Grants for Sporting Clubs New South Wales

What does a grant for sporting clubs include? 

A grant programs for sport and recreation organisations can include funding for many different parts of your facilitation, including:

• New infrastructure or facilities such as sports shade sails, new change rooms or spectator viewing amenities
• New sport and active recreation equipment
• Additional money for memberships
• Financial assistance to support grassroots sport
• Aid to host a significant sporting events program or community occasion
  
  

Who provides sports clubs grant funding? 

The government, as well as some private companies (including the Australian Sports Foundation), provide grants for local sporting clubs to help stimulate local councils, promote participation in sport and to support community and sporting organisations.

How long do sporting grant applications take to be approved? 

After applications open in each round, it takes around 4-5 months before funding grants for sporting organisations in NSW are approved. After approval has been confirmed, you can begin to build, buy and configure your new sports club facilities and resources.

Benefits of funding for sporting clubs

The primary advantage of securing funding for your sports club or facility is the ability to allocate a significant portion of your budget towards essential sports infrastructure improvements. 

This strategic allocation allows your organisation to utilise the grant for enhancing your infrastructure while directing the remaining budget towards other critical enhancements or operational necessities.

There are numerous other benefits associated with obtaining funding for your sports club, which include:

• Building your community: Whether your sports club caters to football enthusiasts, lawn bowling patrons, or offers a versatile multipurpose area, funding can play a pivotal role in expanding and enriching your facility, ultimately benefiting your community. With the added financial support from infrastructure funding, you can further engage and involve the community.
• Activating and enhancing your space: By improving your facility’s amenities and aesthetics, you can attract more patrons and customers, enticing them to participate actively. Sports club development grants empower you to upgrade your outdoor spaces with features like shade sails, covers, and protected areas, catering to a larger audience.
• Increasing functionality and utilisation: Funding provides the opportunity to enhance the functionality of your sports club facilities. The introduction of a funded sports shade structure, for instance, enables patrons to utilise sports facilities throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions, as they are afforded complete protection. This encourages consistent utilisation and participation.
  
  

The Local Sport Grant Program

For building your shade sail or COLA area, the Local Sport Grant Program can go a long way for local and state sporting organisations. 

Although it may not cover the entire cost of your new infrastructure, it can cover a substantial amount of costs for your construction.

Although in previous years the Local Sport Grant Program required applicants to submit their applications under one of four different project types (Sport Development, Sport Event, Sport Access and Sport Facility) the 2022/23 round, the process has been simplified. 

Applications no longer require applicants to select a defined project type as part of their application. Sports clubs and organisations are free to submit as many applications to the Program as they choose.

Eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• Organisational and community development projects
• Sport events
• Barriers to participation
• Create, upgrade or repair sports facilities- this project includes the ability to build sports facilities such as a shade sail or structure for increased sun and weather protection, shade provision and an upgrade to your sporting organisations’ space.
  
  

Eligibility and grant criteria

The NSW government defines eligible applicants as:

• Incorporated, not-for-profit grassroots sport clubs whose primary focus is to organise sporting activities; deliver ongoing sporting programs; and/or develop member’s skills (see Appendix A for full list of eligible sports). 

Applicants that are from Licensed Sporting Clubs may be considered but only if the project directly benefits the chosen sport and not any administration processes. This is also true of sports organisations or clubs associated with a school, church or university as long as they are not-for-profit incorporated in their own right.

How to submit your grant application:

1. Check you are eligible

Before you apply, please read these guidelines to make sure you understand all relevant requirements, including whether you are eligible to apply.

If you are unsure of whether your sport club is eligible for the Local Sport Grant Program or any other available grants, you can simply get in touch with our consultants at Greenline for more information. We can consult on the best grant program for your facility and desires for your shade solutions.

2. Prepare your application

Applying for the Local Sport Grant Program can be a simple process when using the SmartyGrants website. The Office of Sport recommends that applicants familiarise themselves with the online application form ahead of filling out the application and plan ahead of the closing date.

3. Submit your application

Complete the application by filling in each of the sections including required documentation.

Successful submissions will be issued with a SmartyGrants system generated acknowledgement email containing a PDF copy of the application which will confirm the time the application was submitted. Visit the NSW Office of Sport for more information on your application.

Tips for securing a grant:

Identify what you are funding

Before embarking on the journey of applying for funding for your sports club, it’s imperative to identify the specific purpose for which you intend to use the funds. 

Having a well-defined concept and project scope in mind will provide clarity and keep you focused throughout the application process. 

Generally, it is advisable to prioritise a singular project rather than multiple ones to maximise the benefit for your organisation.

Read up on eligibility 

Understanding the eligibility criteria is a critical initial step in any grant application. 

Delving into a lengthy application process can be both time-consuming and challenging, so it’s essential to ensure that your club aligns with the grant’s requirements. 

When considering a particular grant opportunity, carefully examine its terms, conditions, prerequisites, and requirements before proceeding with your application.

Plan out your application

Similar to assessing eligibility, the planning of your application involves having all the necessary documents and forms accurately completed and organised. 

Creating a well-structured timeline can be an effective strategy to ensure that you submit your application within the designated closing dates and allow room for any potential adjustments.

Set reachable goals and a detailed budget 

Your application and project scope should define realistic and achievable goals. 

While obtaining funding can be challenging, setting clear expectations and understanding how you intend to utilise the funds are crucial aspects of your application. 

It’s essential to budget each component of your plan meticulously and make well-considered decisions. 

Building a compelling case will greatly increase your chances of your sports grant application being approved.

Consider the decision maker 

In crafting a persuasive application, it’s important to consider the perspective of the individual or committee reviewing your submission. 

Take into account who will be receiving and evaluating your application. Tailoring your proposal to align with the preferences and priorities of the decision-maker for the specific grant you’re pursuing is crucial. 

This attention to detail can extend to proofreading for spelling and grammatical errors in your writing to present a professional application.

What to do after you’ve received your grant

After you have been approved for your grant, you can then begin the process of hiring and building your new space. At Greenline, we have the perfect option for every sporting facility and club out there, with shade solutions on the larger scale like a Barrel Vault structure, to a smaller Shade Sail.

Deciding whether you need a large shade structure or a smaller shade sail can be a challenge, which is why we’ve set up a project estimate tool for you to work through your choices.