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Inclusive sport and recreation grants

We provide opportunities for children and young people to participate in community sport and to support individuals participating at an elite level to achieve their sporting goals.

A basketball player in a wheelchair holds a basketball and smiles at the camera. Behind him are three other people playing basketball, with one person shooting a goal. They are all in an indoor basketball court.

Grant information

Through the Community Grants and Partnerships Framework, City of Melbourne provides funding, expertise and support to socially oriented organisations that address key social issues and ensure our communities thrive. The Council Plan is the guiding document for determining priorities.

Inclusive sport and recreation grants are delivered by the City of Melbourne to provide opportunities for children and young people to participate in community sport and to support individuals participating at an elite level to achieve their sporting goals. Inclusive sport and recreation grants are categorised in two specific funding areas:

Category one: Inclusion support grants

Open to children and young people aged 25 years and younger, residing in the City of Melbourne, needing assistance to access local sports and recreation opportunities due to financial hardship. Applicants or guardians must hold a health care card or pension concession card.

Category two: Individual participation grants

To support residents who are officially selected by a governing body to compete in their chosen sport at an elite level (e.g. national championships, international competition).

Applicants can apply for funding for Individual Participation Grants of up to $300 for an individual or up to $500 for a team competing in a national competition or event or up to $700 for an individual or up to $1000 for a team competing in an international competition or event.

How to apply

Applications will be open all year round and will be assessed at regular intervals.

Applications must be received at least 6 weeks prior to the event or season commencement to allow for the assessment and approval process.

Applications are open to residents of the City of Melbourne municipality, please check the boundary map on the website prior to submitting an application.

Your application must outline how you will contribute to physical health and wellbeing and to increasing opportunities for physical activity.

When applying for a grant, be wary of cold-callers or websites that charge for grant-related services – this assistance is available for free. Visit the ACCC for tips on how to protect your business or project.

Apply now

Applications are made through SmartyGrants and can be edited, saved and reviewed before submitting a final version. You can also print out your applications.

Category one: Inclusion support grants

Apply External link

Category two: Individual participation grants

Apply External link

Guidelines

More grant opportunities

Search a range of external grants and funding opportunities available to the City of Melbourne community, artists and businesses using the Funding Centre's SmartySearch grants tool. 

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our acknowledgement

  • Torres Strait Islander Flag
  • Aboriginal People Flag

The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. 

 

We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.

We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.