Inclusive sport and recreation grants

Background

The City of Melbourne adopted a Community Grants and Partnerships Framework in September 2018. Through framework, the City of Melbourne provides funding, expertise and support to socially-oriented organisations that address key social issues and ensure our communities thrive.

In response, the individual athlete grant program was reviewed and the grant program has been changed to better align to our social priorities. As of 1 July 2019, the individual athlete grants program was replaced with the inclusive sport and recreation grant program. These grants 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 one: Inclusion support grants

Open to children and young people aged 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.

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.

Category two: Individual participation grants

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).

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.

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.

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.