Deadline: 27-Jul-2026
The Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Grants program supports eligible not-for-profit organisations in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area by funding improvements to sport and recreation facilities. The program aims to increase participation in active play, improve accessibility, and enhance the safety and usability of community sports infrastructure.
The total funding pool is $100,000, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $35,000 (excluding GST). Projects focus on infrastructure upgrades such as lighting, drainage, accessibility improvements, and clubhouse enhancements on Council-owned or managed land.
What Is the Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Grants Program?
The Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Grants program is a local government funding initiative designed to improve sports and recreation infrastructure across the Northern Beaches.
It provides financial support to eligible organisations to develop, upgrade, or enhance community sports facilities that encourage active participation and improve the quality of local recreational spaces.
The program prioritizes projects that deliver long-term community benefits and increase access to safe, inclusive, and well-maintained facilities.
Program Objectives
The grants program is structured around three key objectives:
Increase Participation in Sport and Recreation
The program aims to:
- Encourage more people to participate in active lifestyles
- Support community sport and recreation clubs
- Improve access to recreational facilities
- Promote active play for all age groups
Improve Viability of Local Clubs
Funding supports organisations by:
- Enhancing facility quality
- Reducing maintenance challenges
- Supporting club growth and sustainability
- Improving operational capacity of sports groups
Develop Safe and Accessible Facilities
The program prioritizes infrastructure that is:
- Safe for users
- Accessible to people with disabilities
- Family-friendly
- Compliant with modern facility standards
Funding Overview
The program provides structured financial support for eligible infrastructure projects.
Key funding details include:
- Total funding pool: $100,000
- Grant range per project: $10,000 to $35,000 (excluding GST)
- Funding type: Capital infrastructure grants
- Geographic scope: Northern Beaches Local Government Area
Funding is competitive and allocated based on project merit and alignment with program objectives.
Eligible Applicants
Only specific types of organisations can apply.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be incorporated, not-for-profit organisations
- Be based in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area
- Have no outstanding debts owed to Council
- Maintain up-to-date grant reporting obligations
Additional Requirement
- Applicants must obtain Owner’s Consent from the relevant Council authority before applying
Eligible Project Types
The program funds capital infrastructure projects related to sport and recreation facilities.
Infrastructure Improvements
Eligible projects may include:
- Construction of new sports infrastructure on Council land
- Upgrades to existing Council-owned facilities
- Improvements to community recreation assets
Examples of Funded Projects
Typical funded improvements include:
- Sportsfield drainage systems
- Tennis court lighting upgrades
- Sports field lighting installations
- Wheelchair access ramps and accessibility improvements
- Storage facilities for sporting clubhouses
- Facility safety enhancements
Ineligible Uses (Implied Restrictions)
While not explicitly listed, the program does not typically fund:
- Operational or staffing costs
- Non-infrastructure or program expenses
- Private or commercial facility development
- Projects without Council approval or consent
Applicants must ensure funding is used strictly for capital infrastructure purposes.
Key Program Requirements
Applicants must meet several conditions before and after submission.
Ownership and Consent
- Owner’s Consent from Council is mandatory for all projects on Council land or assets
Financial Compliance
- Organisations must have no outstanding debts to Council
- Must maintain proper financial reporting standards
Governance Requirements
- Applicants must be incorporated not-for-profit organisations
- Must comply with all grant reporting obligations
Application Process
Step 1: Identify Infrastructure Need
Organisations must identify a facility improvement that aligns with community sport and recreation needs.
Step 2: Obtain Council Consent
Secure Owner’s Consent from the relevant Council team.
Step 3: Prepare Application
Applicants must prepare:
- Project description
- Budget breakdown
- Expected community benefits
- Delivery timeline
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit within the program application window for review.
Step 5: Assessment and Approval
Applications are assessed based on:
- Alignment with program objectives
- Community impact
- Feasibility and readiness
- Accessibility and safety improvements
Program Benefits
The Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Grants program delivers key community benefits, including:
- Improved access to sports and recreation facilities
- Enhanced safety standards in public infrastructure
- Increased participation in physical activity
- Better support for local sports clubs
- Upgraded community assets
- Greater inclusivity for people with disabilities
Why This Program Matters
The program plays an important role in strengthening community wellbeing by:
- Supporting active and healthy lifestyles
- Reducing barriers to sport participation
- Enhancing local infrastructure quality
- Promoting inclusive and accessible recreation spaces
- Supporting volunteer-run sports organisations
It ensures that local sports facilities remain safe, modern, and fit for community use.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve success chances by:
- Clearly linking the project to increased participation
- Demonstrating strong community demand
- Providing detailed cost estimates
- Showing long-term facility benefits
- Ensuring accessibility improvements are included
- Securing Council support early in the process
- Aligning strongly with program objectives
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following issues:
- Submitting applications without Owner’s Consent
- Requesting funding outside the capital infrastructure scope
- Weak justification of community benefit
- Incomplete or unclear budgets
- Ignoring accessibility and safety considerations
- Applying without confirming eligibility requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Grants program?
It is a Northern Beaches Council funding program that supports upgrades and improvements to local sport and recreation facilities.
How much funding is available?
The program offers a total pool of $100,000, with individual grants between $10,000 and $35,000.
Who can apply?
Incorporated, not-for-profit organisations based in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area.
What types of projects are funded?
Capital infrastructure projects such as sportsfield upgrades, lighting, accessibility improvements, and clubhouse facilities.
Is Council approval required?
Yes. Owner’s Consent from Council is mandatory before applying.
Can funding be used for staffing or operations?
No. The program only funds capital infrastructure projects.
Where must projects be located?
Projects must be on Council land or within existing Council facilities.
Conclusion
The Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Grants program provides essential funding support for improving community sports and recreation facilities in the Northern Beaches. By focusing on capital infrastructure upgrades such as lighting, drainage, and accessibility improvements, the program helps create safer, more inclusive, and more accessible spaces for local residents.
For eligible not-for-profit organisations, this funding offers a valuable opportunity to enhance community sport participation and strengthen local recreational infrastructure.
For more information, visit Northern Beaches Council.