VIC 2026–27 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund

Funding up to $500,000 depending on grant stream
Community Facilities Stream: Up to $500,000 per applicant across all applications under this stream. Unlimited applications are permitted, but the total cannot exceed $500,000 per LGA or ARV.
Community Sports Lighting Stream: Up to $250,000 per applicant across all applications under this stream. Unlimited applications are permitted, but the total cannot exceed $250,000 per LGA or ARV.
Planning Stream: Up to $40,000 per applicant. One Facility Planning or one Municipal Planning application per LGA or ARV.
Matched funding is required. Funding ratios apply based on project location and stream.
- Metropolitan Melbourne requires a 1 to 1 contribution.
- Metropolitan Interface, Ballarat, Greater Bendigo and Greater Geelong require $1.5 from the program for every $1 local contribution.
- Regional and Rural Victoria and ARV require $3 from the program for every $1 local contribution.
In kind contributions are permitted up to a maximum of 50 percent of the local contribution, subject to approval and underwriting by the applicant.
Applications must include contingency of at least 10 percent of total project cost, excl. GST
Activities are expected to run from October 2026 to October 2028
Applications close July 28 2026.

Local Sports Infrastructure Fund is a statewide competitive Victorian Government program that supports the development of high quality, accessible community sport and active recreation infrastructure. The program is open to Victorian Local Government Authorities and Alpine Resorts Victoria and funds projects across three streams, being Community Facilities, Community Sports Lighting and Planning.

It is designed to improve inclusive and sustainable infrastructure, increase participation opportunities for people and communities who participate less, support equitable participation for women and girls, and encourage multi use infrastructure that contributes to local economic growth. Priority is given to projects that deliver strong participation outcomes, support disadvantaged communities, respond to areas of need, demonstrate shared or integrated use, improve active recreation access, and show economic uplift.

Key Requirements

Deliver high quality community sport and active recreation infrastructure Projects must support the development of accessible, inclusive and sustainable infrastructure that benefits community sport and active recreation. The program is intended to fund infrastructure that is high quality, multi use where possible, and capable of increasing participation and community benefit.
Increase participation for under represented groups A core objective is to improve participation opportunities for people and communities who participate less, including women and girls, First Nations people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQA+ communities, and socio economically disadvantaged communities.
Meet stream specific eligibility and funding requirements Applications must align with one of the three streams and stay within the relevant stream cap. Applicants must confirm matched funding based on project location and include at least 10 percent contingency in project costs.
Demonstrate project readiness and deliverability Applicants must show the project can be completed within 24 months of grant agreement execution. Each project requires a separate application and bundled projects are ineligible. Mandatory supporting documents must be submitted by the closing date.
Support equitable and community focused outcomes The program prioritises projects that improve access, support gender equity, encourage multi use and shared facilities, strengthen community access, and create social and economic benefits for local areas.

What is eligible for funding?

New or redeveloped change rooms and pavilions that increase capacity, inclusion and safety.
New or redeveloped sports fields and sports courts.
Multi sport training facilities that are publicly accessible.
Active recreation spaces such as multi activity facilities, outdoor exercise equipment, playspaces, skate parks, pump tracks, BMX tracks and outdoor splash parks.
Facility carrying capacity improvements such as drainage, irrigation and grass installations.
LED sports lighting infrastructure, including new, upgraded or additional lighting that expands facility use and active recreation access.
Outdoor aquatic facility upgrades that improve accessibility and participation.
Accessibility improvements such as ramps and change rooms.
Facility planning and municipal planning projects that improve infrastructure readiness or long term strategic direction.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Victorian Local Government Authorities.
Alpine Resorts Victoria.

Other eligibility considerations

Victorian LGAs must have an acceptable gender equitable access and use policy, or equivalent, in place to remain eligible.
Applicants must discuss potential applications with their program representative before applying to confirm eligibility and alignment.
Projects must fit an eligible funding stream, meet the stream cap, and be capable of completion within 24 months of Grant Agreement execution.
Applications and all mandatory supporting documentation must be submitted by 5:00 pm on 28 July 2026.
Sport and recreation clubs, sporting associations and leagues, educational institutions, not for profit community organisations, businesses and individuals cannot apply directly. They may be involved as project partners through an eligible applicant.

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.

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