ACT Community Sport Facilities Program 2027

Facility planning and design: projects with a total investment of up to $250,000, completed within 12 months
Single-year capital works: projects of $5,000 to $1 million, completed within 12 months
Multi-year capital works: up to $2 million over two years, for example up to $1 million in each year
Applications close: midnight, 18 November 2026

The Community Sport Facilities Program helps not-for-profit sport, recreation and community organisations plan, upgrade and build sport and active recreation facilities in the ACT. It aims to create fit-for-purpose, sustainable and accessible spaces that get more Canberrans active.

The program sits under the ACT Government's Sport and Recreation Investment Scheme and supports the CBR Next Move strategy. It's run by Sport and Recreation within the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate.

The program's priorities include growing participation among disadvantaged and under-represented groups, building multi-use and low-maintenance facilities, and including environmental sustainability and climate resilience in design and construction.

Key Requirements

Organisational requirements

Hold public liability insurance of at least $10 million
Have an ABN, plus an ACN where relevant, and be registered for GST if turnover is above $150,000
Provide recent certified or audited financial statements and a current strategic or operational plan
Deliver programs in the ACT for Canberra residents
Be up to date with obligations under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991, where relevant
Have acquitted all previous Sport and Recreation grants, and any other ACT Government grants
Have joined the National Redress Scheme, if named in an application and assessed as able to join

Project requirements

Be located in the ACT and not start before funding is announced
Have permits and approvals in place, or show their status, such as development or building approval
Meet Australian Standards, the National Construction Code and relevant ACT Government standards

Projects over $500,000
These must include a feasibility study, a lifecycle cost analysis and an independent costing plan from a certified quantity surveyor.

Planning and construction projects use separate application forms, so apply under the stream that matches your project.

Sport and Recreation recommends discussing your project with them before you apply. Full eligibility and evidence requirements are in the Community Sport Facilities Program funding guidelines.

What is eligible for funding?

Facility planning and design, including feasibility studies, options studies, and preliminary and detailed planning
Upgrading existing facilities and building new ones
Female-friendly facility upgrades
Flexible, multi-use, shared and integrated facilities
New playing surfaces
Change rooms, toilets and showers, and sports storage
Upgrades to ACT public school facilities that improve community sport access
Upgrades that improve the participation experience and social connection

What companies are eligible for funding?

ACT State Sport Organisations and State Active Recreation Organisations
Not-for-profit sport, recreation or community organisations operating in the ACT, incorporated in the ACT or registered as a company with their main business in the ACT
ACT licensed clubs, if the project directly benefits community sport and active recreation

Individuals, commercial entities, schools, tertiary institutions, P&C associations and student groups can’t apply. Eligible organisations working with ACT public schools to improve access to school facilities can be considered.

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 a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here.

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? 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.

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