Sporting Club Grants Program 2024/2025 - Round 2

Sporting Club Grants Program 2024/2025 - Round 2

Idea
Round 2 for the 2024/25 Sporting Club Grant Program is now open for applications! Applications close Thursday March 27 at 4pm.
The Sporting Club Grants Program provides grants to assist in the purchase of sports uniforms and equipment and to improve the capacity and accessibility of Victorian clubs and other community sport and recreation organisations.

Scout Groups can apply for:
  • Category 1 - On-field Uniforms or Equipment: "Up to $1,000 to purchase on-field playing uniforms, participation equipment for competitors and active participants, safety, injury prevention and first-aid equipment."
  • Category 2 - Volunteers and Officials: "Up to $5,000 for projects that improve the skills and knowledge of volunteers, coaches and/or officials and projects that improve volunteer-retention."
  • Category 3 - Access and Engagement:
     "Up to $1,000 for tools and resources that improve accessibility, governance and strengthen engagement with members and participants." or "Up to $4,000 to plan and deliver a new or modified sport or active recreation program. 

Important Details

Applications close: Thursday, March 27 4PM

Outcomes announced: May 2025.

Eligibility: All Scout Groups and Teams are eligible with the exception of those that received funding from a Sporting Club Grant in 2023-2024 or round 1 in 2024-2025. Check here to see which Scout Groups received funding in 2023-2024, and which Groups received funding in round 1 2024-2025. You must not have started work on, or already purchased items for your project.
Number of Applications: Scout Groups can submit up to 2 applications
  • 1 application from either Category 1 or 3, plus
  • 1 application from Category 2
How to Apply: Read through the resources below to ensure you submit your application correctly. For additional assistance attend our Sporting Club Grants Webinar (details below).
Priorities and Outcomes Should be: Connecting Communities, Building Value, Enduring Legacy, Sustained Participation, Sector Capability, Good Governance, High Performance

How to Apply

Step by Step - Applying for a Sporting Club Grant
You're applying for a Sporting Club Grant? That's amazing! Follow these steps to ensure you submit the best possible application.

1. Read the program guidelines
Before you go any further you must read the full Program Guidelines. This step is critical to submitting a strong application. The Guidelines specify all the requirements for your project and explain the priorities of the Program. Funding for your project will be decided based on how well you meet those requirements and priorities.

2. Decide on a Project
With your Group, decided on a project for your application. Remember, you can submit 2 applications (depending on your chosen category). You need to pick a category and a project that is considered "eligible expenditure" You should have learnt about the categories and eligible expenditure in step 1. See "Choosing a Project" below for more advice to pick the perfect project.

3. Request an Auspice Letter

In order to apply for this Program, all Scout Groups need to enter an auspice agreement with Scouts Victoria. This means Scouts Victoria formally agrees to support your application and "lend" our eligibility status to your Scout Group. An auspice letter states that Scouts Victoria endorses your application.

Request an auspice letter here.

If you are submitting 2 applications you will need 2 auspice letters.

4. Write your Application


The most exciting part! Work with your Group to write your application. See our advice below to write an application for your chosen category. There are some questions that require specific answers, check out our advice for your category and you will find an example application form showing you how to answer these questions.

5. Submit


Make sure you have done a thorough proof read and then click submit. Send your completed application to grants.manager@scoutsvictoria.com.au. Now, start counting down till May!
Choosing a Project
There are three different funding categories which apply to Scouts that determine how much funding you can receive and what you can spend the funds on.

Scout Groups can apply for:


  • Category 1 - On-field Uniforms or Equipment: "Up to $1,000 to purchase on-field playing uniforms, participation equipment for competitors and active participants, safety, injury prevention and first-aid equipment."

  • Category 2 - Volunteers and Officials: "Up to $5,000 for projects that improve the skills and knowledge of volunteers, coaches and/or officials and projects that improve volunteer-retention."

  • Category 3 - Access and Engagement: "Up to $1,000 for tools and resources that improve accessibility, governance and strengthen engagement with members and participants." or "Up to $4,000 to plan and deliver a new or modified sport or active recreation program.


Scout Groups can submit up to 2 applications.


  • 1 application from either Category 1 or 3, plus

  • 1 application from Category 2


You will need a different project for each application.


Applications need to support sport or active recreation activities as recognised by our State Sporting Association and State Sport and Recreation Bodies. For instance, funding would support activities such as bushwalking, archery, modified sports etc. Details of the disciplines supported can be found here.




We have created a list of ideas you could use for funding if you're stuck. Click here to download

 

Understand the priorities of the Sporting Grant Program.

Funding will be given to projects that support the priorities and objective of the Program. You need to ensure you project meets these requirements to give yourself a chance at receiving funding.



  • Page 2 - Message from the Minster

  • Page 4 - About the Program and Program Objectives

  • Page 13 - Assessments

  • Page 14 & 15 - Assessment Questions 


Your application is effectively a "sales pitch." You are going to have to convince the Program that your project aligns with their goals.



Understand which projects are eligible.

Your project will need to meet a couple of requirements. Read the Program Guidelines and pay particular attention to:


  • Page 8 - Project Eligibility


A reminder that if your Group of Team received funding in 2023-2024 or round 1 2024-2025 you are NOT eligible to apply in this round.


Consider the project ideas you have so far and which funding category they would sit in. Read the Program Guidelines to understand the eligible expenditure for each category. Your project must be an eligible expenditure item for your chosen category. If your project is considered ineligible under one category, check the other two categories to see if it might apply there. It is critical your project is considered eligible expenditure.


  • Category 1 - Page 9

  • Category 2 - Page 10

  • Category 3 - Page 11


Understand what you need to submit your project.

In order to apply for the Program you will need to answer some questions about your project, and supply evidence/supporting documentation for your project. Consider what is required and if you are going to be able to answer all the questions effectively, and supply the required materials. Read the requirements in the Program Guidelines.

Assessment Questions


  • Category 1 - Page 15

  • Category 2 - Page 15

  • Category 3 - Page 15



  • "A quote(s) which corresponds to all items, courses and/or services to be funded." Note that the quote must: "Be equal to, or greater than, the total amount of funding requested," "Be dates from 1 October 2024," "Include the following details: item, description, quantity, unit and total costs and the supplier’s business details (business name, ABN, and/or website)," "Website shopping carts, unpaid invoices and screen shots are accepted, but must include the details listed above," "Be unpaid"

  • Itemised Budget



Services to Children

For Category 2 and 3 applications, if your project classifies as "services to children" you will not be eligible to apply. The definition of "services to children" can be difficult to understand. Typically one-off activities with children are ok, whereas regular long-term program delivery to children would be "services to children" and thus not eligible.

Learn a bit more about what "services to children" means here. And check out these examples and explanations specific to the Sporting Club Grants Program.
Submitting & Next Steps
Congratulations your have submitted your application! Remember, Scout Groups can submit up to 2 applications, so have a think about a second project.


We need to know you have submitted an application! Send through a copy of your application to grants.manager@scoutsvictoria.com.au as soon as you submit.


Outcomes will be announced in May. Until then, don't start work on your project or make any project purchases. 
Writing your Application: Category 1
Info
Getting Started
It's time to apply! Click the "Apply Now" link for Category 1 and "Start a new application." You will need to either create or log-in to an account on the Government's Grants Portal.


Remember, your application is effectively a "sales pitch." You are going to have to convince the Program that your project aligns with their goals. Make sure you have the Program Guidelines open while you write, continue to refer to the Program objectives and make sure your answers reflect those goals.

Read the Program Guidelines and pay particular attention to:

  • Page 2 - Message from the Minster
  • Page 4-5 - About the Program and Program Objectives
  • Page 13-14 - Assessment and Approval

All applications must provide a quote or screenshot of the shopping cart.  The quote must include full details of what will be purchased, individual costs and total costs, and all associated project costings. Make sure you have this handy when you start your application.

Acceptable quotes include a formal or email quote from a supplier and are addressed to the club.  All quotes must include: 

  • Details of the item(s) to be purchased (such as a name or description).
  • Number of item(s) to be purchased.
  • Individual and total cost of item(s) to be purchased.
  • Details of supplier/company/website

Website shopping carts or screenshots are also acceptable provided they contain the above information.

In order to apply for this Program, all Scout Groups need to enter an auspice agreement with Scouts Victoria. This means Scouts Victoria formally agrees to support your application and "lend" our eligibility status to your Scout Group. An auspice letter states that Scouts Victoria endorses your application.

If you are submitting 2 applications you will need 2 auspice letters.

Info
Writing the Application

Section 1-4, 10-11

To make the process nice and easy we have prepared a template application for Category 1. The template tells you how to answer each question in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 and 11. Print out the template, or have it open in another screen while you write your application.

See the template application attached to this article.

Section 5-9

This part of the application is all our your specific project. You need to convince the funding panel that they should fund YOUR project. Your answers should showcase your passion and everything awesome about your Scout Group. This is where everything you know about the Program Objectives will come into play.

Refer to our template application on how to answer these questions. Make sure you are writing to the question prompt.

For assistance writing your application attend our Grant Writing Webinar for the Sporting Club Program.
Info
Finishing your Application

Mistakes in your application undermine your project. It's important to proof read your application to ensure there are no errors. When proof reading you should also look for opportunities to strengthen your answers. Concise and clear wording is the goal. Consider the Program Objectives and check if your can strengthen the appeal of your project.

Always proof read your application with a fresh set of eyes. Write the draft one night, and proof read the next.

We strongly recommend getting other members of your Group to proof read your application as well. They will pick up things you missed, offer a new perspective, and bring some fresh ideas.

Applications close March 27 at 4pm. Do NOT leave your application until the last minute. Every sport club in Victoria will be trying to submit at the same time, you do not want to risk the application portal crashing. Aim to submit by March 26.
Writing your Application: Category 2
Info
Getting Started
It's time to apply! Click the "Apply Now" link for Category 2 and "Start a new application." You will need to either create or log-in to an account on the Government's Grants Portal.


Remember, your application is effectively a "sales pitch." You are going to have to convince the Program that your project aligns with their goals. Make sure you have the Program Guidelines open while you write, continue to refer to the Program objectives and make sure your answers reflect those goals.

Read the Program Guidelines and pay particular attention to:

  • Page 2 - Message from the Minster
  • Page 4-5 - About the Program and Program Objectives
  • Page 13-14 - Assessment and Approval

All applications must provide a quote or screenshot of the shopping cart.  The quote must include full details of what will be purchased, individual costs and total costs, and all associated project costings. Make sure you have this handy when you start your application.

Acceptable quotes include a formal or email quote from a supplier and are addressed to the club.  All quotes must include: 

  • Details of the item(s) to be purchased (such as a name or description).
  • Number of item(s) to be purchased.
  • Individual and total cost of item(s) to be purchased.
  • Details of supplier/company/website

Website shopping carts or screenshots are also acceptable provided they contain the above information.

In order to apply for this Program, all Scout Groups need to enter an auspice agreement with Scouts Victoria. This means Scouts Victoria formally agrees to support your application and "lend" our eligibility status to your Scout Group. An auspice letter states that Scouts Victoria endorses your application.

If you are submitting 2 applications you will need 2 auspice letters.

A reminder that if your project involves "services to children" you are not eligible to apply.

Understanding if your project involves "services to children" can be difficult. Read over these examples to help you decide. If you are unsure please contact grants.manager@scoutsvictoria.com.au.

Info
Writing the Application

Section 1-4, 10-11

To make the process nice and easy we have prepared a template application for Category 2. The template tells you how to answer each question in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 and 11. Print out the template, or have it open in another screen while you write your application.

See the template application attached to this article.

Section 5-9

This part of the application is all our your specific project. You need to convince the funding panel that they should fund YOUR project. Your answers should showcase your passion and everything awesome about your Scout Group. This is where everything you know about the Program Objectives will come into play.

Refer to our template application on how to answer these questions. Make sure you are writing to the question prompt.

For assistance writing your application attend our Grant Writing Webinar for the Sporting Club Program.
Info
Finishing your Application

Mistakes in your application undermine your project. It's important to proof read your application to ensure there are no errors. When proof reading you should also look for opportunities to strengthen your answers. Concise and clear wording is the goal. Consider the Program Objectives and check if your can strengthen the appeal of your project.

Always proof read your application with a fresh set of eyes. Write the draft one night, and proof read the next.

We strongly recommend getting other members of your Group to proof read your application as well. They will pick up things you missed, offer a new perspective, and bring some fresh ideas.

Applications close March 27 at 4pm. Do NOT leave your application until the last minute. Every sport club in Victoria will be trying to submit at the same time, you do not want to risk the application portal crashing. Aim to submit by March 26.
Writing your Application: Category 3
Info
Getting Started
It's time to apply! Click the "Apply Now" link for Category 3 and "Start a new application." You will need to either create or log-in to an account on the Government's Grants Portal.


Remember, your application is effectively a "sales pitch." You are going to have to convince the Program that your project aligns with their goals. Make sure you have the Program Guidelines open while you write, continue to refer to the Program objectives and make sure your answers reflect those goals.

Read the Program Guidelines and pay particular attention to:

  • Page 2 - Message from the Minster
  • Page 4-5 - About the Program and Program Objectives
  • Page 13-14 - Assessment and Approval

All applications must provide a quote or screenshot of the shopping cart.  The quote must include full details of what will be purchased, individual costs and total costs, and all associated project costings. Make sure you have this handy when you start your application.

Acceptable quotes include a formal or email quote from a supplier and are addressed to the club.  All quotes must include: 

  • Details of the item(s) to be purchased (such as a name or description).
  • Number of item(s) to be purchased.
  • Individual and total cost of item(s) to be purchased.
  • Details of supplier/company/website

Website shopping carts or screenshots are also acceptable provided they contain the above information.

In order to apply for this Program, all Scout Groups need to enter an auspice agreement with Scouts Victoria. This means Scouts Victoria formally agrees to support your application and "lend" our eligibility status to your Scout Group. An auspice letter states that Scouts Victoria endorses your application.

If you are submitting 2 applications you will need 2 auspice letters.

A reminder that if your project involves "services to children" you are not eligible to apply.

Understanding if your project involves "services to children" can be difficult. Read over these examples to help you decide. If you are unsure please contact grants.manager@scoutsvictoria.com.au.

Info
Writing the Application

Section 1-4, 10-11

To make the process nice and easy we have prepared a template application for Category 3. The template tells you how to answer each question in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 and 11. Print out the template, or have it open in another screen while you write your application.

See the template application attached to this article.

Section 5-9

This part of the application is all our your specific project. You need to convince the funding panel that they should fund YOUR project. Your answers should showcase your passion and everything awesome about your Scout Group. This is where everything you know about the Program Objectives will come into play.

Refer to our template application on how to answer these questions. Make sure you are writing to the question prompt.

For assistance writing your application attend our Grant Writing Webinar for the Sporting Club Program.
Info
Finishing your Application

Mistakes in your application undermine your project. It's important to proof read your application to ensure there are no errors. When proof reading you should also look for opportunities to strengthen your answers. Concise and clear wording is the goal. Consider the Program Objectives and check if your can strengthen the appeal of your project.

Always proof read your application with a fresh set of eyes. Write the draft one night, and proof read the next.

We strongly recommend getting other members of your Group to proof read your application as well. They will pick up things you missed, offer a new perspective, and bring some fresh ideas.

Applications close March 27 at 4pm. Do NOT leave your application until the last minute. Every sport club in Victoria will be trying to submit at the same time, you do not want to risk the application portal crashing. Aim to submit by March 26.

Help/Assistance for Groups

Grants for Groups Resources

Here you will find step by step guides for every stage of your grant application, the Grants for Groups Checklist to help you organise your application, the Grants for Groups Fact Sheet packed with key information about Scouts Victoria, and some top ticks and tricks to guide your application.

If you need any further assistance preparing your application please contact grants.manager@scoutsvictoria.com.au or call 1800 SCOUTS.

Sporting Club Grants Webinar

Our Fundraising and Grants team will be running a webinar on March 19 at 7.30PM. In this webinar we will go through every step of the Sporting Club Grant application process together. We would strongly encourage every Group applying ensures they have a representative at the webinar.

Review Examples of Other Successful Applications

Read through the attached examples of successful applications from round 1 of the 2024-2025 Sporting Club Grant program. Try identify what these applications do well, and see if you can apply those some concepts to your application. Look for new ideas or 'reasons to support your project' that you may not have previously considered.
Thank you so the Scout Groups that have kindly agreed to share their successful application as an example to others.

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