Sport Achievement Funding Program 2026/2027 (Australia)

Deadline: 17-Jun-2027

The Sport Achievement Funding Program is inviting applications from local athletes, referees, and umpires selected to participate in official state, national, or international sporting events. The program is designed to recognise and support sportspeople living in the City of Ipswich who have qualified or been selected by a recognised sporting body to represent their region, state, or country. Funding helps offset travel and event-related expenses associated with participating in eligible sporting championships.

About the Sport Achievement Funding Program

The Sport Achievement Funding Program provides financial assistance to Ipswich residents who have achieved selection or qualification for major sporting competitions. The initiative recognises the commitment and achievement of local sportspeople while helping reduce some of the costs associated with participating in higher-level competitions.

Support is available to:

- Athletes - Referees - Umpires Applicants must be participating in an eligible official sporting event and have their selection or qualification endorsed by the relevant sporting organisation or School Sport Australia. Funding Available Funding is provided according to the level of competition:

- State events: $150

- National events: $300

- International events: $500

The funding is intended to assist with travel and other event-related expenses connected with eligible championships. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

To be eligible, an applicant must:

- Be a resident of the City of Ipswich - Participate as an athlete, referee, or umpire - Attend an official state, national, or international sporting event - Have been selected or qualified through a recognised peak sporting body or School Sport Australia - Provide evidence confirming their selection or qualification The sporting event must be an eligible official competition rather than an unsanctioned event. Selection and Qualification Requirements Applicants are required to provide documentation demonstrating that they have been selected or qualified to participate. Supporting documentation should confirm relevant details such as: - The applicant’s selection or qualification - The name of the sporting event - Event details - Official confirmation from the event organiser or selector Providing clear evidence is important because applicants must demonstrate that their participation meets the program’s official selection and event requirements. Eligible Sporting Participants The program supports three categories of sporting participants: Athletes Athletes who have qualified or been selected to compete at eligible state, national, or international sporting events may apply, provided they meet all other requirements. Referees Referees selected to officiate at eligible sporting championships can also receive funding under the program. Umpires Umpires selected for official state, national, or international competitions are also eligible to apply if they meet the residency, selection, and event requirements. Recognised Sporting Organisations Selection or qualification must be endorsed by the relevant recognised peak sporting organisation or School Sport Australia. This requirement ensures that funding is directed toward individuals participating in officially recognised sporting competitions. Applicants should therefore ensure their supporting documentation clearly demonstrates the authority under which they were selected or qualified. Who Is Not Eligible? Certain applicants and activities are excluded from the Sport Achievement Funding Program.

Individuals are ineligible if they:

- Are not residents of the City of Ipswich - Cannot provide evidence of selection or qualification - Are attending an unsanctioned sporting competition - Have been selected for an association-based or club-based team - Are applying to attend a training camp - Are applying for a coaching clinic - Have already received two Sport Achievement Fundings for the same sport during the current financial year - Have outstanding debts to Ipswich City Council Meeting the basic residency requirement does not automatically guarantee eligibility. Applicants must also satisfy the event, selection, and funding conditions. Association and Club-Based Teams Selection for an association or club-based team does not qualify under this funding program. The program is intended for athletes, referees, and umpires participating in eligible official state, national, or international events through recognised selection or qualification pathways. Applicants should therefore confirm that their participation meets the program’s definition of an eligible sporting event and selection. Training Camps and Coaching Clinics The funding is intended to support participation in eligible sporting championships rather than preparation activities.

Applications for:

- Training camps - Coaching clinics are not eligible for funding. Previous Funding Limit Applicants who have already received two Sport Achievement Fundings for the same sport during the current financial year are not eligible for additional funding under the program. Applicants should consider any previous funding received during the relevant financial year before submitting an application. Outstanding Council Debts Individuals with outstanding debts to Ipswich City Council are also ineligible. Applicants should ensure that any relevant Council debt requirements are satisfied before applying. How to Prepare an Application A strong application should provide clear evidence that the applicant meets all eligibility requirements.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

- Evidence of City of Ipswich residency. - Confirmation that they are participating as an athlete, referee, or umpire. - Evidence of selection or qualification. - Official event details. - Confirmation from the event organiser or selector. - Information showing that the event is an eligible state, national, or