There are plenty of grants available in Australia to help fund your Club’s new scoreboard. It does require some planning, hard work and patience but you can source some great grants and ultimately ensure your Club looks great and gives supporters, players and admin people a great boost when they see your new scoreboard in action.
In this article we will concentrate on the likely sources to find grants for sports clubs in Australia.
Australian grant sources can be put into four broad categories:
- Australian Government Grants
- State Government / Local Council Grants
- State or National Association funded grants
- Commercially funded grants
Australian Government Grants
The Australian Government grants are often advised through the local MP rather than general advertising. It is always a good idea to let your local member know that your Club is seeking a new scoreboard. During the run up to an election is an ideal time to engage in the process. No-one loves a photo opportunity in front of a new scoreboard like a politician!
State Government / Local Council Grants
Each of the State governments in Australia run their own programs, have their own grant schemes and budgeted amounts. Usually, but not always, they offer funding to local government (local Council) rather than directly to the sporting club. Thus, it is always good to stay in contact with your Council and keep them aware of the need for a scoreboard, or upgrade of a scoreboard, as they have lots of other funding priorities.
A good source of scoreboard grant information is each state’s sport department. For instance, VicSport manages Victorian sports grants.
In several states the money returned from gambling revenue is partially redistributed to the community through grant funding. In NSW for example the Clubgrants program provides significant funding to sporting Clubs. Similarly, Queensland has the Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
State or National Association funded grants
The larger associations or bodies will often direct grants to member Clubs on application. The best example is the Australian Football Facilities Fund where the AFL, in conjunction with government, is funding improvements to AFL grounds. Application must be made through state associations such as the Community Football Grants.
Other associations can obtain funds directly through government grant programs and then redistribute to Clubs. Ensure you are subscribed to your associations newsletters or make contact, so they know you are looking for a scoreboard.
Commercially Funded Grants
Larger organisations occasionally offer grant programs that can include scoreboards. This may be in conjunction with a national or state association. For example, the Telstra Footy Country Grants for regional AFL Clubs.
Other organisations may offer grants in their specific area of operation.
Licensed Clubs in your area may already sponsor you but they are also a potential source of funds from their gambling revenue.
Finally, commercial organisations within your community will often give you a ‘grant’ to complete a project such as a scoreboard in return for appropriate advertising on the scoreboard or surrounds.
How To Write A Great Sports Grant
If you need assistance putting your grant submission together, check out our guide to how to write a great sports grant.
Conclusion
Some research and planning is necessary when sourcing grants. You can use freely available tools such as those provided by The Grants Hub, The Funding Centre and The Grants Guy to help you sort through what is available. These can be handy and help you build a good understanding of what is available.
In our experience these grant sources sometimes provide information when the grant is about to close which, unfortunately, does not allow enough time to put in a strong submission. We recommend you also do your own research and come up with the most likely sources for your Club and circumstances.
We wish you all the best as you source out a grant to help your Club achieve its goals. If you would like an up-to-date quote or expert advice regarding the best scoreboards then please contact the friendly AusSport team.
