New support has been announced for grassroots sporting clubs impacted by the recent coronavirus circuit-breaker action, with funding available through the Victorian Government’s Sporting Club Grants Program.
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence confirmed that grants of up to $2,000 are available under the Sporting Club Grants Program’s Circuit Breaker Event Support category.
The new category is available for clubs that incurred costs that could not be recouped after events or activities were cancelled or postponed due to the 12-17 February circuit-breaker action. Costs that can be claimed include cancellation fees, lost booking fees and the loss of perishable goods.
An additional coronavirus recovery category is also being delivered to provide up to $5,000 for leagues and associations to help them get back on their feet after the pandemic.
These grants will help support Victorian sport and active recreation organisations to be COVIDSafe and assist with return to play costs and initiatives.
Other Sporting Club Grants categories provide payments of up to $1,000 for new uniforms and equipment, up to $5,000 for training coaches, officials and volunteers and up to $5,000 to improve club operational effectiveness.
The Sporting Club Grants program is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to make community sport accessible and inclusive, stimulate local economies, build sustainable sport and recreation and volunteer opportunities, and increase local participation.
Since 2014, the Victorian Government has provided more than 4,950 sporting clubs with grants totalling more than $6.8 million.
Applications for the Sporting Grants Program are open until 18 March, or earlier if funding is exhausted.
Grassroots clubs and organisations are encouraged to apply as soon as possible at sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding. Past recipients of grants can also be found at this address.
Source: Vic Government