Funding to help sporting clubs through COVID-19 pandemic

Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians sporting clubs and associations can apply for government funding to help with operational costs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $40-million Community Sport Sector Short-term Survival Package is part of the State Government’s new Experience Economy Survival Package, providing urgent support to help a range of key attractions, organisations and associations ride out the economic impacts from the pandemic and help them reboot, rebound and recover.

Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said regional sporting clubs and associations had been hit hard by COVID-19.

“The suspension of community sporting competitions due to the coronavirus has left a hole in the finances of many regional grassroots sporting organisations,” she said.

“Our grassroots clubs and associations rely on the weekly raffle, gate takings and canteen sales to sustain their bottom line, pay bills and support the development of players.

“With half a season gone and no play and no spectators, community sporting clubs have lost the ability to generate much-needed revenue to keep the lights on their club or association.”

The Community Sport Sector Shortterm Survival Package provides grants to assist the operational viability of community sport and active recreation organisations who have been affected by COVID-19 in Victoria.

Funding is available in four tiers: Grants of up to $350,000 for large state sporting associations; grants of up to $200,000 for smaller state sporting associations, regional sports assemblies and academies and other state sport and recreational bodies; grants of up to $15,000 for associations and leagues; and grants of $1000 for individual clubs.

Ms Kealy said grassroots sporting clubs formed the fabric of our country towns.

“Community sport enriches the lives of so many people, socially and physically; their ongoing survival beyond the coronavirus pandemic is paramount,” she said. “I encourage all Lowan clubs, leagues and associations to put in an application for a Community Sport Sector Short-term Survival Package.”

People can access funding information and grant guidelines online at Sport and Recreation Victoria’s website, sport.vic.gov.au/ grants-and-funding/our-grants/community-sport-sector-coronavirus -covid-19-short-term-survival-package.

Grant applications close on June 15.