Sports Facilities Grant Program 2026
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Download 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 on Wednesday 29 July 2026 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.
KEY DATES
|
Activity |
Date |
|
Applications open |
9am, 27 July 2026 |
|
27 July – 3 August 2026 | |
|
5:30–6:30pm, 30 July 2026 | |
|
Applications close |
11:59pm, 23 August 2026 |
|
Applications assessed |
September 2026 |
|
Applicants advised of outcome |
December 2026 |
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 SPORTS FACILITIES GRANTS PROGRAM
Council has identified up to $500,000 for the Sports Facilities Grants Program 2026-2027 to support facility improvements that enhance participation, accessibility and the sustainability of community sport.
Grants are available for eligible projects valued between $5,000 and $100,000 (excl. GST). Council intends to allocate the first $400,000 of available funding to projects across the full funding range ($5,000 to $100,000). To ensure smaller-scale improvements have access to funding, the remaining $100,000 will be quarantined exclusively for projects seeking between $5,000 and $20,000.
The Sports Facilities Grants Program supports projects that:
- Increase participation in sport and active recreation
- Improve the capacity, functionality and multi-use of sportsgrounds and associated facilities
- Renew existing infrastructure with a focus on gender equity, accessibility and storage
- Support emerging sports and recreational activities
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be:
- Incorporated, not-for-profit sporting clubs
- Based within, or operating in, the Wollongong City Council Local Government Area
- Located on land categorised as a "sportsground" under Section 36(4) of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)
Examples of Eligible Projects
- Refurbishment and renewal of amenities and change rooms
- Storage facilities, seating, fencing and canteen upgrades (excluding appliances)
- Lighting upgrades to LED technology
- Turf improvements, irrigation systems and resurfacing works
- Shade structures and water refill stations
Ineligible Activities
- Projects on private land or land not categorised as a sportsground
- Construction of new lighting infrastructure or new amenities buildings
- Marketing, promotional activities, uniforms, training costs or celebration expenses
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Participation outcomes, particularly for females, juniors, older adults and disadvantaged groups
- Opportunities for shared and multi-use of facilities
- Alignment with Council strategies and demonstrated community benefit
- Applicant financial contribution and overall project value
All successful applicants will be required to enter into a funding agreement with Council. Funded projects must be completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of that agreement.
If you require any further information, please contact the Sport & Recreation Team on 4227 8214.
