Sporting Club Grants Program 2024/2025

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

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.

GATHERING IDEAS

Have a think about what your Scout Group needs.

• Talk to your Group Council and Committee to find out if there is something your Group needs to deliver your current program. Do you have old or damaged equipment? Have you been struggling to run program due to a lack of knowledge or skills? Are you struggling to run engaging outdoor adventure activities? Do your youth members want to do an activity that you are lack equipment for? 
• Talk to your Group Council and Committee to find out if what your Group needs to grow and strengthen your program. What do you need to create more adventure opportunities at your Group? Is there something your youth members have always wanted to try but haven't had the know-how or equipment? What big ideas do you youth members have? Do you need anything to run your current program to be safer or more accessible?
• Consider the three categories available to Scout Groups. Which category does your project ideas belong to?

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.

Read the Program Guidelines and pay particular attention to:

• 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.

FINALISING YOUR PROJECT

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 7 - Project Eligibility

A reminder that if your Group of Team received funding in 2023-2024 you are NOT eligible to apply in this round. Check which Groups and Teams received funding in 2023-2024 here.

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 14
• Category 2 - Page 14
• Category 3 - Page 15

Support Documentation (Page 16)

• "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 May 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

Getting Ready and Starting the Application

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.

Apply for a Sporting Club Grant

Read over this handy guide for more information on how to create an account, start and application, and use the 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 - About the Program and Program Objectives
• Page 13 - Assessments
• Page 14 & 15 - Assessment Questions 

Program Guidelines

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.

Request an Auspice Letter

You will need our Letter of Incorporation.

Letter of Incorporation

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.

Category 1: Scouts Application Guide

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 guide and the Government's guide on how to answer these questions. Make sure you are writing to the question prompt.

Category 1: Scouts Application Guide

Category 1: Section 5-9 Government Guide

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

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 October 11 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 October 10.

Getting Ready and Starting the Application

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.

Apply for a Sporting Club Grant

Read over this handy guide for more information on how to create an account, start and application, and use the 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 - About the Program and Program Objectives
• Page 13 - Assessments
• Page 14 & 15 - Assessment Questions 

Program Guidelines

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.

Request an Auspice Letter

You will need our Letter of Incorporation.

Letter of Incorporation

If your project involves "services to children" you will need evidence of our insurance policy. We are currently sourcing the required paperwork from our insurer, continue to check this page for updates.

Understanding if your project involves "services to children" can be difficult. Read over these examples to help you decide. If you are unsure you should click YES on the application.

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.

Category 2: Scouts Application Guide

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 guide and the Government's guide on how to answer these questions. Make sure you are writing to the question prompt.

Category 2: Scouts Application Guide

Category 2: Section 5-9 Government Guide

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

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 October 11 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 October 10.

Getting Ready and Starting the Application

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.

Apply for a Sporting Club Grant

Read over this handy guide for more information on how to create an account, start and application, and use the 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 - About the Program and Program Objectives
• Page 13 - Assessments
• Page 14 & 15 - Assessment Questions 

Program Guidelines

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.

Request an Auspice Letter

You will need our Letter of Incorporation.

Letter of Incorporation

If your project involves "services to children" you will need evidence of our insurance policy. We are currently sourcing the required paperwork from our insurer, continue to check this page for updates.

Understanding if your project involves "services to children" can be difficult. Read over these examples to help you decide. If you are unsure you should click YES on the application.

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.

Category 3: Scouts Application Guide

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 guide and the Government's guide on how to answer these questions. Make sure you are writing to the question prompt.

Category 3: Scouts Application Guide

Category 3: Section 5-9 Government Guide

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

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 October 11 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 October 10.

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 December. Until then, don't start work on your project or make any project purchases. To avoid purchasing equipment, and then finding out your application was not successful, we recommend you do not work on your project or make any purchases until you have successful signed a funding agreement. You must not start work on your project or purchase equipment before October 12 as a bare minimum.