Funding opportunity up to $5 million to support rural Victoria’s community sports infrastructure, fostering inclusion and accessibility for women, people with disability, and diverse communities.
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What is the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund?
The Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (RCSIF) is a Victorian Government initiative aimed at supporting the construction and enhancement of community sports infrastructure throughout rural and regional Victoria. The Fund focuses on fostering inclusive and accessible sports environments, particularly for groups that have historically participated less in community sport, including women and girls, people with disability, and culturally diverse communities.
Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund level of support
The Fund offers competitive grants across several streams, each with specific minimum and maximum funding amounts. Projects must align with their designated funding stream criteria, and co-contributions are required at varying levels depending on the applicant’s location and project type.
Maximum Funding Amounts by Stream:
- Indoor Stadiums and Aquatic Facilities: Up to $5 million for multi-sport indoor courts or indoor aquatic centres, and up to $3 million for outdoor aquatic facilities.
- Women and Girls Facilities: Up to $1 million for facilities designed to increase female participation.
- Community Facilities: Up to $1 million for new or improved multi-sport community facilities.
- All Abilities Infrastructure: Up to $1 million for accessible, all-abilities sports facilities.
- Planning: Up to $40,000 for facility and municipal planning.
- All Abilities Participation Initiative: Up to $50,000 for initiatives promoting long-term participation of people with disability.
Co-Contribution Requirements: Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Victoria must provide matched funding. The ratios are as follows:
- Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, and Greater Geelong: State Government (SRV) provides $2 for every $1 from the LGA.
- Regional Victoria: SRV contributes $3 for every $1 from the LGA.
- Alpine Resorts Victoria: SRV covers $4 for every $1 contributed locally.
Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund important dates
- Applications Close: 17 March 2025 at 5:00 pm
- Outcomes Announced: From July 2025
- Grant Agreement Execution: Expected by 31 August 2025
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund objectives
The RCSIF aims to boost community sports participation and support social and economic development through strategic investment in sports infrastructure. Key objectives include:
- Increasing participation among underrepresented groups, particularly women and girls and people with disability.
- Supporting socio-economically disadvantaged communities.
- Promoting environmental sustainability in facility design.
- Enhancing regional economic activity by generating jobs and stimulating local businesses.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund support
Eligible projects vary by funding stream but broadly encompass:
- Indoor Stadiums and Aquatic Facilities: New or redeveloped multi-sport indoor courts, indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities.
- Community Facilities: Multi-sport training facilities, play spaces, skate parks, walking/cycling trails, and outdoor fitness stations.
- Women and Girls Facilities: Development or refurbishment of facilities prioritising female participation, such as changing rooms and sports fields.
- All Abilities Infrastructure: Projects improving accessibility through features like accessible paths, doors, amenities, and all-abilities play spaces.
- Planning: Facility and municipal planning to support long-term infrastructure needs.
Ineligible Expenditures
The RCSIF will not cover:
- Facilities with limited public access or that are not primarily used for community sport or active recreation.
- Temporary or non-permanent structures and equipment.
- Routine maintenance or replacement of like-for-like infrastructure.
- Projects using existing State Government funding as a local contribution.
Other Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund support
Eligible applicants include Local Government Authorities in rural and regional Victoria and Alpine Resorts Victoria. Other organisations, such as sports clubs or educational institutions, may participate as project partners but cannot apply independently.
Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund assessment criteria
Each application is evaluated according to a structured assessment process, with weighting applied to ensure alignment with the Fund’s priorities:
- Project Need and Readiness (40%): Demonstrated need based on local demographics and socio-economic disadvantage, scope of work, and completion plan within 24 months.
- Project Outcomes (30%-40%): Expected outcomes in terms of increased participation, job creation, and inclusive opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- Consultation and Engagement (20%): Community consultation and evidence of local support and stakeholder engagement.
- Facility Operation (10%): Plans for sustainable management and implementation of Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) elements.
How do I get the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund?
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.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund application
Applicants should prepare comprehensive documentation to support their application, including:
- Project management and governance frameworks.
- Site-specific schematic plans and cost estimates.
- Letters of commitment for funding from other contributors.
- Evidence of community consultation and Fair Play Code compliance where applicable.
See the guidelines for more details of information requirements.
Applying for the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund
Applications must be submitted via the SRV website.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund resources
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