Deadline: 31-May-2026
ClubGRANTS is a New South Wales funding scheme requiring large registered clubs to reinvest gaming revenue into community welfare, health, and development projects. It operates across three categories, prioritising disadvantaged groups and essential services. The programme is regulated under the Gaming Machine Tax Act 2001 and supports both local and large-scale community initiatives.
Overview
ClubGRANTS is a community funding initiative in New South Wales that requires large registered clubs to contribute a portion of their gaming revenue to community development, welfare, and infrastructure projects.
The programme ensures that profits from gaming machines are reinvested into social impact initiatives, especially those benefiting disadvantaged communities.
Legal Framework
ClubGRANTS operates under the Gaming Machine Tax Act 2001.
- Clubs earning over $1 million from gaming machines receive a tax rebate
- Funds must be directed toward approved community activities
Funding Structure
Total Contribution Breakdown
- Up to 1.85% → Category 1 & Category 2
- Additional 0.4% → Category 3 (ClubGRANTS Fund)
Minimum Requirement
- At least 0.75% must go to Category 1
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support disadvantaged and vulnerable populations
- Improve community health and well-being
- Promote social inclusion and development
- Strengthen local infrastructure and services
Funding Categories
Category 1: Essential Community Services (Priority)
Focus: High-impact social support and welfare
Eligible Activities
- Family support services
- Emergency accommodation
- Counselling and mental health care
- Aged care and disability services
- Youth services
- Disaster relief
Community Development
Health Services
- Early childhood health
- Drug and alcohol support
Employment Support
- Job training
- Job placement programmes
Category 2: General Community Development
Focus: Broader community and cultural initiatives
Eligible Activities
- Arts and cultural programmes
- Tourism promotion (non-commercial)
- Community infrastructure improvements
- Emergency preparedness projects
Not Funded
- Commercial or profit-driven activities
- Club-promotional entertainment
- Projects directly benefiting the club financially
Category 3: Large-Scale Infrastructure
Focus: Major community and regional projects
- Managed through the ClubGRANTS Fund
- Supports sport, health, and infrastructure
- Approved by government authorities
- Targets disadvantaged and regional communities
Key Concepts Explained
Gaming Revenue Reinvestment
A system where profits from gaming machines are redirected into community benefit projects.
Social Inclusion
Ensuring all individuals, especially vulnerable groups, have access to opportunities and services.
Community Infrastructure
Facilities and services that support public well-being, such as health centres and recreational spaces.
Who is Eligible?
Fund Contributors
- Registered clubs in NSW with gaming revenue above $1 million
Funding Beneficiaries
- Non-profit organisations
- Community groups
- Welfare service providers
- Local initiatives supporting disadvantaged populations
How Funding Works
Step-by-Step Process
- Clubs Generate Revenue
- From gaming machines
- Allocate Funds
- Based on required percentages
- Identify Community Needs
- Local or regional priorities
- Fund Eligible Projects
- Across Categories 1, 2, and 3
- Monitor & Report
- Ensure compliance and transparency
Local-Level Implementation
Example:
Wingecarribee ClubGRANTS Category 1
- Funds projects within the local government area
- Prioritises disadvantaged residents
- Supports targeted community services
Why This Programme Matters
- Redirects gaming profits to public good
- Supports essential services for vulnerable groups
- Strengthens local communities
- Promotes accountability and transparency
- Enables long-term social and economic development
Compliance & Rules
- Strict documentation and reporting required
- Limits on in-kind contributions
- No reciprocal funding arrangements allowed
- Projects must align with community needs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Funding ineligible commercial activities
- Misallocating funds across categories
- Poor documentation or reporting
- Supporting projects with limited community impact
- Violating transparency guidelines
Tips for Effective Participation
- Prioritise Category 1 initiatives
- Align projects with local needs
- Maintain clear documentation
- Ensure transparency in fund allocation
- Focus on measurable community outcomes
FAQs
1. What is ClubGRANTS?
A funding scheme where clubs reinvest gaming revenue into community projects.
2. Who benefits from the programme?
Disadvantaged individuals, community groups, and non-profit organisations.
3. What is Category 1 funding?
Funding for essential welfare, health, and social services.
4. Can funds be used for commercial projects?
No, commercial and profit-driven activities are not eligible.
5. What is Category 3 funding?
Support for large-scale infrastructure projects managed by the government.
6. Is there a minimum allocation requirement?
Yes, at least 0.75% must go to Category 1.
7. How is transparency ensured?
Through strict guidelines, reporting, and compliance checks.
Conclusion
ClubGRANTS is a structured and impactful funding mechanism that transforms gaming revenue into meaningful community support. By prioritising essential services and disadvantaged populations, the programme plays a vital role in strengthening social welfare, promoting inclusion, and building resilient communities across New South Wales.
For more information, visit Wingecarribee Shire Council.
