New simpler grants for local sport

April 14th, 2020

An alliance of some of the nation’s leading sporting organisations have opened a simplified granting process to help community sports clubs deal with the challenges of a summer of bushfires and other natural disasters.

The Alliance for Sports Recovery brings the Australian Olympic committee, Paralympics Australia, Commonwealth Games Australia and the Australian Sports Foundation together to help provide relief for struggling sporting organisations across the country. 

A call-out for donations earlier this year has meant there are now funds available for clubs affected by bushfires and other natural disasters, such as floods, to apply for help. 

The Sports Recovery Grants are available to:  

• Replace lost or damaged sporting equipment 
• Replace lost or damaged uniforms 
• Replace lost or damaged small infrastructure items such as canteen equipment, mowers, rollers and so on.  
• Provide fee relief or other financial support to members who have suffered loss or damage to property, homes or businesses, and who may also need help getting back into sport.  

Australian Sports Foundation CEO Patrick Walker said sport played a significant role in fostering positive mental health and rebuilding community and personal resilience.  
“We understand that much of the community sport is currently suspended due to the impact of COVID-19, but sooner or later we will be able to get back on the track or our playing field of choice,’’ Mr Walker said. 
“Community sport will play an important role in returning to normality, and we want to make sure that disaster-affected communities and clubs are ready to meet this need when the time arises.” 
The Alliance’s goal is to help bring people together by encouraging the positive benefits of physical activity. 
Suggested grants values are up to $20,000 and the grant application process has been simplified because of the unprecedented circumstances. 

Details are here :https://grants.sportsfoundation.org.au.