Fair Access Grant

Council’s Fair Access Policy (2024) is designed to make fair and equitable access to community sport the standard - not the exception. It’s about ensuring that our shared spaces, programs, and opportunities reflect the diversity of our communities and that everyone feels safe, welcome, and valued.

At its core, Fair Access is about fairness, respect, and opportunity. When sport is inclusive, everyone wins. Clubs grow stronger, communities become more connected, and future generations grow up knowing they belong - on and off the field.

The Fair Access Grant Program aims to assist sports clubs within the City of Whittlesea to design and deliver projects in line with the Fair Access Policy.

The Fair Access Grant Program is funded by the City of Whittlesea, with available funding of up to $3,000 per club submission.

The program aims to financially support projects that address gaps, create opportunities, review and redesign existing structure, educate and build capacity or address inequity in order to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces within sport for women, girls and gender diverse individuals.

Key eligibility criteria

You must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Must agree to align with Council’s Fair Access Policy
  • Be a registered not-for-profit sports club located within the City of Whittlesea
  • Be registered or supported by their relevant State Sporting Body/Association
  • Have successfully acquitted all previous grants with the City of Whittlesea
  • Be incorporated or partnered with (auspiced by) an incorporated organisation. The incorporated organisation will manage the funds and be responsible for the delivery and acquittal of the project.
  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or qualify to submit a Statement by Supplier
  • Have Public and/or Product Liability Insurance with a minimum of $20 million covering the delivery period of this program.
  • Not have any debts owing to Council
  • Must have successfully acquitted previous Council grants.

Key dates

Grant application key dates 
 Summer open date  4 August 2026
 Summer close date  6 September 2026
 Notification date  15 October 2026
 Acquittal due dates  16 October 2027
 Notice of acquittal outcome  27 November 2027
 Program delivery period  One year from approval

Apply for the grant

Please visit the SmartyGrants website to apply.

Apply now

Grant guidelines

For more information, download the grant program guidelines below.

Fair Access Grant Program guidelines(PDF, 826KB)

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