Recreation and Sport Capital Development Grant

Capital development grants offer financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations to improve sport and active recreation infrastructure.

Funding is provided as a one off grant with the goal of benefiting sporting and recreation groups as well as the general community.

A capital development grant can cover up to 50% of the total project cost but cannot exceed $30,000.

The 2026/2027 round of Recreation and Sport Capital Development Grants will open on Monday 6th April 2026 at 9:00AM.

 

 

Grant information

Who is eligible for a capital development grant?

Who Can Apply

  • Not-for-profit sporting or active recreation organisations that have a current lease/license or tenancy/JUA agreement with Yarra Ranges Council or a recognised government body which the land is managed/maintained by Yarra Ranges Council

     

Who Cannot Apply

  • Individuals
  • Profit making organisations (Businesses).
  • Sport or active recreation organisations without a current lease/license or tenancy/JUA agreement with Yarra Ranges Council on land which is not owned, managed or maintained by Yarra Rages Council.

 

Eligible Projects

  • Cosmetic improvements to pavilions and club rooms, including kitchens, bathrooms and social space
  • Improvements to sporting and recreational facilities
  • New infrastructure initiatives to encourage active living
  • Projects that reduce risk/improve safety
  • Storage improvements
  • Fencing,

 

Priority will be given to projects that address the following objectives:

  • Improve opportunities and/or the environment for female participation in sport and recreation
  • Improve access for disadvantaged groups (e.g. disability, cultural, low socio-economic) to sport and recreation facilities
  • Projects that incorporate sustainability elements in design, materials or outcomes ie. environmental, economic or social

 

Ineligible Projects

  • Maintenance works considered as your organisation/ clubs’ responsibility under the current Tenancy or Lease agreement with Council
  • Projects which exclude access to the public or community groups
  • Structural changes to pavilions and club rooms
  • Ongoing administration/operational costs
  • Works that have already been started or completed
  • Sports Lighting Upgrades
  • Appliances and/or non-permanent equipment.

 

Application dates

  • Applications open: 9am, Monday 6 April 2026
  • Applications close: 11:59pm, Sunday 17 May 2026
  • Evaluation process: May 2026 to September 2026
  • Projects to be completed: September 2026 to 30 June 2027

     

 

 

 

Assessment criteria

Capital development grant assessment criteria

Criteria  Weighting 
Clear evidence of demand for the project and the ongoing benefits to community participation  40%
The degree to which the organisation has provided the required project documentation and can demonstrate the ability to deliver the project  30%

Evidence of growth or improvement in female participation, inclusion, accessibility, or engagement of disadvantaged groups.

  25%
Sustainability elements incorporated in design, materials and outcomes  5%

What to include in your application

Mandatory: 

  • Quotes and/or cost estimates
  • Draft plans/design/project details
  • Evidence of funds ie. Bank statement or letter from funding provider
  • Council’s Project Management Framework

 

Desired: 

  • Letters of support
  • Current Annual Report or Business plan

What if you're successful?

Council will review applications after 17th May 2026 and notify applicants of the outcome by Late-September 2026. All applicants will be notified via email.

 

Payments

  • Payments of grants will be done via EFT
  • 80% of the monies will be transferred once the above mandatory requirements for Council have been received
  • The remaining 20% will be transferred upon competition and inspection of works by Council.

 

Variations

  • Approval for any variation to projects outside of the completion timeframe must be received in writing to be considered by Council.

 

 

 

 

How to apply

Before applying it is critical that you read through all of the grant information.

Please note:
You will be able to apply through the SmartyGrants website from Monday 6 April 2026 at 9:00AM. 
Applications will close at 11:59pm on Sunday 17 May 2026. 

Apply for a Recreation and Sport Capital Development Grant for 2026/2027

 

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