How (and Where) to Find Sports Grants in Australia

Your Guide to Funding Opportunities for Schools and Community Clubs

Finding the right grant can be just as important as writing a great application. Across Australia, there are plenty of funding opportunities available to support the construction of new sports courts, facilities upgrades, or essential equipment. The key is knowing where to look—and staying ready when opportunities open up.

In this post, we break down the main sources of grants for community sports clubs and schools across Australia.

1. Australian Government Grants

Federal grants are often project-based and may not always be well-publicised. In many cases, your local Member of Parliament (MP) is your best connection—especially around election time when new funding is often announced.

Tip: Contact your federal MP to discuss your club or school's needs. They often welcome the chance to support local infrastructure—and a good photo opportunity when the ribbon gets cut! Also monitor GrantConnect for national funding rounds.

2. State Government and Local Council Grants

Each state and territory has its own suite of sport and recreation grants, which are often reliable and accessible. Examples include:

• QLD: Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF)

• VIC: Sport and Recreation Victoria programs

• NSW: ClubGRANTS and Office of Sport funding

• SA: Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing

• WA: CSRFF via Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries

• ACT/NT: Region-specific grants promoted through local agencies or Sport Australia

Local councils may also offer community or infrastructure grants—ideal for court upgrades, lighting, or safety improvements. Some even co-fund major projects with state governments.

Tip: Keep your council informed about your development goals. If they know you're ready, they're more likely to support you when opportunities arise.

3. State or National Sporting Associations

Many sporting associations offer grants funded through partnerships with governments or sponsors. These are often promoted directly to affiliated clubs and schools.

State Sporting Bodies:

• NSW Office of Sport – Local Sport Grant Program, Active Kids Vouchers

• VicSport / SRV – Community Sport Infrastructure Fund

• Queensland Sport and Rec – FairPlay Vouchers

• WA DLGSC – CSRFF

• SA Office for Rec and Sport – Active Club Program

National Sporting Organisations (NSOs):

• Sport Australia – Local Sporting Champions

• Cricket Australia – Infrastructure Fund

• Football Australia – Community Facilities Fund

• Netball Australia – Confident Girls Foundation

Tip: Sign up for your sport’s newsletters and stay in touch with development officers—they often know when grants are opening before they're public.

4. Corporate and Commercially Funded Grants

An increasing number of businesses are investing in grassroots sport, particularly in regional areas. These grants often promote brand visibility while supporting community wellbeing.

Examples:

• Telstra Footy Country Grants (AFL)

• CommBank Community Grants

• Australian Sports Foundation – fundraising support

• Local business sponsorships – signage in return for funding

Tip: Approach local businesses. Many will back projects that offer naming rights or visibility on scoreboards, fencing, or uniforms.

Other Places to Look

·         School newsletters or education department updates

·         Community groups like Rotary, Lions, or Men’s Sheds

·         Bank foundations (e.g. Bendigo Bank, NAB Foundation)

Stay Grant-Ready All Year Round

Grant windows can be short. Make sure your club or school is always prepared with a digital folder that includes:

• Strategic plans and project outlines

• Supplier quotes and budget breakdowns

• Past applications and letters of support

• Participation data and future growth estimates

Need Help with Quotes or Project Scoping?

As sports construction specialists, we’re here to help your club or school bring its project to life—with support that strengthens your application:

• Professional quotes for courts, fencing, lighting or amenities

• Guidance on project timelines and staging

• Advice aligned with funding criteria

Contact us today to get started—we’d love to help make your vision a reality.

Image Source: Maryna Nikolaieva on Unsplash