Apply now for Significant Sporting Events Program (Australia)

Deadline: 15-Oct-26

The Significant Sporting Events Program (SSEP) provides grants to support the delivery and development of national and international sporting events in Victoria, Australia. The Victorian Government program aims to attract new sporting events to the state, expand existing events, and strengthen Victoria’s capacity to host high-quality and inclusive competitions. It also supports athlete development, community participation, economic activity, and Victoria’s reputation for world-class sporting event delivery. Funding of up to $20,000 for Event Assistance Grants and up to $150,000 for Event Development Grants is available per event per year.

About the Significant Sporting Events Program

The Significant Sporting Events Program is an initiative of the Victorian Government designed to strengthen the state’s sporting events sector. The program supports both new and existing national or international sporting events that can deliver significant benefits for Victoria.

Its objectives include:

- Attracting new sporting events to Victoria. - Expanding existing events. - Strengthening the Victorian sporting sector. - Supporting high-quality sporting competitions. - Promoting inclusive participation. - Developing athlete talent and high-performance pathways. - Increasing community engagement in active sport. - Driving economic activity across Victoria. - Strengthening Victoria’s reputation for world-class sporting events. - Supporting government-to-government outcomes and sport diplomacy. How Much Funding Is Available? Two types of grants are available under the program.

- Event Assistance Grants: Up to $20,000 per event per year.

- Event Development Grants: Up to $150,000 per event per year.

The grants support different needs, from operational assistance to the development and expansion of significant sporting events.

Event Assistance Grants: Up to $20,000

Event Assistance Grants provide up to $20,000 per event per year. The funding is intended to assist with the operational costs associated with delivering eligible sporting events in Victoria. This stream can help event organisers support the effective delivery of competitions that contribute to the objectives of the Significant Sporting Events Program.

Event Development Grants: Up to $150,000

Event Development Grants provide up to $150,000 per event per year. This funding is intended to help organisations develop and expand sporting events that deliver important outcomes for Victoria. The development stream can support events seeking to strengthen their scale, quality, reach, or broader contribution to the state. Athlete Development and High-Performance Pathways The program prioritises the development of high-performance and talent pathways for athletes of all abilities. Supporting national and international sporting events can provide athletes with opportunities to compete at a high level and contribute to the development of sporting talent within Victoria. The program also encourages inclusive sporting opportunities that recognise athletes of different abilities. Community Engagement in Sport The Significant Sporting Events Program aims to encourage broader community participation in active sport. Supported events can provide opportunities for communities to engage with sporting activities and encourage greater participation in physical activity. This community focus complements the program’s emphasis on high-quality competition and athlete development. Economic Benefits for Victoria The program also aims to drive economic activity across Victoria. National and international sporting events can contribute to the state’s economy by attracting participants, spectators, sporting organisations, and other visitors. By supporting new and expanded events, the program seeks to increase the broader economic value generated through sporting activity. World-Class Sporting Event Delivery Victoria aims to maintain and strengthen its reputation as a leader in the delivery of world-class sporting events. The SSEP supports this objective by helping attract new events and strengthen existing competitions that demonstrate the capacity to deliver high-quality and inclusive sporting experiences. Sport Diplomacy and Government Outcomes The program also provides a platform for government-to-government outcomes and sport diplomacy. International and national sporting events can create opportunities for collaboration and relationships between governments, sporting bodies, athletes, and communities. Who Can Apply? Eligible events must meet the program’s requirements, including being delivered in Victoria and meeting relevant sporting recognition and sanctioning requirements.

The event must:

- Be delivered in Victoria. - Be recognised by the Australian Sports Commission. - Be sanctioned by a national or international sporting body. - Occur at least six months after the application is submitted. - Offer equal prize money for all genders, where applicable. Applicants should ensure that their event meets all applicable eligibility conditions before submitting an application. Event Location Requirement Events supported through the program must be delivered in Victoria, Australia. The program is specifically designed to strengthen Victoria’s position as a destination for significant national and international sporting events. Recognition and Sanctioning Requirements Eligible events must be recognised by the Australian Sports Commission and sanctioned by a relevant national or international sporting body. These requirements help ensure that supported events have appropriate recognition within the sporting sector. Timing Requirement Eligible events must occur at least six months after the application is submitted. Applicants should therefore plan their application and event timelines carefully to ensure that the proposed event meets this requirement. Equal Prize Money Requirement Where prize money applies, eligible events must offer equal prize money for all