Support for sporting clubs seeking external grant funding

• Contact Council’s Open Space Planning Projects and Administration Team via email for clarification or additional information.
• Council can advise on eligibility, strategic alignment, and required documents.
   

Complete the online External Grant Funding Support Request at least 6 weeks before the grant deadline (where timelines allow). Request for support may be denied if not enough time has been provided for Council to make an assessment on the application. 

 Include: 

• Club details and governance status
• Grant programme details
• Project proposal and budget
• Type of support requested
• Evidence of community benefit
• Site plans
• Contractor quotes and compliance with Council guidelines (e.g., insurances, licences, material standards)
   

Applications are assessed on:

• Strategic alignment
• Community need
• Feasibility
• Collaboration
• Available resources and financial impact
• Environmental considerations
   

• Letters of Support and Landowner Consent are approved by Council officers.
• Financial or in-kind support may require higher-level approval.

Council will respond within 10 days after a decision has been made on the application.'

Council will notify applicants within 10 business days of the decision.

All requests are logged in Council’s Grants Support Register.

Council is not the applicant but may act as a partner. Clubs must acknowledge Council’s support in media and promotions (subject to Communications Team approval), comply with grant requirements, and share project outcomes. Council may decline support if requests are late, incomplete, misaligned, or if Council is also applying for the same grant.

Include clear scope, objectives, expected outcomes, budget and cost estimates, evidence of community demand, strategic alignment with Council plans, and stakeholder engagement.

Development Applications (DA), environmental impact assessments, engineering certifications, and compliance with building codes and sport regulations may be required.

Council uses an internal checklist to evaluate eligibility, strategic alignment, community benefit, project feasibility, Council impact and resourcing. Applications are scored and must meet a minimum threshold.

Attach grant guidelines, site plans, project plan, preliminary budget, evidence of community demand, and letters of support from stakeholders.

Confirm whether your project uses Council-owned, leased, or managed land. Landowner consent is required and must be obtained separately. Development Applications may be required.

Projects should align with Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035, Delivery Program 2025–2029, Sports Facility Strategy, and other relevant policies.

Council may provide project management advice, facility planning data, mapping and usage statistics, and strategic guidance.

Refer to the Sports Facility Approval Checklist covering project assessment, fencing, court renewal, lighting, budget, engagement, approvals, and delivery.

No. Council does not recommend suppliers. All suppliers and contractors must be approved before works commence on Council assets.

Checklist:

• Comply with WHS Act and Council standards
• Complete hazard and risk assessments
• Submit work systems and insurances
• Provide site safety documentation
• Adhere to workplace behaviour policies
• Wear appropriate PPE
• Cooperate with Council managers and report incidents.
   

The number of quotes required may vary depending on the specific requirements of the grant program you are applying for. It is the responsibility of the applicant to review the grant guidelines and contact the relevant funding body to confirm their procurement and quoting policies.

Council does not set quote requirements for external grants, but applicants should ensure:
- Quotes are consistent with the grant body’s procurement rules.
- Cost estimates are realistic and supported by documentation.
- Budget submissions reflect accurate market pricing.

If requesting Council financial or in-kind support, ensure your budget and quotes are included in the Council Support Request Form and align with the project scope and funding expectations.