APPLICATIONS are now open for the City of Whittlesea’s Fair Access Grant Program, providing local sporting clubs with funding of up to $3000 to create more inclusive, welcoming and equitable sporting environments.
The Fair Access Grant Program supports projects that align with Council’s Fair Access Policy, which aims to make fair and equitable access to community sport the standard, not the exception.
The program is designed to help sporting clubs identify and address barriers to participation, strengthen club capacity, and create opportunities for women, girls and gender-diverse people to participate and thrive in sport.
Funding can be used for projects that address gaps in participation, review and improve club structures and policies, provide education and training, build club capacity, or implement initiatives that create safer and more inclusive sporting environments.
Sport plays an important role in bringing people together, building connections and supporting health and wellbeing. Through the Fair Access Grant Program, Council is supporting local clubs to ensure everyone feels safe, welcome and valued, both on and off the field.
Eligible applicants must be registered not-for-profit sporting clubs located within the City of Whittlesea and meet the program’s eligibility requirements, including alignment with Council’s Fair Access Policy.
Applications open close on September 6.
Successful applicants will be notified on October 15, with funded projects to be delivered within 12 months of approval.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said it was an important program for local organisations.
“Our local sporting clubs have an important role to play in creating positive change. I encourage them to apply for a Fair Access Grant and turn their ideas into practical actions that will enable more women, girls and gender-diverse people to participate and thrive in local sport,” he said.
“Sport brings people together, builds confidence and strengthens community connections, and everyone should have the opportunity to participate in an environment where they feel safe, welcome and valued.”
