Sports Facilities Grant Program 2025

Welcome to the Wollongong City Council’s online grant application service, powered by SmartyGrants.

You may begin anywhere in this application form. Please ensure you save as you go.

For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, please contact us on 4227 7149 during business hours or email Council_SportsGrants@wollongong.nsw.gov.au and quote your submission number.

If you need more help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out the Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website. You can also book a one on one session with the Sport and Recreation team during the first week of the grant program from the 11-15th August 2025, or alternatively register for our Sports Grants Information Session. 

KEY DATES

Further details about project requirements will be made available to successful applicants in their funding agreement.

NAVIGATING THE APPLICATION FORM

Each screen includes a Form Navigation box that links directly to every page of the application. You can also use the ‘next page’ or ‘previous page’ buttons to move through the form.

SAVING YOUR DRAFT APPLICATION

To leave a partially completed application:

• Click ‘save and close’ and log out.
• When you log back in, click ‘My Submissions’ to access your draft or submitted applications.
• You can reopen your draft and continue where you left off.
• You can also download any application as a PDF using the ‘Download PDF’ button at the bottom of the last page.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

• Use the ‘Review and Submit’ button at the bottom of the Navigation Panel.
• You must complete all compulsory questions and resolve any validation errors before submission.
• Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. If you do not receive this email, your application has not been submitted. Please also check your spam/junk folder.

ATTACHMENTS AND SUPPORT DOCUMENTS

You may need to upload supporting documents. Ensure files are saved on your device and allow time for each file to upload before attaching another.

• Maximum file size: 25MB (recommended: under 5MB for faster upload)

Required documents include:

• Quotes (2 for projects $5,000–$9,999; 3 for $10,000–$100,000)
• Letters of support from your club and peak body
• Project delivery plan, budget, and funding details
• Concept plans and development consent (if applicable)

COMPLETING AN APPLICATION IN A GROUP/TEAM

Multiple people can work on the same application using the same login, but only one person at a time. Always save as you go.

SPELL CHECK

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ABOUT THE GRANT PROGRAM

The Sports Facilities Grants Program supports small to medium-sized projects that:

• Increase participation in sport
• Improve capacity and multi-use of sportsgrounds
• Renew infrastructure with a focus on gender equity, accessibility, and storage
• Support emerging sports and recreational activities

Eligible applicants must be:

• Incorporated, not-for-profit sporting clubs
• Based or operating within the Wollongong City Council LGA
• Located on land categorised as ‘sportsground’ under Section 36(4) of the Local Government Act (1993)

Funding range: $5,000 to $100,000 (excl. GST)

Examples of eligible projects:

• Refurbishment of amenities/change rooms
• Storage, seating, fencing, canteen upgrades (excluding appliances)
• Lighting upgrades to LED, turf improvements, irrigation, resurfacing
• Shade structures, water refill stations

Ineligible activities include:

• Projects on private or non-sportsground land
• New lighting or amenities construction
• Marketing, uniforms, training, or celebration expenses

ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Participation outcomes (especially for females, juniors, ageing, and disadvantaged groups)
• Shared use potential
• Strategic alignment and local impact
• Financial co-contribution

All successful applicants will be required to sign a funding agreement. Projects must be completed in accordance with the agreement.

If you require any further information, please contact the Sport & Recreation Team on 4227 8214.

Kind Regards,