Grassroots sports clubs are the heartbeat of so many local communities, and the Allan Labor Government is backing them to be even better with a new round of grants to upskill staff and volunteers.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today announced applications are open for the Sporting Club Grants Program - with a focus on upskilling volunteers so that they can continue playing a vital role at their local clubs.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available for clubs to improve the skills and knowledge of volunteers, coaches and officials, as well as grants of up to $4,000 to help clubs deliver new programs to the community.
Clubs can also apply for grants of up to $1,000 to purchase uniforms and equipment, and $750 travel grants are also available to participate in competitions away from home.
The Edinburgh Cricket Club is a previous recipient that used the $4,000 boost to help local women get more involved in cricket at all levels - from playing, to coaching and umpiring.
More than $3,000 helped the Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club better respond to mental health issues in their community by upskilling volunteers, coaches and lifeguards in youth mental health first-aid.
Since 2014, the Sporting Club Grants Program has injected almost $18.4 million into the community and supported thousands of clubs across the state - improving the experience of local community sport for everyone involved.
The program is backed by the Regional Community Sport Development Fund that is delivering infrastructure upgrades as well as the Regional Community Sport Infrastructure Fund to help more regional Victorians get active and be part of their local sporting club.
Applications for this round close 27 March 2025. For more information and to apply visit sport.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
"We're backing our grassroots sporting clubs on and off the field - by helping them to upskill their staff and volunteers so more people in their local community can get involved and play a role."
As stated by Head of Member Wellbeing at the Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Erin Close
"This grant will support the roll out of our Youth Mental Health First Aid initiative that's aimed at helping to educate our members on how to support one another and themselves, ensuring that mental health is a priority in our lifesaving efforts."
