Financial support
In order for clubs to be financially sustainable it's important that they consider how much money they require annually to cover the costs associated with conducting their activities. Clubs with equipment, infrastructure and facilities should also plan to keep some funds in reserve in preparation for the maintenance or replacement of their assets.
There are many different ways in which clubs can raise funds including fundraising, sponsorship, obtaining grant funding, requesting a financial contribution from Council, and from members through the payment of membership fees.
Grant Funding
Sporting clubs and community groups often rely on receiving grant funding to further their objectives.
Each year the Shire reserves a percentage of the previous year's rates revenue and gives it back to community groups in the form of community grants. There are four different categories of community grants available. For more information about this program please visit our Community Grants page.
There are numerous other grant and funding opportunities that are open to sporting clubs and community groups throughout the year. The following websites provide opportunities to search for grants or to sign up to have grant opportunities regularly delivered to your inbox (note there may be costs associated with subscriptions):
- Grant Connect
- The Grants Hub
- WA Grants
- The Funding Centre - Easy Grants Newsletter
- DLGSC Grant Funding
- Community Grants Hub
- The Grants Hub
- GoodSports
- WA Grants Directory
- Grant Guru
Whilst the Shire is unable to write grant applications for you, we are able to review your application and provide feedback prior to submission. Additionally the Shire may be able to provide a 'Letter of Support' to substantiate your application.
If you require a letter of support please complete a Request for Letter of Support form and return it to the Shire. Please note that these requests can take up to two weeks to assess.
Financial contributions from Council
In certain circumstances the Shire is able to make small cash donations to clubs or individuals. More information about donations can be found here.
Financial assistance from Council may be available for larger projects. If your club would like Council to consider making a financial contribution to a project then your club is recommended to take the following steps to give your project traction:
- Arrange an initial meeting with Shire staff to discuss your project.
- Schedule a presentation to Council to outline your project.
- Submit a written request to Council for a financial contribution.
- Discuss your idea with your Ward Councillor.
Please note that Council's Annual Budget is set once per year after a lengthy consideration process. This process usually commences in March/April with the budget being adopted in August. For this reason it is recommended that any financial contribution requests for the following financial year are submitted to the Shire by March of the current financial year.
Links to relevant policies
- 3.1.2 Financial Assistance towards Sport and Recreation Capital Projects, incl CSRFF
- 4.1.2 Self Supporting Loans Policy
KidSport
Some children within our community are unable to participate in organised sporting activities purely due to the cost of membership. KidSport enables eligible Western Australian children aged 5 to 18 years to participate in community sport by offering them financial assistance each calendar year towards club fees.
The KidSport program is facilitated by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC), with applications being assessed by the local government in which the child resides. All Western Australian children aged 5 to 18 with a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card are eligible for KidSport. Families who do not have a concession card but are experiencing significant financial hardship, as a result of an unforeseen situation, may apply for a financial exception through a KidSport Financial Assessor.
To find out more information or to apply for KidSport visit the DLGSC KidSport page.