Finance & Funding

Grants

A grant is a sum of money that is given by one organisation to another for a specific purpose usually to provide a benefit to the community in some form.

Grants are often provided by local, state, and national government levels. Information about available grants is often sent via newsletters, websites and social media so be sure to follow the relevant channels.

Other grant providers also include philanthropic trusts and foundations, and commercial organisations.

GRANTS COORDINATOR

Managing the grants portfolio for a club is often very time consuming. The club should consider if there is a need to appoint a Grants Coordinator who is responsible for finding, applying for, and acquitting grants.

Ideally, this person has knowledge of the club and its history, has great written and verbal communication skills, and can work to a deadline.

WHERE TO FIND GRANTS

There are many grants available throughout the year. Grants are often provided by government bodies. Check the local, state and federal government websites regularly and sign up for any newsletters they may send out about grants that are available.

Other grant providers also include philanthropic trusts and foundations and commercial organisations. These can be a little harder to find but peak sport bodies usually have information about available grants on the website so be sure to do a google search and bookmark their webpage.

WRITING GRANT APPLICATIONS

Read the Guidelines

It is important to understand the grant purpose and guidelines. Your project MUST meet all the criteria and fit the purpose of the program. Contact the grant provider if you need help understanding the eligibility and guidelines.

Research

Successful grants are usually backed by research and data. Use data to explain how the grant will positively affect the community (or broader if applicable) and solidify the application goals.

Useful data can include:

Club member demographics e.g. age, gender, background
Local population demographics
Potential economic/social benefits

Take your time

Winning applications take time to write. Allow yourself time to gather all information and to deliver it in a clear and concise manner. Get others to proof the application to ensure all criteria is addressed and that it makes sense.

Submission

When you are ready to submit the application, ensure you have all relevant documents to support the application. Read over the submission instructions carefully and if in doubt, call the provider for assistance.

POST SUBMISSION

The grant provider may call or email you with the outcome of your application and/or list the successful applications on their website. If your application was not successful, give the provider a call to ask for feedback on your application. This will help with future applications.

If the application is successful, ensure you understand the acquittal process and keep all relevant documentation ready for the acquittal process.

FOCUS AREAS FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS

In response to the social impacts felt by the community regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, grant providers are making increasing references to social impact, social benefit, or social value.

Sport has been identified as having the ability to positively impact social outcomes. When writing your application consider what social impacts your project may have on the community.

Social inclusion: sport can facilitate connection between minority groups e.g., disability, multicultural LGBTI.
Community pride: the community can take pride in the story and success of local sport teams. It can make individuals come together for a common interest.
Community trust: those that participate in community sport, have more trust in the community and reduces crime and antisocial behaviour.
Mental health: people have an opportunity to connect and participate in activities that are proven to reduce mental health challenges making for a healthier and more engaged community.

The projects that have the biggest outcomes are:

Getting inactive people active, rather than active people more active has a bigger benefit to the community
Having facilitators with the appropriate skills to deliver is critical
Projects that lower barriers to participation, which ties back into point 1 here.
Being very deliberate and targeted with our projects.

TEMPLATE Grants Coordinator PD

CHECKLIST Grant Application