With the new year well and truly upon us, members may be considering certain projects, repairs and upgrades they want to pursue this year. 

Grants & funding opportunities through government departments, local councils and other entities can be a great way to get some much needed financial support so that projects and upgrades are attainable.  

In order to assist, a number of funding and grant opportunities that are currently available and may be of interest to clubs can be found on Clubs SA’s site on the grants & funding page.  

Additionally, Clubs SA in partnership with the Independent Gaming Corporation (IGC), allows non-gaming clubs (including non-member clubs) and community organisations to apply for Project Grants  through its  Sponsorship Assistance Program – Clubs for Communities. 

It is important that any club looking at funding via the Sponsorship Assistance Program carefully reads the relevant criteria and application form. This includes understanding that funding can’t be used for capital works (e.g. kitchen fit-outs, tables, chairs, toilets), salaries, consultancy fees, travel, accommodation, meals, etc. 

Some notable grants Clubs SA is currently aware of are below, but clubs should look at the grants page in full for further info and can also approach its local council or MP: 

1. Algal Bloom Small Business Support Grant: Clubs who would fall into the category of a “marine industry business” (e.g. those that fit into a marine-based sport category such as surf-life saving clubs, sailing clubs, yacht clubs and fishing clubs) may be eligible to apply for funding where they can show evidence of being negatively impacted by the ongoing algal bloom. Applications are currently open until Friday, 31 July 2026.
2. Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme: This is an initiative by the Australian Government to households and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy such as solar, solar batteries and solar water heaters.
3. Celebrate Together Grants: One-off funding (split into small grants up to $5k and large grants between $5,001-$30k) is available to eligible multicultural organisations for festivals and events which celebrate multiculturalism and diversity and support an inclusive and cohesive society. Applications for round 1 close on 22 February 2026, however round 2 will open on 14 July and close 31 August 2026.
4. Anzac Day Commemoration Fund: Up to $100,000 in grant funding is available for distribution among successful ex-service organisation applicants for projects that educate the community about Australia’s military history, commemorate Australia’s military history etc.
5. Strengthening Rural Communities – Small & Vital: Grants are available for not-for-profits for a range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit a local community.  Focus of the above grants will be on rural communities that have fewer than 15,000 people and initiatives will have to align with specified charitable outcomes. 

For more details on available funding and grants, check out the link below: