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                    Inclusive sport and recreation grants

                    City of Melbourne Council adopted a new Community Grants and Partnerships Framework in September 2018.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​Through the Community Grants and Partnerships Framework, City of Melbourne provides funding, expertise and support to socially-oriented organisations that address key social issues and ensure our communities thrive. Council Plan is the guiding document for determining priorities.

                    In response to the new Community Grants and Partnerships Framework, the individual athlete grant program was reviewed and the grant program has been changed to better align to City of Melbourne's social priorities.

                    As of 1 July 2019, the individual athlete grants program will be replaced with inclusive sport and recreation grants. Inclusive sport and recreation grants are delivered by the City of Melbourne to provide opportunities for children and young people to participate in community sport and to support individuals participating at an elite level to achieve their sporting goals. Inclusive sport and recreation grants are categorised in two specific funding areas:

                    ​Category 1: Inclusion support grants 

                    ​Category 2: Individual participation grants

                    ​Open to children and young people 5 to 18 years, residing in the City of Melbourne, needing assistance to access local sports and recreation opportunities due to financial hardship. Applicants or guardians must hold a health care card or pension concession card.

                    ​To support residents who are officially selected by a governing body to compete in their chosen sport at an elite level (e.g. national championships, international competition).

                    ​Funding levels:

                    Applicants can apply for funding for 100 per cent of club fees up to $500 for Inclusive Support Grants. Applicants may apply for more than one term/season per year.

                    *Funding will be capped at $1000 per individual per year.
                    Funding levels:

                    Applicants can apply for funding for Individual Participation Grants of up to $300 for an individual or up to $500 for a team competing in a national competition or event or up to $700 for an individual or up to $1000 for a team competing in an international competition or event.

                    How to apply

                    Applications will be open all year round and will be assessed at regular intervals.

                    Applications must be received at least 6 weeks prior to the event or season commencement to allow for the assessment and approval process.

                    Applications are open to residents of the City of Melbourne municipality, please check the boundary map on the website prior to submitting an application.

                    Your application must outline how you will contribute to physical health and wellbeing and to increasing opportunities for physical activity.

                    Apply now

                    Applications are made through SmartyGrants and can be edited, saved and reviewed before submitting a final version. You can also print out your applications.

                    Grant-related services
                    When applying for a grant, be wary of cold-callers or websites that charge for grant-related services – this assistance is available for free. Visit the ACCC for tips on how to protect your business or project.
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