RFAs: Sports and Recreation Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 02-Nov-2026

The City of Parramatta Sports & Recreation Grant provides funding for not-for-profit organisations seeking to increase participation in local sport and recreation activities across the Parramatta area. The grant places a strong emphasis on inclusion and aims to engage communities and groups that may face barriers to participation. The program particularly supports activities involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, disengaged young people, migrants, refugees, people with disabilities, women and girls, older residents, LGBTI communities, and other underrepresented groups. Funding is available through the City of Parramatta Council’s Quarterly Grants Program, with grants of up to $2,500 per application. Purpose of the Sports & Recreation Grant The Sports & Recreation Grant is designed to help local organisations create opportunities for residents to become more involved in sport and recreational activities. The program focuses not only on increasing participation but also on improving inclusion and access for communities that may be underrepresented in existing sporting and recreational programs. Projects should demonstrate a clear benefit to residents of the Parramatta Local Government Area and contribute to a more inclusive and connected community. Priority Communities The grant has a particular focus on increasing participation among: - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - Disengaged young people - Newly arrived migrants - Refugees and humanitarian entrants - People experiencing homelessness - Culturally and linguistically diverse communities - People living with disabilities - People of diverse genders and/or sexuality, including LGBTI communities - People aged over 55 - Women and girls Projects that effectively address participation barriers for these communities may be well aligned with the objectives of the funding program. Who Can Apply? Applicants must be not-for-profit organisations that meet the program’s organisational requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be a not-for-profit incorporated organisation; or - Have evidence of auspice from a not-for-profit incorporated organisation - Have an address within the City of Parramatta; or - Deliver the proposed project within the Parramatta Local Government Area Organisations should ensure that they can demonstrate their not-for-profit status and their connection to the Parramatta community or the location where the project will be delivered. How Much Funding Is Available? The maximum grant available is $2,500 per application. Only one application can be funded per organisation per financial year. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed project clearly addresses the objectives of the Sports & Recreation Grant and demonstrates meaningful benefits for local residents. What Types of Projects Can Be Supported? Projects should aim to increase participation in local sport and recreation activities, particularly among communities that are underrepresented or experience barriers to participation. Potential project approaches could include activities designed to: - Encourage disengaged young people to participate in sport - Increase participation among women and girls - Improve access for people living with disabilities - Engage migrant and refugee communities - Create inclusive recreational opportunities for older residents - Connect culturally diverse communities through sport - Support participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities - Engage people experiencing homelessness - Improve participation among LGBTI communities Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activity will provide a genuine benefit to Parramatta residents. Project Timing Requirements Projects cannot begin immediately after an application is assessed. Projects must be scheduled to start at least three months after the relevant quarterly assessment deadline. Once funding is received, grant funds must be spent within six months of receipt. Successful applicants must also complete the required grant acquittal within four weeks of project completion. Organisations should therefore develop a realistic project timeline that accounts for approval, funding receipt, implementation, expenditure, and reporting. Assessment Criteria Applications are assessed against several key considerations. Alignment With Council Priorities Projects should demonstrate alignment with the City of Parramatta’s Community Vision and Strategic Pillars. Applicants should explain how the proposed activity contributes to the Council’s broader community objectives. Demonstrated Community Need Applicants need to clearly explain why the project is needed. The application should identify the local participation barrier or community issue being addressed and explain which residents will benefit. Local Benefit The project should provide clear and meaningful benefits to people living in the Parramatta area. Applicants should describe who will participate, how many people are expected to benefit where possible, and how participation will improve as a result of the project. Realistic and Cost-Effective Budget The proposed budget should be realistic and demonstrate good use of grant funding. Applicants should ensure that requested costs are directly connected to the project and provide reasonable value for money. Important Conditions Applicants should consider several important program conditions before applying.

Projects should:

- Address a genuine local need - Increase participation in sport or recreation - Benefit Parramatta residents - Support inclusion and access - Align with Council priorities - Use funding in a realistic and cost-effective way - Avoid duplicating existing services An organisation may receive funding for only one application per financial year. Projects Must Not Duplicate Existing Services The Sports & Recreation Grant is intended to support initiatives that provide additional value to the community. Pr