Grants up to $300,000 to support Victorian communities through projects that boost participation and provide safe, accessible facilities, particularly for underrepresented groups in community sports.
On this page you will find
What is the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund?
The Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF) is a metropolitan competitive Victorian Government investment program. It provides funding towards developing high‑quality, accessible community sport and active recreation infrastructure.
The Fund promotes partnerships between the Victorian Government, Local Government Authorities (LGAs), sporting clubs and associations, schools, educational institutions, community organisations and disability service providers.
Applicants can apply under the following streams:
- Community Facilities
- Community Sports Lighting
- Planning
Local Sports Infrastructure Fund level of support
The Fund offers financial support across three main streams, each with specific funding limits and co-contribution requirements:
- Community Facilities – Grants up to $300,000 per LGA for infrastructure such as new sports fields, pavilions, and multi-sport facilities.
- Community Sports Lighting – Grants up to $250,000 per LGA for LED lighting projects that expand facility usage.
- Planning – Grants up to $40,000 for strategic facility and project planning.
Co-Contribution Requirement: LGAs must match the Fund’s contributions on a 1:1 funding ratio. This means that for every dollar received from the Fund, the LGA must contribute an equivalent amount. Metropolitan interface areas, including regions like Cardinia and Whittlesea, may apply for a 1.5:1 funding ratio where the Fund contributes $1.5 for every $1 from the LGA.
Local Sports Infrastructure Fund important dates
- Applications Close: 17 February 2025, 5 pm
- Outcomes Announced: From June 2025
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Local Sports Infrastructure Fund objectives and investment priorities
The Fund aligns with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) priorities to create opportunities for all Victorians. Key objectives include:
- Boosting participation in community sports and recreation, especially for groups with lower activity levels.
- Creating equitable access to facilities, with a focus on women and girls.
- Supporting economic development by creating jobs and local economic opportunities through project construction and operations.
Priority will be given to projects that:
- Provide strong participation outcomes for underrepresented groups in community sports and active recreation. These groups include women and girls, people with disabilities, Aboriginal Victorians, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, people from LGBTIQA+ communities, and economically disadvantaged communities, as identified in Active Victoria 2022‑2026.
- Support socio-economically disadvantaged communities, particularly those in the two most disadvantaged deciles in Victoria, as per the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage.
- Assist communities in areas of need affected by natural disasters (e.g., floods, bushfires, and drought) or experiencing strong population growth or economic challenges.
- Demonstrate multi-use, shared, and integrated facilities that ensure long-term community access, including those located on school land. (Refer to Section 3.6 for further details on facilities on school land.)
- Provide confirmed active recreation benefits through enhanced facility availability, improved scheduling, public access, and policy development (particularly relevant for projects with lighting elements).
- Demonstrate economic uplift by creating jobs during construction and operation, encouraging non-government investment, and attracting local events.
Projects eligible for Local Sports Infrastructure Fund support
Eligible projects fall under three main streams:
1. Community Facilities
Eligible projects include:
- Pavilion developments with inclusive amenities.
- New or redeveloped sports fields, courts, and multi-sport training areas.
- Multi-activity outdoor spaces like skate parks, splash parks, and outdoor exercise facilities.
- Energy-efficient upgrades, including heating for aquatic facilities.
2. Community Sports Lighting
Eligible lighting projects are those that enhance accessibility and extend facility usage, including:
- New LED sports lighting for fields and courts.
- Upgrading existing lighting to LED for better coverage and reduced energy consumption.
3. Planning
Eligible planning projects focus on strategic development and infrastructure readiness, including:
- Master planning for significant sports facilities.
- Feasibility studies for upcoming projects.
- Facility-specific planning for amenities like aquatic centres or indoor stadiums.
Ineligible Expenditure
The Fund will not support:
- Facilities with limited public access.
- Temporary buildings or equipment.
- Routine maintenance or operational costs.
- Projects previously funded without substantial new components.
Other Local Sports Infrastructure Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Local Sports Infrastructure Fund support
Only Metropolitan Victorian LGAs may apply. LGAs must have a gender equitable access policy in place, following the Fair Access Policy Roadmap. Local clubs, associations, and private businesses cannot apply directly but may collaborate with their respective LGAs.
Local Sports Infrastructure Fund assessment criteria
Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Project Need and Readiness (40%)
- Rationale for the project, considering socio-economic needs.
- Scope and inclusion of Universal Design and sustainable initiatives.
- Project planning stages to ensure completion within 24 months.
2. Project Outcomes (40%)
- Impact on community sports participation, with specific emphasis on accessibility for underrepresented groups.
- Enhancement of multi-use facilities for diverse activities and demographics.
3. Community and Stakeholder Engagement (20%)
- Evidence of community consultation, including on-site meetings, social media, or surveys.
- Feedback from local stakeholders and community outcomes.
How do I get the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Applicants must also:
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund application
Applicants should have the following prepared:
- Project Management Framework and detailed plans.
- Site maps and cost estimates.
- Community consultation documentation and letters of support.
- Fair Play Code forms for clubs benefiting from the facility.
Applying for the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund
Applications must be submitted online, with supporting documents emailed to communityinfrastructure@sport.vic.gov.au.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Local Sports Infrastructure Fund resources
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