Grants of up to $3 million to support infrastructure, equipment, and inclusive programs that empower girls and women by removing barriers to participation in sport.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program?
The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP) is a South Australian Government initiative supporting infrastructure upgrades, equipment, and inclusive programs that empower girls and women to participate in sport. The program stems from the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and reflects a long-term commitment to removing barriers to female participation.
Now open for the 2025–26 round, the program provides two funding streams:
- Infrastructure Stream
- Program and Equipment Stream
Applications must be submitted under one of two categories based on the primary sport focus:
- Football (Soccer)
- Other Sports
Applicants may apply for funding in both streams and across multiple projects if eligible.
The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program level of support
Maximum Funding Amounts:
Infrastructure Stream
- Maximum: $3,000,000
Program and Equipment Stream
- Maximum: $25,000
These caps apply to both Football and Other Sports applications.
Co-Contribution Requirements:
Program and Equipment Stream (All Applicants)
- Applicants must contribute at least 50% of the total project cost.
- Contributions may be in the form of confirmed cash or in-kind support (e.g. volunteer labour, administration time, facility hire).
- Insurance payouts and other State Government funding cannot be used as part of the co-contribution — unless the funding is provided by the State as the landowner.
Infrastructure Stream
- For funding requests over $1.5 million, a minimum 50% co-contribution is required.
- For funding requests up to $1.5 million:
- A 50% co-contribution is required in most cases.
- If the project is located in a Low SEIFA area (i.e. suburb with a SEIFA decile score of 4 or lower), the co-contribution required is reduced to 25%.
The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program objectives
The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP) aims to:
- Build on and deepen the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- Provide funding for dedicated facilities, equipment, and inclusive programs that promote and support participation in sport by girls and women in South Australia.
- Remove barriers to female participation in sport by creating safe, welcoming, and accessible environments.
- Recognise and advance gender equality in sport.
- Grow South Australia’s inclusive sporting landscape, empowering girls and women to thrive in whichever sport they pursue.
- Enable eligible organisations to address current and future needs through projects that are innovative, inclusive, and community-driven.
Projects and expenditure eligible for The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program support
Infrastructure Stream:
Football Projects May Include
- Construction or upgrade of unisex changerooms
- Parent and child change areas
- Upgraded lighting for evening training
- Resurfacing or major upgrades to football pitches
- Facilities that meet Football SA and Australian Standards
- Incorporation of Universal Design and Environmental Sustainability
Other Sports Projects May Include
- Inclusive changerooms and player amenities
- Lighting, courts, and playing surfaces for other sports
- New female-friendly facilities in multi-sport environments
- Universal and environmentally sustainable facility design
All projects must have landowner consent.
Schools must show a community access agreement (min. 5 years).
Ineligible Infrastructure Projects
- Projects not benefiting female sport or not sport-related
- Major stadia
- Public toilets, playgrounds, bars, kitchens
- Routine maintenance or like-for-like insurance repairs
- Portable buildings or equipment-only purchases
Program and Equipment Stream:
Eligible Projects
- Equipment designed for women and girls
- Coaching/officiating programs for women
- Programs for underrepresented groups (e.g. Aboriginal, LGBTIQ+, people with disability, multicultural, regional)
- Mentorship, wellness, and leadership development programs
Ineligible Program Costs
- Projects not related to women/girls or sport
- Infrastructure works
- Travel costs (interstate/overseas)
- Honorariums, hospitality, prizes
- Laptops, printers, non-essential tech
- Retrospective costs
- Costs for preparing the application
Other The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program support
Applicants must:
- Be located in South Australia, and
- Be either:
- A not-for-profit sport club, organisation, or facility manager under the Associations Incorporations Act 1985 (SA) or equivalent
- A local council, or
- A school council/board (with a community access agreement for shared use)
Additional requirements:
- Operating for 12+ months
- Completed the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) Club Culture Assessment Tool
- Infrastructure applicants must have at least two current female teams or programs
The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program assessment criteria
Program and Equipment Stream
1. Project Need (30%)
- Clear evidence of the need for the project.
- Demonstrates how the project will benefit women and girls.
- Strong alignment with the objectives of the IPP.
- Shows how the initiative will create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
2. Participation (30%)
- Describes how the project will increase and sustain female participation.
- Includes focus on priority cohorts (e.g. culturally diverse, LGBTIQ+, disability, regional women and girls).
- Outlines program scale, locations, and expected reach.
- Shows how equality of opportunity will be advanced.
3. Support (15%)
- Evidence of community and stakeholder engagement.
- Includes letters of support, partnerships, and local council/SSO endorsement.
- Demonstrates alignment with gender equality and participation strategies.
- Financial and/or in-kind support is clearly shown.
4. Impact and Delivery (25%)
- Strong project plan with key milestones and timeframes.
- Detailed, accurate budget and itemised quotes.
- Shows capacity and experience to deliver the project.
- Demonstrates long-term sustainability beyond the grant period.
Infrastructure Stream
1. Project Need (25%)
- Identifies a gap in access to fit-for-purpose female sporting infrastructure.
- Community support and facility user backing is demonstrated.
- Proposes a practical and effective solution to meet identified needs.
2. Participation and Utilisation (25%)
- Highlights how the facility will increase participation and improve access for women and girls.
- Supports inclusive programming and scheduling.
- Prioritises use by multiple female user groups or sports.
- Informed by equality and participation plans.
3. Quality Infrastructure (20%)
- Improves facility safety, quality and standards.
- Meets requirements of the relevant sporting organisation and Australian Standards.
- Incorporates Universal Design Principles and Environmentally Sustainable Design.
- Includes clear construction plans and technical documentation.
4. Strategic Justification (10%)
- Project is identified through relevant planning processes.
- Aligned with local council and/or state sporting organisation priorities.
- Supports ORSR’s strategic plan and the State Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Plan.
5. Project Delivery (20%)
- Ability to begin within 12 months and complete within required timeframes.
- Applicant has relevant project management experience.
- Budget is accurate, quotes are itemised and contributions are confirmed.
- Lifecycle planning and ongoing maintenance are considered.
How do I get The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program?
To apply for funding through The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP), follow these steps:
1. Check Your Eligibility
- Make sure your organisation fits the criteria (e.g. not-for-profit, council, or school).
- Confirm your project aligns with either the Football or Other Sports stream.
- Ensure your organisation has been operating for at least 12 months.
- Complete the Club Culture Assessment Tool before the deadline.
2. Decide Which Stream(s) to Apply For
- Infrastructure Stream: For new builds, upgrades, lighting, changerooms, etc.
- Program and Equipment Stream: For participation initiatives, mentoring, equipment, leadership programs, and more.
- You can apply for one or both streams, provided you meet the criteria.
3. Prepare Your Application
- Make sure to gather all required documents
Information to prepare for The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program application
All applicants must provide:
- Financial statements (12 months, audited or certified)
- Quotes, photos, and project plans (especially infrastructure)
- Funding contribution evidence (bank statements, council minutes)
- Letters of support
- Local council and SSO support forms
- Gender equality and participation strategy (where available)
- Landowner consent
Applying for The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program
Submit applications via SmartyGrants on the ORSR 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.
The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program resources
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