Grants and Funding for Sport and Recreation

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) primarily funds and supports NSOs to coordinate and deliver programs to increase participation and achieve high performance outcomes.

• National Sporting Organisation (NSO) Investment, Australian Sports Commission. Data available from 2018-19 to current.

The ASC also provides a range of grants aimed at athletes, learning and development, and organisations to assist in developing sporting excellence and increasing participation and achievement by all Australians.

Athletes

• dAIS Athlete Grants. The dAIS scheme provides direct financial support to enable athletes nominated by their NSO to focus on training and competitions to achieve strategy targets in Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth Games sports.
• Local Para Champions. Grants for coaches, officials, and competitors aged 12-24 participating in state, national, or international championships for athletes with a disability. [normally four application rounds per year]
• Local Sporting Champions. This program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials, and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national, or international championships. [normally four application rounds per year]
• Compensation Grant Program. To provide financial support to Paralympians whose Disability Support Pension (DSP) payments have been affected due to travelling outside Australia for training and/or competitions exceeding the general travel allowance of 28 days in a financial year. [one application round per financial year]
• Para Athlete Barriers Fund. Provides financial support to current Australian high-performance athletes competing in Para sport to assist them overcome barriers to their performance or progression.

Learning and development

• Women Leaders in Sport. Funding and support to help provide women with development opportunities to reach their leadership potential in the sports industry. Opportunities include leadership workshops, individual grants and organisation grants.

Schools

• Sporting Schools. Offers grant opportunities for primary schools, and targeted grant opportunities for secondary schools in relation to year 7 and 8 students. Grants support the delivery of sport-based programs to help students build the confidence and capability to be active for life. The ASC has partnered with more than 40 NSOs to facilitate delivery of Sporting Schools programs. [funding available per school term]

The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) was established by the Australian Government in the 1980’s to raise money for the development of Australian sport. Today it is Australia’s leading sports fundraiser and charity.

ASF is the only organisation in Australia to have Deductible Gift Recipient status for sport. This means any donation of $2 or more is tax-deductible.

• Fundraising. Athletes, coaches and officials from grassroots to elite sporting organisations, schools and community groups, government departments and councils, and national and state sporting organisations can fundraise for sporting equipment, facility and ground upgrades, coaching and training costs, travel costs, participation or development programs, or athlete welfare and support.
• Grants. With the help of generous donors and corporate partners, ASF has been able to give grants to hundreds of sports clubs, schools and community groups. Programs focus on helping kids get active, on breaking down the barriers of entry for women, and on bringing more diversity to sport and access for all.

For individuals

• Aussie Athlete Fund. Provides education to athletes and their families on how to raise funds themselves to create financial sustainability. As well as opportunities for businesses and individuals to support our Aussie athletes either as one off or long-term support.
• Dylan Alcott Foundation. A charitable organization to help young Australians living with disability overcome the barriers of entry to sport and education by providing fundraising for grants, scholarships and mentoring.
• Sport Access Foundation. Founded by para-triathlete Katie Kelly, provides grants for Australian children with disability to have the opportunity to play and participate in sport.
• Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund. Empowers talented young athletes facing financial hardship by providing $1000 scholarships to athletes aged 10-18 years old, selected to represent their state, territory, or country.

For organisations

• Heart Foundation Active Australia Innovation Grant. Program funds community-based projects that encourage physical activity.
• IGA Community Chest. Local clubs and organisations can approach their local IGA to enquire about becoming a beneficiary.
• Macquarie Sports. Provides grants to sporting organisations that run programs supporting young people who face barriers to opportunity, and corporate scholarships to elite young sports people, helping them pursue both their sporting and career goals.
• QANTAS Regional Grants. Provides funding to community organisations that enhance the lives of people in regional communities.
• Play For Purpose raffle. Operated by the 50-50 Foundation, helps organisations, including sporting clubs and organisations, to fundraise for projects.

Territory Government

Sport and Recreation. Grant programs are available to eligible organisations to support participation in active lifestyles through the delivery of quality programs, services, and facilities for the benefit of the Canberra community. The primary funding programs are:

• Community Sport Facilities Program
• Club Enhancement Program
• State Organisation Support Program
• Industry Partnership Program
• Performance Sponsorship Program
• ACT Olympic and Paralympic Training Assistance Program

ACT Government Grants. Contains links and information on a variety of territory government grants.

Other

• Variety Heart Scholarships [ACT/NSW]. Variety provides scholarships to children aged 6-18 years with a demonstrated talent - in the arts or sport - living with disabilities, chronic illness or financial hardship to reach the next stage of development in their area of talent.
• Variety We Move - Equipment Grants [ACT/NSW]. Provides grants to children for the purchase of life-changing equipment to increase physical development, independence, and social inclusion.

State Government

Office of Sport. Each year the Office of Sport provides millions in government grants to nurture sporting talent, help build sports facilities and develop the industry as a whole. The range of programs include:

• ClubGRANTS Category 3 Fund
• Community Development Grants Program
• Stronger Communities Program
• Community Sport Recovery Package
• NSW Football Legacy Fund
• Sport Infrastructure Recovery Fund
• Regional Sport Facility Fund
• Centre of Excellence Fund
• Local Sport Grant Program
• Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund
• Her Sport Her Way Grant Program
• Surf Club Facility Program

Community Building Partnership. The partnership program awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

Grants and Funding. Find a government initiative, grant or funding program to help support your business, your project or your community.

Local Government

• Grants and Sponsorship. Liverpool City Council

Other

• Clubs NSW Club Grants program. ClubGRANTS funding is available to community groups, charities, and sporting teams across NSW.
• Variety Heart Scholarships [ACT/NSW]. Variety provides scholarships to children aged 6-18 years with a demonstrated talent - in the arts or sport - living with disabilities, chronic illness or financial hardship to reach the next stage of development in their area of talent.
• Variety We Move - Equipment Grants [ACT/NSW]. Provides grants to children for the purchase of life-changing equipment to increase physical development, independence, and social inclusion.

Territory Government

Department of Arts, Sport and Leisure. Grants are available to organisations and individuals that facilitate sport and active recreation outcomes. Current grant programs include:

• Places and Spaces Quick Response Grant Program
• National Selection Grant Program

Healthy Lifestyle Grants Program.  Provides funding to local projects that address one or more of the following objectives: increase access and promotion of healthy food and drinks; reduce access and promotion of unhealthy food and drinks; increase food security; increase opportunities for active living and physical activity; support behavioural change to reduce the risk of chronic conditions; create partnerships to support health and wellbeing.

Grants directory.  The Northern Territory Government provides a wide range of grants, scholarships and other forms of support for businesses, community organisations and individuals.

State Government

The Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games invests in the Queensland community to provide more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be more physically active, healthier and better connected. Funding programs include:

• ActiveKIT (Knowledge, Innovation, Technology)
• Active Clubs
• Active Gameday Projects
• Active Industry Base Fund
• Active Industry Fund
• Active Women and Girls
• Community and Recreational Assets Recovery and Resilience Program
• Deadly Active Sport and Recreation Program
• Emerging Athlete Pathways
• Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund
• School Sport Program
• Youth Development Partnership Fund

Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF) grant. Administered by the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General. The objective of the fund is to allocate funding to not-for-profit community groups to help them provide services, leisure activities and opportunities for Queensland communities. There are multiple funding rounds each year and the funding limit is between $500 and $35,000.

Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program. Local governments with a published Principal Cycle Network Plan can apply for funding towards projects that provide high quality bicycle infrastructure on the principal cycle network's highest priority routes.

Walking Local Government Grants. Walking network plans focus on precincts of up to 2km around primary destinations such as public transport, schools and town centres, and result in works programs to make the plan a reality. Eligible local governments can apply for state-matched funding through an annual application process.

Voucher program

FairPlay Vouchers. Parents, carers or guardians can apply for one voucher valued up to $200 for their child per financial year. Vouchers can be used towards sport and active recreation membership, registration, or participation fees with registered activity providers. Program is open to Queensland children aged 5-17 who hold, or whose parent, carer or guardian holds a valid Services Australia Health Care Card. Pensioner Concession Card, Department of Veteran Affairs Pensioner Concession Card, or Medicare card.

SwimStart vouchers. Parents, carers or guardians who reside in Queensland can apply for a voucher valued up to $150 for their child (0 to 4 years old), which can be used towards swimming lessons with a registered SwimStart activity provider. There is a limit of 1 voucher per child per financial year.

Grant finder

Grants Finder. Find Queensland Government grants and assistance programs aimed at businesses, community groups, government (including local), individuals, and researchers/research institutes.

Local Government

Grants and Partnerships. Townsville City Council.

Other

South West Indigenous Network (SWIN) Pathways Program. This program provides pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to travel the state to represent their communities at regional and state level sporting competitions.

State Government

Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing. A wide range of funding is available to help provide high quality active recreation and sport opportunities, facilities, programs, and activities. These include:

• State Sport and Recreation Development Program
• Active Club Program
• Community Recreation and Sport Facilities Program
• The Power of Her - Infrastructure and Participation Program
• Active State Collaboration Program
• Performance Pathways Program
• High Performance Athlete Program

Voucher program

Sport Vouchers. All school students aged 5-15 years are eligible for two $100 voucher per calendar year, towards reducing the cost of fees in a range of activities such as sport, dance or learn to swim programs.

Local Government

• Community Impact Grants. City of Adelaide.

Other

• SA Power Networks Community Grants. Program supports a range of community-based activities that help make a positive impact in South Australia.

State Government

Active Tasmania. Provides funding to increase opportunities for participation in sport and active recreation in Tasmania, and to assist the ongoing development of Tasmania's sport and recreation sector. Clubs, not-for-profit organisations and local government entities that provide sport and active recreation opportunities to the Tasmanian community are invited to apply for grants including:

• Active Clubs Program
• Active Industry Project Fund
• Junior Travel Assistance Program
• Tasmanian Active Infrastructure Grants Program

National Representative Fund. A sports assistance scheme provided by the Government of Tasmania to cover the additional cost to Tasmanian Athletes and Coaches competing at a Junior or Open Competition level to travel with an international team competing overseas.

Sporting Competitions Access Fund. Assists athletes with disability, enabling them to compete in national or international sporting competitions and allowing them to excel in their chosen sport at the highest possible level.

Healthy Tasmania Fund. A grants program that supports community action on health and wellbeing in Tasmania. It supports the work of local government and community sector organisations who are well placed to know their community’s needs and priorities.

Voucher program

Ticket to Play. Provides two vouchers up to $100 each towards club membership for children aged 5-18 years and listed on a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card; or have received Family Tax Benefit A in the previous or current financial year; or in approved out of home care; or a temporary or provisional visa holder, undocumented migrant or international student.

Grant finder

Business Tasmania. This page provides a comprehensive list of funding opportunities available to businesses in Tasmania.

Other

Tasmanian Community Fund. Provides grants to community organisations to support positive social change and meet community needs.

State Government

Sport and Recreation Victoria. Grants and funding are available to support groups from local community clubs through to the elite level. Funding is available for a range of activities, from improving or building new facilities to putting in place community projects and programs.

• Significant Sporting Events Program
• Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant Program
• Preventing Violence Through Sport Grants Program
• Local Sports Infrastructure Fund
• Sporting Club Grants Program
• Regional All Abilities Participation Grants
• Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program
• Country Football and Netball Program
• All Abilities Workforce and Sector Support Program
• Kids Active Travel Program
• Strengthening Regional Community Sport
• Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program
• Together More Active

Change Our Game Grants. Provide a range of grants and programs to support women and girls at all levels in sport and recreation in Victoria.

VicHealth. Provides a number of different opportunities for community organisations to apply for grant funding throughout the year.

Local History Grants. Encourages and fosters community activities that preserve, record and share the local, social and community history of Victoria and Victorians.

Voucher program

Get Active. Helping eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and active recreation. Children aged 0-18 years and named on a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and Medicare card may receive up to $200 to cover the costs for membership and registration fees.

Grant finder

Grants and Programs. Search Victorian Government grants and programs. Filter by topic, status and recipient groups.

Business Victoria. Use the filters on this page to find grants and programs to support your business.

Local Government

Individual Excellence Grants. Knox City Council.

Other

Team Sports 4 All (TS4A). Assists Victorian children to play sport who otherwise would not be able to. Originally established in Bayside, support is now available in Frankston, Glen Eira, Kingston, Maroondah, Port Philip, Stonnington, and Wyndham, with the future plan to set up TS4A in as many municipalities as possible so we can make team sport accessible to all families no matter their circumstances.

State Government

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries provides funding to organisations and individuals that facilitate sport and active recreation outcomes. Grant and funding opportunities include:

• Active Regional Communities Grants
• Club Night Lights Program
• Community Place Based Grants
• Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund
• Community Use of School Sporting Facilities Program
• North West Travel Subsidy
• Regional Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme
• Regional Talent Development Network Grants

Healthway WA support grants which align to their strategic priorities including for sports, arts, schools, and other organisations that benefit the community. Most grant program applications are open year-round. Some grants include:

• Healthy Partnerships
• Creating Healthy Spaces
• Healthy Communities
• Healthy Promotion Research

Funding for major events, Tourism WA provides funding to support major events that contribute to the WA economy, create jobs, drive out-of-state visitors, and generate visitor spending. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis however they must be submitted at least 12 months prior to the event date.

Voucher program

KidSport vouchers. Enables eligible children aged 5 to 18 years with a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card to participate in community sport by offering them up to $500 per financial year towards club fees. KidSport applications are assessed by the local government in which the child resides or by the KidSport team at the department. If an application is approved, the KidSport team will email you a voucher (unique to the child). Vouchers can be used as payment for registration, membership or participation fees. Where the KidSport Club has opted in, vouchers can also be used for essential uniform and equipment costs.

Grant finder

Grants and subsidies. Financial help and assistance for those in need, including eligibility criteria and entitlements for ongoing and one-off payments, rates, and subsidies.

Australian Football League (AFL)

Telstra Footy Country Grants. Local football clubs across Australia have the opportunity to share in an $8 million funding boost over 2024 – 2028 ($2 million annually). Eligible regional and metro community football clubs can apply for grants up to $20,000 – helping strengthen, sustain and grow local footy.

Other

Good for Footy Raffle, Toyota, (accessed 19 March 2025). The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle helps clubs raise money with 100% of proceeds going directly back to clubs.

Bowls Australia

Disaster Relief Fund. Provides assistance to lawn bowls clubs that have suffered damage due to natural disasters, such as fire or flood.

Cricket Australia

Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund. The ACIF is open to all clubs, associations, schools, councils and cricket facility managers, acknowledging the important role that these partners play in providing facilities for community cricket across Australia.

Grassroots Cricket Fund (GCF). Established in 2019 as a partnership of the Australian Cricketers’ Association and Cricket Australia. The GCF Grant Program’s focus is on enabling sustainable impact and fostering participation growth in the junior space. Grants are targeted towards implementing programs that maximize this impact.

Other

Good for Cricket Raffle, Toyota, (accessed 19 March 2025). The Toyota Good for Cricket Raffle helps clubs raise money with 100% of proceeds going directly back to clubs.

Golf Australia

Golf Australia facilitates and encourages a number of pathways for young amateurs in Australia as they develop their games, including the continually expanding Golf Australia Give Back program.

• Cameron Smith Scholarship. Offers two athletes an invitation to Cameron Smith’s home in Florida for a week of practice, training and living like a PGA Tour professional.
• Karrie Webb Series Scholarship. Participants in the Karrie Webb Series events can be eligible for two scholarships to the value of $15,000 to be spent on international travel, playing experiences over the northern hemisphere summer and additional development opportunities.
• Karrie Webb Coaching Scholarship. Aims to acknowledge, support and further develop young female coaches who aspire to excel in their coaching careers. The scholarship provides valuable opportunities for recipients to enhance their coaching skills and learn from world class coaches and mentors from Australia and around the world.

Australian Golf Foundation

Australian Golf Foundation is the national fundraising body supporting golf in Australia.
Our core purpose is to give more children the opportunity to experience golf and develop a love of the game.

NSW Golf Foundation

NSW Golf Foundation. The philanthropic arm of Golf NSW, an independent entity with a Board of Governors. Its charter is to build and develop the sport in the State for all who play the game to ensure its strong future. The Foundation considers applications for financial assistance throughout the year from clubs and supporting organisations who can demonstrate hardships of the kind outlined in the application or who are growing and developing golf in NSW.

WA Golf Foundation

WA Golf Foundation. Provides support and funding to organisations, Professional Golf Association (PGA) pros, coaches and other associated parties to facilitate the creation of life-enriching golf programs.

Other

The Young Golfer Grant, Greenfee.Golf., (accessed 19 March 2025). Grant is open to all young golfers under the age of 25, regardless of their location and gender. The grant offers a maximum of $500 USD per recipient (one for a boy and one for a girl).

Motorsport Australia

Supercheap Auto Club Development Fund. Clubs are encouraged to submit applications for initiatives and events that positively contribute towards Diversity and Inclusion in the sport, helping grow both club membership numbers and participants in the sport more broadly.

Confident Girls Foundation

Confident Girls Foundation. An independent national ACNC approved Not-for-Profit focused on creating a world where every girl can dream big and thrive. Provides funding support to netball organisations who deliver programs aimed at empowering marginalised girls and their communities. These programs encompass leadership development, sports and physical activity initiatives, mental health support services, community engagement activities, and advocacy for gender equality.

NSW Pony Club

PCA/NSW Cross Country Course Grant. A grant of $500 to clubs/zones building or renovating a cross country course who engage the services of an EA accredited course designer. Grants are limited to one per zone per year.

Rowing Australia

Rowing Australia is pleased to announce the availability of various bursaries and scholarships aimed at providing support and relief to our dedicated members. These initiatives have been carefully crafted to alleviate the stress and challenges faced by individuals balancing the rigorous demands of rowing, education, and other commitments. Opportunities include:

• The Flavia Gobbo OAM Bursary
• Bobby Pearce Foundation
• ER Bromley Trust
• Olympic Boat Fleet Trust

Griffith University/Swimming Australia

Support for talented swimming athletes. Multiple swimming scholarships are available for athletes commencing and continuing their studies at Griffith University

Table Tennis Australia

Equipment and Facilities Grant Program. Provides an opportunity for grassroots table tennis clubs and associations across Australia to purchase new equipment; or assist with the upgrade/improvement of local table tennis facilities.

Tennis Australia

Facility Loan Scheme. Financially assists affiliated Australian Tennis Clubs, Centres and Associations with upgrades, replacements and improvements on their tennis facilities, by providing low interest loans.

National Court Rebate. Assists affiliated venues, local councils, and schools to create positive environments for the long-term success of tennis in Australia. Projects supported by the program range from developing new courts, upgrading existing facilities, building or line-marking ANZ Tennis Hot Shots courts, Tennis Australia’s Book a Court with integrated gate access technology, major projects and strategy and planning.

GrantConnect. Provides centralised publication of forecast and current Australian Government grant opportunities and grants awarded.

Grants and programs finder. Provides a free resource to find grants, funding, support programs from across government aimed at organisations doing business in Australia (including companies, not-for-profits, partnerships, sole traders, and/or trusts).

ACT Government Grants. Contains links and information on a variety of Territory Government grants.

Grants and Funding. Find a government initiative, grant or funding program to help support your business, your project or your community.

GrantsNT. Find a range of Northern Territory Government grants, scholarships and other support for businesses, community organisations and individuals in the Northern Territory.

Grants Finder. Find Queensland Government grants and assistance programs aimed at businesses, community groups, government (including local), individuals, and researchers/research institutes.

Business Tasmania: Funding and support. Provides a comprehensive list of funding opportunities available to businesses in Tasmania.

Grants Victoria. Search for government grants and assistance within the state of Victoria. Find community, education, legal, and business grants or financial assistance that are available.

Business Victoria: Grants and programs. Use the filters on this page to find grants and programs to support your business.

GrantGuru. Database of nationwide grants and funding programs for community based and not-for-profit organisations. Provides both free and premium services and options. [Registration required to access free search]

Each funding program or scheme will have criteria specific to eligibility, application procedures, expenditure, reporting, and assessment. It is important to clearly identify what your organisation wants to fund/do and then assess whether you will meet the criteria for the funding opportunity before you apply. Make sure you can also articulate what issue or program requires the funding and what solution the funding will provide.

Some resources for writing grant applications include:

• Grants, Club Help, (accessed 17 March 2025). Provides brief tips and information on grant writing including Understanding grant guidelines; The write up; Planning for grants; and additional resources.
• Grants Help Centre, The Funding Centre, (accessed 17 March 2025). Provides a variety of resources and information for the grant process from deciding to apply, writing the application, and monitoring the project.
• How to win a grant, Sports Community, (accessed 17 March 2025). Provides a brief overview and tips for understanding what grants are; who offers grants; where to find them; and strategies for writing successful grant applications.
• OurCommunity.com.au – where not-for-profits go for help, (accessed 17 March 2025). Website provides advice, tools, resources, and training for not-for-profit organisations.
• Grant Resource Hub, the grants hub, (accessed 17 March 2025). Grant application tips, turning ideas into ‘projects’, applying for government grants, budget development, relationship building, grant terminology and more.

When writing grants you may need to provide information and evidence to support your application. This could include demographics or statistics for your club/region/sport, or evidence to support why your sport/program will benefit a specific or broader community objective.

The Clearinghouse for Sport Evidence Base provides access to a broad range of topics covering background information, research, and good and promising practice. Some topics and resources that may be relevant include:

Population and participation trends and statistics:

• AusPlay survey (AusPlay). AusPlay is the Australian Sports Commission's large scale national survey to track Australians' sporting behaviours and activities.
• Mapping Australia's Population (MAP). MAP is a Monash University initiative, with the support of the Scanlon Foundation. It provides information and data on Australian immigration and population issues including trends, population maps, and public opinion of immigration and population issues.
• Participation in Sport. Clearinghouse for Sport topic.

Sport and government policy objectives (how sport/physical activity can contribute to meeting government objectives):

• Australian Veterans and Sport, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.
• Australia's First Nations Peoples and Sport, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.
• Sport and Persons with Disability, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.
• Sport in Rural and Regional Australia, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.
• Volunteers in Sport, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.
• Women in Sport, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.

Value and benefits of sport (how sport can benefits individuals, communities, and the broader Australian society):

• The value and benefits of sport, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.
• Economic, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.
• Education, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.
• High Performance, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.
• Preventative Health, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.
• Social and Mental Wellbeing, Clearinghouse for Sport topic.

Research: