Tips for putting together a successful application

Use these tips to increase your chance of securing a grant for your sports club. And remember, each grant application is unique, so tailor your proposal to meet the specific requirements of each funding opportunity.

Tips

Understand the club's objectives

Make sure that your grant proposal aligns with your club's overall objectives and demonstrates how it contributes to increased participation and supporting underrepresented groups.

Research funding opportunities

Explore a variety of grant programs and funding sources that support participation, community development, or enhancing programs or facilities. Look for grants that align closely with the specific needs and goals of the club. Subscribe to Council’s Club Development Update emails to hear about new grant opportunities.  

Read and follow guidelines

Carefully review the grant guidelines and criteria. Pay close attention to the eligibility requirements, submission instructions, deadlines and specific priorities or preferences outlined by the funding body. Follow the guidelines meticulously to ensure your application is complete and compliant.

Clearly articulate the need

Identify and clearly describe the problem or need that your project aims to address. Provide evidence, data and relevant statistics to demonstrate the significance of the issue. Explain how your proposed project aligns with addressing this need and how it will benefit the community and club.

Develop a strong project plan

Outline the project's objectives, activities and expected outcomes. Clearly articulate how the project will be implemented including timelines, milestones and deliverables. Put together a logical and well-structured plan that demonstrates the feasibility and potential for success.

Demonstrate capacity

Highlight the capabilities and expertise of the club in successfully executing the proposed project. Showcase the club's track record, experience and qualifications in managing similar initiatives. Emphasise the involvement of key personnel, volunteers or partners who will contribute to the project's success.

Address sustainability

Discuss how the project will be sustained beyond the grant period. Outline plans for ongoing funding, community support or revenue generation. Show the long-term viability and impact of the project beyond the initial funding.

Budget realistically

Develop a detailed and accurate budget that covers all project costs and revenue sources. Justify the requested funding amount by aligning it with the project's objectives and activities. Ensure the budget is realistic, transparent and in line with the grant guidelines. Include in-kind contributions, volunteer support, or other resources that can enhance the value of the project. It is recommended to include a 20 per cent contingency budget, on top of your total budget amount to allow for any unforeseen issues.

Include supporting documents

Gather and include necessary supporting documents, such as financial statements and letters of support. These documents can validate the club's credibility, community engagement (or value?) and the need for the proposed project.

Edit and proofread

Review your grant proposal for clarity, coherence and grammar. Ensure that all sections are well-organised and concise. Proofread the document carefully to eliminate any errors or inconsistencies.

Submit it early

Submit your grant application well before the deadline. Late submissions are usually not accepted. Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.