The Australian Government has released forward notice of the Play Our Way grant program, to open in 2024-25. Is this your chance to make a difference for women and girls in your sport?
Play Our Way will be an open competitive grant opportunity, backed by $200 million in funding over three years. It aims to create safe, inclusive, and sustainable facilities, programs and opportunities for women and girls in sport and physical activity.
What is the Play Our Way Program?
The Play Our Way program will deliver big things for women and girls in sport. Here’s what you need to know.
Program Objectives
- Build and upgrade sport and physical activity facilities to better meet the needs of women and girls, and prioritise equitable and enduring access and use of these facilities for female participation.
- Foster positive experiences for women and girls through quality sport and physical activity participation initiatives, including equipment, that are modern, inclusive, welcoming, safe and tailored to the needs of women and girls, including those experiencing disadvantage.
- Provide enduring programs and initiatives that address barriers for women and girls to participate in sport and physical activity and build a culture of equality, respect and inclusion.
- Address discrimination and inequality that women and girls encounter and provide opportunities to participate in, contribute to, and remain involved in, all aspects of sport and physical activity for life.
Opening dates
TBA: 3 rounds across 2024-25, 2025-26, 2026-27
1. Funding Streams
Stream 1: Facilities (Grant range: $50k – $1.5M)
Funding to support modifying, upgrading or building facilities and playing areas or spaces for sport and physical activity, specifically for women and girls that:
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- Are located where the need is greatest and/or addresses unmet need.
- Maximise the opportunity for women and girls to participate in sport and physical activity.
- Are inclusive, safe, accessible, innovative and sustainable.
- Support sustained equitable access (e.g. scheduling and priority) over the short, medium and long term.
- Projects may be funded on a single or multi-year basis.
- The grant can be up to 100% of total eligible project costs up to the maximum grant amount.
Stream 2: Participation and Equipment (Grant range: $50k – $1M)
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- Modifying and/or developing new, sustainable and enduring programs to reduce discrimination and inequality, and increase women and girls’ participation in sport and physical activity.
- Provide new or upgraded equipment that allows females to participate safely and without judgment.
- Project delivery may occur over a single or multi-year basis.
- Projects can be for both Participation and Equipment initiatives, or one component only.
- The grant can be up to 100% of total eligible project costs up to the maximum grant amount.
2. Eligible Applicants will include
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- Local governments
- Community organizations
- Not-for-profits
- Sporting organizations
- Others.
Specific eligibility criteria will apply.
3. Why It Matters
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- Boost women and girls’ participation in sports through new and innovative ideas.
- Break down barriers and create lasting engagement and participation.
- Contribute to addressing inequality, discrimination and disadvantage for women and girls in sport and physical activity.
4. What To Do Now
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- Start considering how your club can best support women and girls.
- Consult, gather information, prioritise and plan.
- Prepare plans, drawings, costings, consent/approvals.
- Seek support or partnerships early.
- DON’T leave things until the last minute!
5. How to Apply
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- Keep an eye out for applications opening in early 2024.
- Register on GrantConnect to stay informed.
- Follow us on Facebook for round announcements.
We’re here to assist. Please reach out if you need advice or support in your planning journey.