Up to $2 million for not-for-profit sport, recreation and community organisations to support the development of sustainable and accessible spaces for sport and active recreation.
On this page you will find
What is the Community Sport Facilities Program (CSFP)?
The Community Sport Facilities Program (CSFP) provides financial support for not-for-profit sport, recreation, and community organisations in the ACT. The goal of this funding is to help develop accessible, sustainable, and well-utilised facilities for sport and active recreation, contributing to a more active and connected community.
CSFP level of support
Grants
1. Facility Planning and Design Stream
- Facility planning and design funding – Total investment of up to $250,000.
2. Capital Works / Construction Stream
- Single year funding – Total investment of $5,000 to $1,000,000.
- Multi-year funding – Total investment of up to $2,000,000 (e.g. an applicant may request up to $1,000,000 in year one and up to $1,000,000 in year two – for a total investment of $2,000,000).
Co-contribution
- Co-investment is strongly encouraged and will be viewed favourably in the assessment process.
Please note: Each project requires a separate application. Bundled or multiple site projects will not be accepted. There is no guarantee that the full amount of investment requested will be received. Receiving financial assistance under the CSFP does not guarantee future stages of your project will be funded.
CSFP important dates
- Applications will close 24th October 2024
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
CSFP objectives and outcomes
Objectives:
- support the delivery of good quality, well-designed and well-utilised facilities that will increase participation opportunities in sport and active recreation in the ACT;
- contribute to the development of safe, accessible and inclusive infrastructure that enables organisations to enhance participation experiences;
- grow participation in sport and active recreation, placing a focus on disadvantaged and underrepresented groups;
- encourage a collaborative and innovative approach in the development of sport and recreation facilities in the ACT;
- encourage the development of practical, multi-functional, low maintenance sport and recreation facilities;
- and promote and incorporate environmental sustainability and climate resiliency into design, construction and operation.
Outcomes:
- deliver places and spaces that help get Canberrans moving;
- increase the accessibility to sport and active recreation facilities for everyone;
- improve environmental sustainability to our sport and active recreation places and spaces; and
- increase utilisation of existing places and spaces for sport and active recreation.
Projects and expenditure eligible for CSFP support
Eligible projects and expenditure include:
- Facility planning and feasibility studies.
- Upgrades to existing facilities and construction of new ones.
- Projects enhancing accessibility and inclusivity, especially female-friendly facilities.
- Environmentally sustainable infrastructure that promotes participation in sports and recreation.
Ineligible projects and expenditure include:
- Projects primarily focused on elite sports.
- Projects located outside of the ACT.
- Maintenance and repair of existing facilities.
- Commercial or privately-owned facilities.
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for CSFP support.
Other Community Sport Facilities Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for CSFP support
Eligible organisations:
- ACT State Sport Organisations (SSOs) and State Active Recreation Organisations
- Not-for-profit sport, recreation or community organisations
- ACT Licensed Clubs
Any of the above organisations applying for funding under the CSFP are required to:
- have current Public Liability Insurance coverage to a minimum level of $10,000,000;
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN), and (if relevant) Australian Company Number (ACN);
- be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) if applicable (if turnover is greater than $150,000 per annum);
- provide copies of most recent certified or audited Statements of Financial Performance and Statement of Financial Position to confirm the organisation’s ongoing position;
- have a current organisational strategic or operational plan;
- deliver programs within the ACT for Canberra residents;
- have compliance requirements under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 up to date (if applicable);
- have satisfactorily acquitted all previous grants provided by Sport and Recreation (except for current year’s funding), including financial acquittals for any other ACT Government agency grant; and
- have, if named in an application to the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse and having been assessed as having the financial capacity to join the Scheme, joined the Scheme.
Ineligible organisations:
- Individuals;
- Commercial entities;
- Schools (eligible organisations working in partnership with ACT Public Schools to improve access and use of school facilities will be considered for funding);
- Tertiary education institutions;
- Parents and citizens associations (P&C’s); and
- Student community groups.
See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for CSFP support.
CSFP assessment criteria
- Project Overview: Explain why the project is a priority, who will benefit, how funds will be used, and provide a clear timeline and budget. Co-investment is encouraged and strengthens the application.
- Project Need: Demonstrate community need and how the project addresses gaps in sports facilities, leading to increased participation and improved access, especially for underrepresented groups.
- Project Feasibility: Provide a feasibility study for projects over $500,000, highlight partnerships, and submit a life cycle cost analysis to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Project Planning: Present a clear, detailed project plan and budget, ensuring compliance with Australian standards and environmental sustainability principles. Include all necessary permits and approvals.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the CSFP?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the CSFP application
The following documents are commonly required for an application to be considered eligible:
- Public Liability Insurance certificate.
- The applicant’s most recently certified (signed by the club Treasurer) or audited Statement of Financial Performance (Income and Expenditure Statement) and/or Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) covering a period of 12 months.
- Current organisational strategic plan and current state level organisation strategic plan.
- Landowner consent (where applicable)
- State Sporting Organisation support (where applicable).
- Detailed project budget.
- Detailed project plan.
- Photographs and appropriate evidence of the current state of the facility (where applicable).
- Relevant reports/plans/strategic documents/community consultation that support the project.
- Evidence of permits/approvals where applicable (e.g. Development Application (DA), Building, Engineer, Planning, Heritage, Environmental).
For projects valued over $500,000, the following documents are required:
- A project feasibility study.
- A lifecycle cost analysis.
- Independent detailed costings plan by a certified quantity surveyor.
Where project costs can be substantiated by a quote, quotes must:
- Include details, such as the name and description of the item(s), course(s) or service(s) to be purchased;
- Include the quantity and total cost item(s), course(s) or service(s) to be purchased; and
- Include the supplier’s business/company details (business name, Australian Business Number or website).
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the CSFP
Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants online portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this program and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
CSFP resources
I need help applying for grants
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application. But no matter how well prepared you are, winning grants takes time—something we know many business owners and directors just don’t have. And that’s why we’re here to help.
- Check out our How to Prepare Before You Apply insight to help you reduce the stress levels when you apply for a grant.
- Check out How to write a successful grant application to learn some time-saving tips to make the grant writing process easier.
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s next grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Our in-depth eBook is the single most valuable resource you will find that helps organisations to truly understand how to win government grants.
Download The Grant Application Starter Kit eBook to discover grant-winning secrets
Our free eBook features 12 chapters of expert advice, professional tips and more to help you do better with grants, whether you’re new to the process or you’ve applied before.
Get your copy of the Guide to Winning Grants now.
Is your business eligible for this government grant?
Or perhaps you’re not sure and want to know more?
GrantHelper offers a range of government grant services, helping businesses of all sizes to discover, apply for, and win the best grant opportunities. We can help you with anything from finding the right grants, to writing your application, formulating an ongoing grant strategy, and more.
Get started now by filling in the form below, or tap the ‘Book a Discovery Call’ button to schedule a no-obligation virtual meeting with an experienced government grants consultant.
Prefer to talk? Call 0409 478 850 now for a no-obligation discussion. We’re here to help your business better understand grants, submit your best possible application, and get you in the winners’ circle.
Check out some of the clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
