The Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program provides grants to assist Aboriginal Victorians to participate in Aboriginal sporting carnivals, buy sports uniforms and equipment, as well as funding for travel and accommodation expenses for athletes to compete in state and national competitions.
Funding Available
Category 1 – Aboriginal Sporting Carnivals
Grants of up to $2,500 per junior team and $1,500 per senior team for travel and accommodation costs for teams to participate in State-wide or National Carnivals.
Eligible organisations can apply for up to 10 separate teams or individuals under one application, however, under category 1 a separate application must be submitted for each specific sporting event.
Eligibility requirements
- All individuals within teams must identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
- The teams must participate in an Aboriginal sporting carnival and/or tournament between 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
- All teams must reside in Victoria unless individuals are located close to state borders that participate in Victorian competitions/carnivals.
Eligible Expenses
- All costs associated with travel and accommodation for teams to compete in Victorian or national sporting carnivals or tournaments.
Ineligible Expenses
- Costs other than those directly related to travel and accommodation (for example: food, entrance fees and uniforms are excluded).
- Travel and accommodation expenses not for the purpose of attending the identified sporting event.
- Funding sought for individuals that do not identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Category 2 – Uniforms or Equipment
Grants of up to $1,000 per team, club and association and up to $250 per individual to purchase sporting uniforms and/or equipment.
Eligible organisations can apply for up to 10 separate teams or individuals under one application.
Eligibility requirements
- All individuals within teams must identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
- All teams must reside in Victoria unless individuals are located close to state borders that participate in Victorian competitions/carnivals.
- Eligible uniforms and equipment must be purchased between 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Eligible Expenses
Eligible uniform and equipment expenditure may include but is not limited to:
- required uniform, for example, netball uniform, jumpers, singlets
- tracksuits
- socks
- boots
- sports bras
- bats
- match balls
- team equipment kits
- items for cultural and/or ceremonial purposes
- protective equipment including gloves, helmets and batting pads.
A complete list of eligible uniform and equipment items that can be purchased using grant funds is located in the program guidelines.
Category 3 – Athlete Participation Support
Grants of up to $750 for athletes and coaches to assist with travel and accommodation costs to compete or train in regional, state and national competitions or representative teams.
Eligible organisations can apply for up to 10 individuals under one application, however, under category 3 a separate application must be submitted for each specific sporting event.
Applications submitted under category 3 will be accepted from the opening of Round 1 until funding is exhausted.
Eligibility requirements
- All athletes or coaches must identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
- All athletes or coaches must reside in Victoria unless individuals are located close to state borders that participate in Victorian competitions / carnivals.
- All athletes or coaches must be invited or planning to compete in a regional, state or national sporting competition or for a representative team.
- Athletes or coaches must not have previously received an individual grant under this category in the previous funding round.
Eligible Expenses
- Costs associated with travel and accommodation to compete or train in regional, state and national competitions or representative teams between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025.
Ineligible expenses
- Costs not directly related to travel and accommodation (for example food, entrance fees or uniforms are excluded).
- Travel and accommodation expenses not for the purpose of attending the identified sporting event.
Eligibility
- Aboriginal individuals and teams that are not affiliated with a club or association can apply for a grant in categories 1 and 2 but must arrange an auspice to manage the grant funding on their behalf through a funding agreement with the department.
- Aboriginal Community groups that are not incorporated may apply for a grant for their community members (Aboriginal individuals or teams) but must have an incorporated association acting as an auspicing body to manage the funding on their behalf through a funding agreement with the department.
- Incorporated sporting clubs and associations or Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations may apply for a grant on behalf of the members (Aboriginal individuals or teams) and will be expected to manage the funding through a funding agreement with the department.
- Auspice organisations please note that individuals or teams that are not affiliated with a club or association must contact the Aboriginal Programs team advising they require an auspice. The Aboriginal Programs team will advise the individual or team what the process is when entering an auspicing arrangement.
For more information, guidelines and to apply please click here.
Category 1 and 2
Round 1
- Applications open: 14 June 2024
- Applications close: 11:59 pm 10 July 2024
- Outcomes to be notified: August 2024
Round 2
- Applications open: 4 February 2025
- Applications close: 11:59 pm 4 March 2025
- Outcomes to be notified: April 2025
Category 3
- Applications open: 14 June 2024 and will remain open until funding allocation is exhausted.
- Outcomes to be notified within 4 weeks from the application submission date.
If you have any questions or would like assistance with your application, please contact (03) 5831 8456 or covid19@valleysport.net.au