Financial boosts on offer

Eligible sport and recreation organisations can apply for their share in more than $13 million in funding with two State Government grant programs.

More than $7.5 million is available through the second round of Malinauskas Government’s The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP), dedicated to female sporting facilities, improvements and projects that grow female participation.

In its inaugural year, the IPP funded projects that addressed the unique challenges faced by female athletes, improving physical spaces and creating supportive environments where women and girls feel encouraged and empowered to participate.

The State Government has committed $18 million over three years to the IPP, with $10million of this funding quarantined for soccer.

This initiative has been designed to leave a legacy for women’s sport in South Australia, building on the achievements of the Matildas and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In addition to the IPP funding, more than $5.6 million is on offer through the 2024-25 Community Recreation and Sport Facilities Program (CRSFP), helping organisations to develop infrastructure that enhances opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities to engage in active recreation and sport.

South Australian Sport, recreation & racing Minister Katrine Hildyard said the upgrade and development of sporting facilities, programs and equipment was exceedingly important to ensure that South Australians of all abilities, backgrounds and ages can participate in the sport they love and enjoy the mental, physical and emotional benefits of doing so.

“That is why I’m thrilled to be opening not just one, but two, grant programs which will make a real difference to people and create more inclusive and vibrant sporting communities across the State,” Minister Hildyard said. “More funding, compared to the previous round, will be available through round two of The Power of Her – Infrastructure and Participation Program (IPP) as we continue to make strides for girls’ and women’s sport and respond to the growing demand for improved access for females to sporting clubs.

“Backing women in sport means providing them with the facilities and programs they need to equally and actively participate and that is exactly what the IPP provides.

“We know that the sense of belonging that comes through being involved in a local club can be life changing. To ensure more people experience this and incorporate physical activity in their daily lives, we are proudly making a significant contribution to the upgrade and development of sporting clubs and facilities through the CRSFP.”

Through the rational development of good quality projects, the aim is to see more South Australians enjoying the many physical, mental and emotional health benefits associated with physical activity.

Currently only one in four SA children 12 and under and 14 per cent of those aged 13 to 17 are meeting national activity guidelines.

Applications for the IPP and CRSFP close midday on Wednesday, November 27. For more information on applying for these grant programs, visit www.orsr.sa.gov.au