Sport Minister Yvette Berry said these grants play a part in creating stronger, healthier communities. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
More than $4 million is now available for local sports facilities and clubs after the ACT announced a $1 million injection into the Sport and Recreation Investment Scheme.
The grant program, which opened on Tuesday (26 August), aims to support recreation and community organisations to develop their facilities and programs.
This week’s announcement has brought the total available grants to over $4 million, with multi-year grants on offer.
Tennis ACT Planning Manager Michael Rethman praised the increase and said more funding availability is always welcome news for local sports clubs.
“The fact that there’s an extra million in the bucket makes it possible for slightly larger projects to be considered that would be important,” said Mr Rethman.
“The more money that’s in the pot, the better chance there is for those sorts of projects to be considered.”
The increase in funding for annual sports grants was an ACT Labor pledge ahead of last year’s election.
Sport Minister Yvette Berry said funding such as this was important for Canberrans.
“Community sport is the heartbeat of Canberra, and these grants empower local clubs to create welcoming environments where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy all the benefits sport can offer,” she said.
The 2026 Scheme will deliver this funding through two grant programs, the Community Sport Facilities Program and the Club Enhancement Program.
The CSFP will provide grants up to a maximum of $2 million over two years to fund new or upgraded facilities.
The CEP offers grants between $500 and $20,000 to develop services and programs through functions such as equipment purchase, training, and support.
Ms Berry said that these grants play a part in creating stronger, healthier communities.
“This investment is about more than just turf, bricks and mortar … By supporting inclusive and sustainable spaces for sport and recreation, we’re ensuring every Canberran has the opportunity to stay active and connected.”
This funding was part of Labor’s larger election pledge that aimed to revitalise city sports through a series of projects, including providing funding to expand training for female coaches and staff in the territory.
Other major pledges made in the same suite of promises include a Big Bash team, a new stadium, an aquatic centre, and an ice skating centre.
Grant applications are open until 17 October.
More details can be found at Sport and Recreation. There is also an online tool to help organisations put together grant applications called Smartygrants.
