Supporting Victorian Sport and
Recreation Program
Application Guidelines
Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
© State of Victoria, November 2015
Accessibility
To receive this publication in an accessible format, please contact the Grants
Information Line on 1300 366 356, using the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if
required.
Available at www.sport.vic.gov.au/grants
Message from the Minister
The Victorian Government recognises the important role the sport and recreation sector plays
when it comes to creating pathways for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to realise
their sporting dreams.
Participating in sport and active recreation enhances health, wellbeing and social
connectedness of our communities.
The new Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program supports initiatives that improve
the operation and sustainability of organisations to create more participation opportunities for
Victorians and increase the capacity of the sport and recreation sector. These improvements
may include new participation pathways for Victorians of all ages or enhanced governance and
leadership in sport and recreation organisations.
The Victorian Government through this program will work with state sporting associations and
sport and recreation bodies that are striving to make a real difference when it comes to
encouraging greater diversity, making sport and recreation more inclusive and building their
overall capacity.
Grants are available for a range of initiatives including development and promotion of new
activities to increase participation; initiatives to protect integrity; courses to develop coaches,
officials and volunteers; and initiatives to assist people from all-abilities, indigenous, and
culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate.
The new Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program reflects the Victorian
Government’s commitment to ‘put people first’. All Victorians should feel welcome, encouraged
and supported in their sporting endeavours and recreational pursuits.
Increasing participation and diversity in clubs and sporting organisations will have great
benefits for communities.
I strongly believe that every Victorian wanting to participate in sport and recreation deserves a
sporting chance.
I look forward to seeing even more Victorians reaping the benefits of active participation
through projects backed by the Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program.
Hon John Eren MP
Contents
Message from the Minister .......................................................................................... 3
Contents ........................................................................................................................ 4
1. What is the Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program? ..................... 5
1.1 Why is the Victorian Government funding these grants? .......................................... 6
1.2 Who can apply?........................................................................................................ 6
2. What types of activities might be funded? ............................................................ 7
2.1 What will not be funded? .......................................................................................... 8
3. What are the funding details? ................................................................................. 9
4. What is the Expression of Interest process? ....................................................... 10
5. How will Expressions of Interest be assessed? .................................................. 11
5.1 Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program timelines .............................. 11
6. Conditions that apply to Expressions of Interest and funding .......................... 12
6.1 Funding agreements .............................................................................................. 12
6.2 Conditions of funding .............................................................................................. 12
6.3 Acknowledging the government’s support and promoting success ........................ 13
6.4 Payments ............................................................................................................... 13
6.5 Privacy ................................................................................................................... 13
7. Resources and additional information ................................................................. 13
1. What is the Supporting Victorian Sport and
Recreation Program?
The Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program is a new Victorian
Government initiative that provides grants to assist state sporting associations and
state sport and recreation bodies to deliver initiatives that align to the Victorian
Government’s priority of increasing participation in sport and active recreation by:
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Building a more sustainable sport and recreation sector in Victoria.
Increasing the equity, diversity and inclusiveness of the sport and recreation
industry in Victoria.
The Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program has drawn upon consultation
with the sport and active recreation sector and evaluation of previous Sport and
Recreation Victoria funding programs which include:
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Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Program (ASRP)
Access for All Abilities (AAA)
Local Coaches for Local Clubs (LCFLC)
Regional Sport and Recreation Program (RSRP)
Sport and Recreation Development Program (SRDP)
Victorians More Active (VMA)
Volunteer Innovation Program (VIP)
Welcoming and Inclusive clubs (WIC)
Women in Sport and Recreation (WISAR)
Building on these project outcomes, the Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation
Program aims to streamline the way in which Sport and Recreation Victoria works with
key sport and recreation organisations to support them in addressing the challenges
they face.
Sport and Recreation Victoria is seeking to simplify the application, contracting and
reporting processes and deliver a more flexible model of investment that aligns with
both the priorities of the Victorian Government and the strategic priorities of the sector.
The intent of the new program model is to grow participation in sport and active
recreation. Sport and Recreation Victoria seeks to do this through a more flexible
model of investment.
Through an Expression of Interest process, Sport and Recreation Victoria will invite
state sporting associations and state sport and recreation bodies to submit proposals
that align to their strategic plan or business development plan as well as their
organisational capacity.
Sport and Recreation Victoria has grouped organisations based on the number of
affiliated members, annual turnover, human resource capacity and National Sport
Organisation category identified by the Australian Sports Commission. These
categories have been further refined on their capacity and stage of development.
The funding model recognises that not all sports are the same and that their strategic
plans will have different priority focus areas depending on a range of factors including
organisational capacity, opportunities for participation growth and product development
strategies.
For some organisations where there is strong capacity it is expected that there will be a
greater emphasis on increasing equity, diversity and inclusiveness, for others building
organisational capacity might be the priority.
It is expected that for most organisations there will be a focus on building sustainability
and equity. Sometimes the two might merge into a single initiative, for instance
strengthening governance practices may include stronger emphasis on diversity, such
as achieving board gender balance.
1.1 Why is the Victorian Government funding these grants?
Sport and recreation plays an important part in the lives of many Victorians. It provides
settings for improving wellbeing and social interaction, sharing common interests,
achieving personal bests and community inclusion.
The Victorian Government recognises that not all Victorians have the same opportunity
to participate in organised sporting activities, and believes that sport should be
inclusive and accessible, regardless of socio-economic background. This is not only
important for social inclusion, but also in creating a healthy society with high levels of
wellbeing.
Participation in sport and recreation at the local level is a crucial aspect of healthy and
happy communities. Local volunteers spend countless hours at their local sporting club,
which is often a major source of social connection for people of all ages and all
backgrounds.
The Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program is part of the Victorian
Government’s commitment to make sport more inclusive, increase local participation,
improve the accessibility of sport and recreation, and build sustainable grass roots
sport, recreation and volunteer opportunities. This is to help all Victorians have the
opportunity to enjoy the benefits of participating in sport and active recreation.
The program contributes to the Victorian Government’s sport and recreation policy
priorities and provides a single entry point for state sporting associations and state
sport and recreation bodies to access funding that will assist in addressing a range of
barriers to community participation right across the state.
1.2 Who can apply?
State sporting associations and state sport and recreation bodies recognised by Sport
and Recreation Victoria are eligible to apply for funding under the Supporting Victorian
Sport and Recreation Program.
A list of recognised state sporting associations along with criteria for recognition can be
found at http://sport.vic.gov.au/find-sports-organisations/state-sporting-associations
A list of recognised state sport and recreation bodies along with criteria for recognition
can be found at http://sport.vic.gov.au/find-sports-organisations/peak-and-serviceorganisations
If you are an organisation not recognised as either a State Sporting Association or
State Sport and Recreation Body, please contact a Sport and Recreation Victoria
representative on 03 9096 9865 to discuss your eligibility.
2. What types of activities might be funded?
The Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program will fund the delivery of
projects and initiatives by state sporting associations and state sport and recreation
bodies that are consistent with and support the direction of their strategic plan or
business development plan. These should also be consistent with the Victorian
Government priorities.
Building sustainable sector initiatives
Initiatives in the area of building a sustainable sector may include, but are not limited to
the following:
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Development of an organisation’s governance, which may include governance
reform, board education or new recruitment approaches.
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Introduction of new IT/competition management systems to assist officials or
club volunteers.
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Provision of accreditation courses for coaches and officials.
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Development of school programs.
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Promotion of new products/forms of sport/activity, designed to increase
participation.
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Support for a high performance pathway from grass roots through to elite to
assist in talent identification and development.
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Improved methods of communication to members and affiliates from
administrators.
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Leadership development for volunteers from grassroots up to state level.
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Initiatives to address sport integrity issues.
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Development programs that build well run clubs.
Building equitable sector initiatives
Initiatives that build a more inclusive and equitable sector may include but are not
limited to the following:
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Build capacity and knowledge within affiliates to provide sustainable
opportunities for participation by underrepresented groups.
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Education and training of board members and senior management that reflects
the organisation’s diversity.
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Modification of programs to increase participation for those experiencing
disadvantage.
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Initiatives to address geographic areas of disadvantage.
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Initiatives the drive positive behavioural change and actively promote welcoming
and inclusive environments.
Given the importance of improving access to opportunities for people with a disability
and the previous success of the Access for All Abilities program, the Access for All
Abilities branding will continue to be used on projects and initiatives funded under
Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program that focus on increasing
participation for people with a disability. This ensures the Victorian Government’s
investment in this area will continue to highly visible.
The Access for All Abilities program facilitated increased participation in sport and
active recreation for people with a disability by:
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Building capacity of sport and recreation organisations to provide sustainable
opportunities in sport and recreation for people with a disability.
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Fostering and developing partnerships and networks to enhance equity of
access and inclusion in the sport and recreation sector.
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Promoting awareness of the availability and benefits of active participation.
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Influencing the planning and development of accessible and inclusive sport and
recreation environments, policies and strategies.
Universal Design
Projects and initiatives funded by Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program
should consider the principles of Universal Design when being developed by
organisations. Universal Design is a process that enables and empowers a diverse
population by improving human performance, health and wellness and social
participation.
Play by the Rules
Proposed activities should further demonstrate how they are supported by Play by the
Rules. This provides information, resources, tools and free online training to increase
the capacity and capability of administrators, coaches, officials, players and spectators
to assist them in preventing and dealing with discrimination, harassment, child safety
and integrity issues in sport.
More information on Play by the Rules can be found at
http://www.playbytherules.net.au/
2.1 What will not be funded?
The Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program will not fund:
 The general running costs of an organisation (e.g. day to day expenses such as rent,
gas, electricity and insurance costs).
 Projects that are for sports not recognised by Sport and Recreation Victoria.
Exemptions may be made for sports that directly contribute to disadvantaged
participation.
 Duplicates of existing services, projects or programs not listed under reformed
programs in Section 1.
 Uniforms, hospitality, monetary prizes, trophies, capital works, equipment, the
staging of national championships, sports science testing or travel to state, national
or international competitions. Exemptions may be made for equipment that directly
contributes to disadvantaged participation.
3. What are the funding details?
The Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program will invite proposals for
funding from 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2019 that are consistent with both an
organisation’s strategic plan and with the priorities of the Victorian Government.
Proposals are sought in any or all of the following areas:
Activity areas of funding
 Activities that focus on governance, organisational development tasks, system
improvements and sustainable capacity building activities that underpin the
sustainability of your organisation and capacity to increase participation in your sport
or recreation activity; and/or
 Activities that build the capacity and skills of your clubs or other affiliates, volunteers,
coaches and officials to provide increased participation opportunities; and/or
 Activities that focus on activities that provide sustainable increases in participation in
your sport or recreation activity; and/or
 Activities that focus on equitable, diverse and inclusive elements and provide project
delivery to increase participation by underrepresented groups; and/or
 Activities that provide otherwise unavailable participation opportunities in a particular
sport or recreation activity or for a particular group or groups of participants.
Category Funding amount - 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2019
1
Proposals of up to $125,000 over the program period
2
Proposals of up to $175,000 over the program period
3
Proposals of up to $350,000 over the program period
4
Proposals of up to $450,000 over the program period
Please note: Organisations are eligible to apply for funding up to the maximum amount
for their allocated category. There will be a Sport and Recreation moderation process
to ensure that funding is appropriately shared across categories and organisations. It is
expected that most organisations will not receive the maximum amount eligible under
their allocated category.
Each Expression of Interest will be assessed competitively with funding allocations
needing to align with program merit and value for money. When Expressions of Interest
are opened, organisations will be advised of their allocated category.
If through this process an organisation receives less funding than it currently receives,
a three month transition period (1 January 2016 – 31 March 2016) will be negotiated
with Sport and Recreation Victoria, where existing funding levels remain the same for
that organisation during that time. This will provide the necessary time for organisations
to adjust to this change.
4. What is the Expression of Interest process?
Organisations may submit only one Expression of Interest up to the maximum funding
amount outlined for their category. In submitting an Expression of Interest,
organisations are asked to consider their current funding levels as a starting point.
Depending on the value proposition of their Expression of Interest, organisations may
receive more or less funding. This will be determined through a competitive moderated
process.
There are some important steps to consider before submitting an Expression of Interest
for funding under the Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Check the information contained in this guide (section 1.2) to see if your organisation is
eligible. Other important information about this grant program and the application
process can be found in the Expression of Interest documents.
Step 2: Plan your project
State sporting associations and state sport and recreation bodies will be invited to
submit proposals for Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program as outlined in
their Expression of Interest documents.
Grant applications are more likely to be successful if the project has been carefully
thought out and clearly described within the Expression of Interest form. Matters to
consider include organisational capacity to deliver, co-contributions by the organisation
and alignment with strategic priorities.
Step 3: Apply via email
Currently funded and other recognised organisations will receive an email outlining the
Expression of Interest document. This will include an attached Expression of Interest
form. Organisations are required to confirm their receipt of this email with a response to
sportprograms@sport.vic.gov.au
If you need assistance with applying, please contact your Sport and Recreation
representative on 03 9096 9865.
It is strongly recommended that organisations discuss their project proposals with a
Sport and Recreation Victoria representatives before submitting an Expression of
Interest proposals. They will provide guidance on the development of proposals. To
submit your Expression of Interest, email all documents to
sportprograms@sport.vic.gov.au
Attaching required information
You can attach documents to your Expression of Interest as long as they are in an
acceptable file type (eg Word, Excel, PDF, or JPEG. Attached files must not be larger
than 5MB in size.
5. How will Expressions of Interest be
assessed?
Expressions of Interest are competitive and will be assessed based on responses
provided in the Expression of Interest form.
Successful Expressions of Interest must:
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Demonstrate alignment to government priorities as set out in the sector
development model in the guidelines.
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Produce effective, measurable, and sustainable outcomes.
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Demonstrate a link between the organisation’s strategic plan or development
plan and the proposed initiatives.
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Demonstrate the ability of the organisation to address the program objectives
and achieve the proposed initiatives.
Expressions of Interests will have a greater value proposition if they:
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Illustrate how the principles of Universal Design will be applied to the
development of proposed products and initiatives; and/or
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Demonstrate how Play By the Rules will applied to and support the proposed
initiatives; and/or
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Illustrate how the proposed initiative complements other work the organisation is
doing; and/or
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Demonstrate a collaborative approach between organisations with common
objectives and complementary skills; and/or
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Address an identified need with a sound evidence base, or demonstrate a
commitment to build an evidence base.
Applications will be assessed on their ability to meet the relevant objectives that are
outlined in their Expression of Interest (e.g. increasing organisational sustainability and
capacity, increasing participation, increasing equity, diversity and inclusiveness of
participation).
Please note: Eligibility does not guarantee success of your Expression of Interest
application. Sport and Recreation reserve the right to negotiate the final proposal based
on an Expression of Interest.
5.1 Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation Program timelines
Applications must be lodged during the Expression of interest phase which will be open
from Monday 9 November 2015 to Monday 14 December 2015.
Note: Organisations will be provided with program guidelines and an information pack
for applying on Monday 9 November 2015.
Milestone
Date
Expressions of Interest Open
9 November 2015
Information pack and guidelines provided
9 November 2015
Information Session
16-20 November 2015
Expressions of Interest Close
14 December 2015
Expressions of Interest Assessed and negotiated
with eligible organisations
December 2015
Announcement of successful applications
January/February 2016
Funding Agreements signed
January/February 2016
Commence delivery
January/February 2016
6. Conditions that apply to Expressions of
Interest and funding
6.1 Funding agreements
Successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement with Department of Health
& Human Services. Funding agreements establish the parties and their commitments
and obligations to each other and set out the general terms and conditions of funding.
Further details on these agreements can be found at http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/forbusiness-and-community/not-for-profit-organisations/common-funding-agreement
Different terms and conditions apply to different types of grants and grant recipients.
These terms and conditions are not negotiable. A representative from Sport and
Recreation Victoria will be able to discuss the requirements of this funding agreement
during the Expression of Interest process.
6.2 Conditions of funding
The following conditions will apply to organisations that receive a grant:
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state sporting associations and state sport and recreation bodies who are grant
recipients must adhere to the Victorian Code of Conduct for Community Sport
and comply with the expectations of the Victorian Anti-doping Policy 2012.
Further information can be found at http://www.sport.vic.gov.au/make-sport-fairand-drug-free
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the project must be completed within the timeframes agreed upon in the
application process. Any unspent funds must be returned to Department of
Health & Human Services
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funds must be spent on the project as described in the application. Any
proposed variation to the approved project must be submitted to Department of
Health & Human Services for approval prior to implementation
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grants to organisations not registered for GST will be made exclusive of GST
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recipients of grants must agree to provide relevant data to Department of Health
and Human Services or Victoria and Federation Universities for analysis as
required by the terms of the agreement
6.3 Acknowledging the government’s support and promoting success
Successful applicants need to acknowledge the Victorian Government’s support
through the provision of a grant from the Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation
Program. Promotional guidelines form part of the funding agreement and include the
requirement that all activities acknowledge Victorian Government support through logo
presentation on any activity related publications, media releases and promotional
material.
Successful applicants may be required to contribute information on activity outcomes
for use in program evaluation reviews or the department’s marketing materials.
6.4 Payments
Payments will be made as long as:
 the funding agreement has been signed by both parties
 grant recipients provide reports as required, or otherwise demonstrate that the
activity is progressing as expected
 other terms and conditions of funding continue to be met
6.5 Privacy
Any personal information about you or a third party in your application will be collected
by the department or a body within the department, for the purpose of grant
administration. This information may be provided to other Victorian government bodies
for the purposes of assessing your application. This information may also be used by
the Victorian Government to announce grants funding. If you intend to include personal
information about third parties in your application, please ensure that they are aware of
the contents of this privacy statement.
Any personal information about you or a third party in your correspondence will be
collected, held, managed, used, disclosed or transferred in accordance with the
provisions of the Information Privacy Act 2000 (Vic) and other applicable laws.
7. Resources and additional information
The department is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information. You
can find the Department of Health & Human Services Privacy Statement online at
www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/privacy/
The department’s Privacy Policy can be found at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/privacy/
Enquiries about access to information about you held by Department of Health &
Human Services should be directed to the department’s Freedom of Information unit by
phone (03) 9096 8449 or email dhsfoi@dhs.vic.gov.au
Additional information can be found in the Expression of Interest document and the
attached Frequently Asked Questions document. Please contact a Sport and
Recreation representative for any further enquiries.