New Sport Australia grant program helping sports boost capability

Sport Australia is supporting the growth of small-to-medium Australian sports through its new $600,000 Capability Building Grant Program.

Funding of up to $30,000 has been awarded to 24 National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and National Sporting Organisations for People with Disability (NSODs) to support them in areas of need.

Organisations will use the funding to deliver projects and initiatives that support participation, help them recruit and retain volunteers, improve their governance, or develop online educational and learning resources.

Sport Australia Acting CEO Rob Dalton said the Capability Building Grant Program was designed to support smaller sporting organisations to take meaningful steps to improve the delivery of their sport, ultimately improving the quality of experience for coaches, officials, volunteers and players.

“These grants will provide some of the country’s smaller and emerging sports with valuable investment opportunities to support specific areas of need within their organisations.”

“We received a number of quality applications which outlined some great initiatives to support areas like participation product design, volunteer engagement and recruitment strategies, training and education for match officials, and important research projects.”

Water Polo Australia CEO Richard McInnes said supporting volunteers was critical to the growth and sustainability of water polo at all levels of the game.

“We want to grow our sport but to do that we need more coaches, referees and volunteers across a range or roles. It is critical we understand what support our volunteers need and develop resources that are readily accessible and fit for purpose. By empowering and supporting our volunteers we contribute to creating a great experience for our participants, driving participation and retention rates, and keeps more Australians playing our game and staying active,” Mr McInnes said.

Minister for Sport, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck said the program was another important initiative to ensure Australia’s smaller sporting organisations are supported as the sector recovers from the impact of COVID-19.

“We know that sporting organisations across the country have been affected in many ways and this additional support will help administrators carry out crucial work, enabling them to improve operations and bring participants and volunteers back to clubs.”

The list of successful applicants is available on Sport Australia’s website.