Apply Now. Sporting Club Grants Available.

by Team BV

The first round of the Sporting Club Grants Program from Sport and Recreation Victoria is now open. Bowls clubs have had great success in the last 2 years securing funding for equipment, programs, and participation initiatives.

Grants range from $750 to $5,000 and can help turn a club idea into reality or enhance an existing project.

If your club is considering participation programs, equipment purchases, or community initiatives, this funding is worth exploring. Applications close on 26 August, so there is limited time to apply.

Remember to request a Letter of Support from Bowls Australia to strengthen your application, it only takes a few minutes.

Below is a summary of the available funding and grants awarded to lawn bowls, indoor bowls, and bowls clubs over the past two years.

CATEGORY 1: ON-FIELD UNIFORMS OR EQUIPMENT

Up to $1,000 to purchase on-field playing uniforms, participation equipment for competitors and active participants, safety, injury prevention, and first-aid equipment.

Item / Initiative	Purpose / Justification
Umpire and Marker Uniforms	Promotes professionalism, visibility, and recognition for volunteer officials, encouraging ongoing engagement.
Junior Player Uniforms	Reduces cost barriers for young players and supports a consistent and inclusive club identity.
Uniform Support for Long-Term or Financially Disadvantaged Members	Ensures all players, regardless of circumstance, can represent the club with pride and participate equally.
New Member Uniform Subsidies	Encourages new member retention and helps transition casual participants into full club membership.
Ramps or Accessibility Modifications to Greens	Enhances access for players with mobility challenges and aligns with inclusion and diversity objectives.
Bowling Arms or Assistive Devices	Supports participation for players with physical limitations, enabling ongoing involvement in the sport.
Grip Aids, Mats, Jacks, and Measuring Equipment	Improves training quality and ensures fair, consistent play standards.
Sun Protection Equipment (shade umbrellas, sunscreen stations, hats)	Promotes player wellbeing and compliance with UV safety standards.
First Aid Kits and Defibrillator Accessories	Provides immediate response capacity in case of injury or emergency, meeting duty-of-care obligations.
Injury Prevention and Recovery Equipment (ice packs, braces, hydration station)	Reduces risk of injury and supports player welfare during training and competition.
Equipment Storage Solutions	Protects shared assets and ensures the longevity and safe management of club equipment.
‘Try Bowls’ or School Program Equipment (lightweight bowls, junior mats)	Expands participation opportunities and supports community engagement and recruitment activities.

CATEGORY 2: VOLUNTEERS AND OFFICIALS

Up to $5,000 for projects that improve the skills and knowledge of volunteers, coaches and/or officials and projects that improve volunteer-retention.

Project / Initiative	Purpose / Justification
Introductory and Club Coach Training	Builds coaching capability within the club, improving player development and succession planning.
Umpire and Marker Accreditation Courses	Strengthens officiating standards and ensures compliance with competition requirements.
Volunteer Induction and Training Programs	Provides consistent onboarding for new volunteers, improving confidence and club culture.
Leadership and Governance Workshops	Equips committee members with the skills to manage clubs effectively and sustainably.
Financial Management and Budgeting Workshops	Improves club financial literacy, enabling better planning, accountability, and long-term viability.
MYOB, Xero or Excel Short Courses for Treasurers and Committee Members	Builds capability to manage club finances efficiently and meet reporting obligations.
Grant Writing and Fundraising Training	Enhances the club’s ability to attract funding, sponsorships, and community partnerships.
Event Management or Tournament Coordination Training	Builds capacity to deliver community events and competitions, supporting club visibility and participation.
First Aid and CPR Training for Volunteers	Enhances safety and ensures clubs meet duty-of-care responsibilities during play and events.
Mentoring or Buddy Programs for New Volunteers	Improves retention by connecting new volunteers with experienced members for guidance and support.
Volunteer Recognition and Retention Initiatives (e.g. awards, appreciation events)	Acknowledges contributions and promotes a positive volunteer culture.
Diversity, Inclusion and Safe Sport Training	Builds volunteer awareness and confidence to engage participants from all backgrounds and abilities.
Communication, Marketing and Social Media Training for Club Representatives	Strengthens the club’s capacity to promote activities, attract members, and engage the community.
Mental Health First Aid Training	Supports volunteer wellbeing and promotes a safe, supportive sporting environment.

CATEGORY 3: ACCESS AND ENGAGEMENT

Up to $5,000 to deliver a series of sport session for adult participants.

OR

Up to $2,500 to host a single-session event for children and young people.

Project / Initiative	Purpose / Justification
Junior Tournament – Prize Money and/or Prizes	Encourages youth participation and recognises achievement, helping retain junior players in the sport.
Single-Day Training / introduction for children and young people, followed by short format competition and food	Provides an accessible, fun opportunity for new participants to experience the sport and develop skills.
Come & Try or Open Day Events	Attracts new members and families, showcasing club facilities and creating a welcoming first experience.
Social or Corporate Bowls Program – Jack attack	Engages adults in an inclusive, low-pressure format that promotes participation and potential membership growth.
School or Youth Engagement Sessions	Introduces children and young people to the sport in partnership with local schools or community groups. Transport / resources / coach
Women’s or Multicultural Participation Program x multi week program	Encourages underrepresented groups to become active through tailored, inclusive programs.
Community Wellbeing or Active Ageing Series	Supports adult participation and social connection through gentle, regular activity sessions.
Family Fun Day or Intergenerational Bowls Event	Builds community relationships and encourages shared participation across age groups.
Beginner Coaching Series or Skills Clinics	Provides skill development opportunities for new players, improving confidence and enjoyment.
Partnership Programs with Local Organisations (e.g., Men’s Shed, Rotary, Disability Services)	Broadens the club’s reach and strengthens community engagement and collaboration.

CATEGORY 4: TRAVEL

Up to $750 to help with travel costs for athletes selected for representative competition, selection trials or training camps.

CATEGORY 5: GOVERNANCE AND ENGAGEMENT

Up to $1,500 to strengthen governance practices and ensure long-term sustainability.

Consider funds to do undertake a paid session with CLUBMAP post a Club Health check.

Project / Initiative	Purpose / Justification
Facilitated CLUBMAP Workshop (Post–Health Check)	Supports clubs to analyse results from their CLUBMAP Health Check and develop a practical action plan for improvement.
Strategic or Business Planning Session (with external facilitator)	Helps committees set clear goals, define priorities, and plan for sustainable growth and membership retention.
Constitution or Policy Review (including expert support)	Ensures governance documents are compliant, current, and reflective of best practice.
Risk Management or Compliance Training	Builds awareness of legal and operational obligations, protecting the club and its members.
Financial Planning or Governance Training for Committees	Improves budgeting, reporting, and long-term financial sustainability.
Succession Planning and Leadership Development Sessions	Strengthens leadership pipelines and reduces risk associated with volunteer turnover.
Member Engagement or Communication Strategy Development	Builds stronger connections between committees and members, promoting transparency and trust.
Annual General Meeting or Committee Induction Support	Provides structure and education for new office bearers to operate effectively from the outset.
Digital Record-Keeping or Cloud Storage Implementation	Improves data management, security, and accessibility for committee operations.

If you need to find other grants consider Bowls Australia’s grant lists and your local council website to see what is available.

I highly recommend the following actions for clubs:

• Register through Bowls Resource Hub to review the resources on Grants for your State.
• Find grants by CLICKING HERE and navigating to your council.
• Review the latest open grants and consider the ideas I have provided for potential funding along with your clubs own needs.
• Review the Bowls Australia Grants Workshop Series
• Review the latest webinar recording on Grants & Funding for Bowls Clubs
• Apply for a Letter of Support from Bowls Australia to accompany your application.

If your club is looking for support or is planning engagement activities, now is a great time to apply. Even if you can’t apply this round, gathering the information and preparing your application now will put you in a strong position for next year’s funding opportunities.