Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program – Australia

Deadline: 26-Feb-25

The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation is excited to open the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program to support local activities to increase participation, build capability and celebrate the role of women and girls in sport and active recreation.

This Program supports community sport and active recreation clubs and organisations who are well placed to advance gender equality in their local communities, and they are proud to be able to support further local activities across Victoria.

The Office for Women in Sport and Recreation (OWSR) is working to increase participation, leadership and visibility of women and girls in sport and active recreation, including at the grassroots level. 

Through the Change Our Game initiative, the sport and active recreation sector is being encouraged to challenge gender stereotypes and drive greater inclusion in sport and active recreation for all women and girls

Objectives

• The program aims to:
  • increase the participation options for women and girls in community sport or active recreation 
  • provide opportunities for clubs and organisations to gain relevant skills and knowledge of gender equity practices in community sport 
  • support the adoption and embedding of gender equitable access and use policies and practices of community sport facilities
  • support women in community sport and recreation to access professional development opportunities
  • increase the promotion and celebration of gender equality in sport and active recreation settings.

Streams

• This year’s program offers grant opportunities under the following three streams:
  • Stream 1 
    • Participation: To support clubs, associations and organisations in building, connecting and sustaining the participation of women and girls in community sport and active recreation.
  • Stream 2 
    • Capability: To undertake education and training opportunities to strengthen capability and leadership in gender equality policy and practice and/or inclusion and representation of women and girls in their sport, club, association or organisation.
  • Stream 3
    • Community Leaders: To access professional development for women volunteering within community sport and active recreation clubs, associations or organisations to develop as community leaders.

Funding Information

• Applications across all streams can apply for a grant of up to $5,000 (Funding Level 1).
• Applications to Stream 1 or Stream 2 can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 (Funding Level 2).

Outcomes

• The program will fund activities that are aimed at achieving one or more of the following outcomes:
  • increased participation by women and girls in community sport and active recreation 
  • enhanced understanding of gender equity practices within community sport and active recreation organisations 
  • more women in leadership roles in community sport and active recreation promotion and elevation of women and girls in sport and active recreation.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications must be submitted by one of the following Eligible Organisations (also known as Eligible Applicants):
  • community sport and active recreation clubs, associations and organisations delivering sport and active recreation programs in Victoria 
  • regional sports assemblies
  • local government authorities
  • where there is no recognised state sporting association, a national sporting organisation recognised by the Australian Sports Commission may apply, or
  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and incorporated Aboriginal associations delivering sport and active recreation activities operating in Victoria. 
• Eligible organisations must also:
  • be a nonstate or federal government, notforprofit incorporated body with valid registration as either:
  • an incorporated association, or
  • a public company limited by guarantee.
  • hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN) at the time of application.
• For Stream 3 – Community Leaders only, an Eligible Candidate is the individual seeking to complete the professional development opportunity.
  • To be an Eligible Candidate, individual(s) must:
    • identify as a woman, 
    • be aged 18 years or over
    • be a Victorian resident, and 
    • currently hold a volunteer role in a community sport and active recreation club, association or organisation.

For more information, visit OWSR.