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NSW Run My Way Grant Program 2026/27

NSW Run My Way Grant Program 2026/27

  • Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, excluding GST.
  • The maximum amount available to one organisation is $100,000.
  • Applicants may submit up to two applications but must prioritise their projects.
  • A financial co-contribution is not mandatory.
  • Applicants that provide a financial co-contribution may be viewed more favourably during merit assessment.
  • In-kind contributions cannot be counted towards a financial co-contribution.
  • Projects must be completed by December 31 2027.
  • Applications close on September 14 2026 at 1pm.
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The Run My Way Grant Program 2026/27 supports running organisations and providers to improve perceptions of safety and create more welcoming, inclusive and accessible running environments for women, girls and gender-diverse people in New South Wales. Funding will support practical measures, programs and partnerships that help participants feel safer, more confident and connected while running in their communities.

Eligible initiatives may include new running formats, place-based safety activities, buddy systems, guided runs, digital safety tools, leadership development and equipment directly required for project delivery. Projects must be delivered in NSW, contribute to improved perceptions of safety and be completed by 31 December 2027. Applications should demonstrate community need, innovation, inclusive design, value for money and the applicant’s capacity to deliver. Projects may also apply an intersectional approach to address barriers experienced by underrepresented and diverse groups within the running community.

Key Requirements

  • Improve perceptions of safety for women, girls and gender-diverse people participating in running.
  • Reduce participation barriers by making running environments more welcoming, accessible and inclusive.
  • Increase the participation and retention of women, girls and gender-diverse people in running activities.
  • Build the capability of running organisations and providers to create safe, respectful and inclusive environments for participants of different backgrounds and abilities.
  • Foster partnerships between running clubs, community organisations and local stakeholders to support safer and more inclusive running environments.
  • Encourage community-led safety initiatives that promote social connection, visibility, confidence and collective participation in public spaces.
  • Support running activities that activate public spaces and strengthen community connections.
  • Demonstrate a clear contribution to improving runners’ perceptions of safety in NSW, including safety in public spaces.
  • Trial or implement innovative approaches that improve safety, inclusion, belonging and participant experience.
  • Demonstrate an identifiable community need and explain how the project will expand participation in the running community.
  • Consult with women, girls and gender-diverse people or relevant community stakeholders when designing the project.
  • Consider different safety concerns, barriers and participation needs experienced by people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
  • Provide a clear project scope, deliverables, project milestones and delivery timeframe.
  • Demonstrate value for money through a clear, itemised budget and recent supporting cost evidence.
  • Demonstrate that the applicant and any project partners have the experience, resources and skills required to deliver the project.
  • Identify project risks, assumptions, constraints and dependencies and explain how these will be managed.
  • Provide current and projected participation numbers, an itemised project budget, cost evidence, a project plan and evidence of the required insurance cover.

 

What is eligible for funding?

  • New running program formats that increase participant confidence and participation
  • Women-focused running programs or public space activations
  • Place-based safety initiatives, including route planning and visibility strategies
  • Buddy systems and group safety models
  • Guided runs and walk-to-run programs for new runners
  • Digital tools or communication systems that improve perceived safety
  • Programs promoting male allyship, shared responsibility and respectful running environments
  • Leadership and capacity building programs for run group leaders
  • Activities supporting leaders from underrepresented communities
  • Community consultation related to project design and delivery
  • Safety initiatives supporting women with disability
  • Initiatives supporting Aboriginal women and girls
  • Initiatives supporting culturally diverse women and girls
  • Initiatives for women and girls in rural and regional communities
  • Initiatives supporting LGBTQI+ and gender-diverse runners
  • Personal safety devices required for the approved project
  • Temporary lighting equipment
  • Radios, training equipment and portable signage
  • Other capital purchases directly required for project delivery that represent value for money

 

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Incorporated associations registered in NSW or another Australian jurisdiction
  • Companies registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission
  • Not-for-profit organisations
  • Registered charities
  • Sole traders operating a running-related business with an active Australian Business Number
  • Running clubs that are incorporated associations or other formally constituted organisations

Applicants must:

  • Have a valid incorporation number and/or active Australian Business Number
  • Be a legally recognised entity
  • Have an established operational presence in NSW through program delivery, members or events
  • Have a primary purpose that includes delivering organised running activities
  • Regularly organise running activities in NSW for recreational, social, fitness or competitive purposes
  • Provide evidence of active and ongoing operations
  • Deliver the proposed project in NSW
  • Request between $5,000 and $100,000
  • Declare that they will hold at least $5 million in public liability insurance if successful
  • Complete the project by 31 December 2027

Eligible core running activities include:

  • Community running clubs
  • Structured group training or coaching
  • Inclusive or social running programs
  • Running events or competitions
  • Athletics clubs with a distance running focus

Sole traders may apply where the project primarily delivers community participation outcomes in NSW and is not solely for commercial gain.

Companies may apply where running activities, programs, events or services form part of their primary purpose. Projects primarily supporting ongoing commercial operations or generating private business profit without demonstrable community benefit are not eligible.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.