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Sporting event in Victoria supported to enhance delivery and visitor experience

Sport and Recreation Victoria – Significant Sporting Events Program

Event Assistance Grant

  • Up to $20,000
  • Supports general operational event delivery costs.

Event Development Grant

  • Up to $150,000
  • Supports event growth, expansion and attraction of new events to Victoria.

Higher funding amounts may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Only one grant may be awarded per event, per year.

Applications close: 15 October 2026

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The Significant Sporting Events Program assists sporting organisations to attract, develop and deliver national and international sporting events in Victoria. The program aims to strengthen Victoria’s sporting calendar, create economic and tourism benefits, support athlete development pathways and enhance Victoria’s reputation as the sporting capital of Australia.

Since its establishment in 2010, the program has supported more than 1,150 sporting events, with more than half staged in regional Victoria. The program contributes to participation growth, high-performance sport outcomes, workforce capability development and community engagement opportunities.

Key Requirements

To be eligible, events must:

  • Be delivered in Victoria.
  • Be for a sport recognised by the Australian Sports Commission.
  • Be sanctioned by the recognised national or international sporting body.
  • Occur at least six months after the application is submitted.
  • Offer equal prize money across genders where prize money is awarded.

Eligible Event Types

Events must meet the criteria for at least one of the following:

  • National Championship
    A national title event where the recognised national sporting organisation sanctions the event and the winner is declared national champion.
  • National Series Event
    Part of the top-tier national series where points or rankings contribute to an overall national champion.
  • National Competition Match
    Regular season or finals matches of Australia’s top-tier national competition. Regional pre-season and exhibition matches may also qualify.
  • International Championship
    An international championship sanctioned by a recognised international federation where a regional or world champion is crowned.
  • International Series or Qualifying Event
    International ranking or qualification events contributing to regional or international competition pathways.
  • International Competition Match
    Australian national teams competing against international teams, or two international teams competing in Australia.

What is eligible for funding?

Funding may support:

  • Venue hire
  • Temporary infrastructure
  • Sport presentation and event delivery costs
  • Coaching clinics
  • School visits
  • Community participation activities
  • Talent development opportunities
  • Officials accreditation and workforce development
  • Marketing and promotional campaigns
  • Broadcast and livestream production costs

The program particularly supports activities that strengthen participation pathways, build sector capability and increase community engagement around significant sporting events.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants must:

  • Hold the rights to host the event.
  • Be an incorporated association, incorporated body, cooperative or business association.
  • Hold an ABN.
  • Be financially solvent.
  • Hold suitable public liability insurance.
  • Be compliant with previous Victorian Government grant obligations.

Applicants must also meet Child Safe Standards, National Redress Scheme requirements and other Victorian Government compliance obligations where relevant.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Targeted 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.