment purchases
Travel costs
Coaching support
Competition expenses

Step 3: Complete the Application

Provide all required information and supporting documentation according to program requirements.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission.

Step 5: Await Notification

Successful applicants will be notified in October 2026.

Public announcements of recipients will take place in November 2026.

Recipient Responsibilities

Successful recipients must comply with all grant requirements.

Recipients are required to:

Spend the grant funds by 1 March 2027
Use funding for approved sporting expenses
Retain receipts and supporting documentation
Submit acquittal forms and required reports
Comply with all grant terms and conditions

Publicity Requirements

As part of the funding agreement, recipients must agree to the publication of certain information.

This may include:

Name
Age
Place of residence
Sporting club affiliation
Photographs

Applicants should review all terms and conditions before accepting funding.

Tips for a Strong Application

Clearly explain how the funding will support sporting participation
Provide accurate cost estimates
Demonstrate ongoing involvement in sport
Explain any barriers the grant will help overcome
Submit all required documentation
Ensure application information is complete and accurate

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying despite being a previous recipient
Submitting incomplete applications
Requesting funding for non-sporting expenses
Providing inaccurate cost information
Missing required supporting documents
Failing to review grant conditions and reporting obligations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kick Start Grant?

The Kick Start Grant is a sports participation funding program that supports young Australians with disabilities through grants of AUD 1,000.

How many grants are available?

Five grants are available through the program.

Who can apply?

Young Australians aged 7 to 17 years who have a disability and meet the program requirements.

What can the funding be used for?

Funding may be used for registration fees, uniforms, coaching, equipment, travel costs, competition fees, and carer-related sporting expenses.

Can previous recipients apply again?

No. Previous recipients of the 2026 Kick Start Grant are not eligible to apply.

When will successful applicants be notified?

Recipients will be notified in October 2026.

When must grant funds be spent?

All grant funds must be used by 1 March 2027, and recipients must submit receipts and acquittal documentation.

Conclusion

The Kick Start Grant helps young Australians with disabilities overcome financial barriers to sport participation and remain active within their communities. Through targeted funding for essential sporting expenses, the program supports inclusion, wellbeing, skill development, and continued engagement in community sport across Australia.