Sporting clubs looking to update their equipment and expand their membership base are encouraged to apply for round two of VicHealth’s 2015-16 Active Club Grants program, which open today.

State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is encouraging local sporting clubs to apply for the grants before applications close on Friday, March 4.

“For more than 27 years, VicHealth has provided small grants to more than 10,000 community sport and active recreation clubs and organisations across Victoria,” Mr Bull said.

“These grants help people in some of our most disadvantaged communities join their local sporting clubs.

“They also provide critical equipment to help those who would otherwise not be able to participate in sport. For instance, clubs can apply for funding for modified equipment for people with disabilities such as bell balls, bowling arms or portable ramps,” he said.

Grants are on offer to sport and active recreation clubs to assist with the purchase of much needed core equipment like racquets, goals, uniforms and injury prevention items, with the aim of increasing the number of people participating at their clubs, contributing to healthy Victorian communities.

“As a former member of the VicHealth board, I know how important these grants are to local clubs, especially with today’s requirements.”

VicHealth is offering clubs the option to apply for either the traditional grant of up to $3,000, or a larger grant amount of up to $10,000 – with a total of up to $1.5 million across two rounds.

It is offering 10 of these larger grants for clubs that can make a big impact and enable a greater number of Victorians to start or continue being physically active.

“This may include large clubs with a high number of teams, clubs that are seeking to implement new programs and activities to increase participation, and clubs in areas experiencing significant population growth,” Mr Bull said.

VicHealth will place a particular focus on supporting sporting clubs and organisations that can attract more people to their club, or improve participation opportunities for Victoria’s Aboriginal community.

In awarding these grants, special consideration will also be given to applications from clubs in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage as well as clubs/organisations that can demonstrate that an Active Club Grant will increase opportunities for regular physical activity in their community.  

Eligible sport and recreation clubs are invited to apply for this grant online through VicHealth’s website www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/activeclub.