By April Murphy
Sport and recreation clubs in Queensland now have a shot at a $2,000 grant to help support their complementary needs.
The COVID-SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart Program Grant has been introduced by the Queensland Government and is said to help thousands of in need not-for-profit clubs.
Sports Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe, said the COVID-SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart Program offers a hand-up to buy sporting equipment or help with the cost of electricity, water or ground maintenance.
“Clubs could also receive $2,000 to train coaches in latest techniques to keep teams firing or support volunteer treasurers with the tools they need to grow their club’s finances for the future,” said Mr Hinchliffe.
The Minister states that the program is designed to help volunteers build resilience and capability to ensure local sporting and recreation clubs remain at the heart of their community’s COVID recovery.
“Since the pandemic, community sport and recreation clubs have never been more important for keeping Queenslanders connected, active and healthy,” says the Minister.
The objectives of COVID-SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart Round 2 are to:
• ensure appropriate resources are available for Queenslanders to participate in local physical activity experiences
• strengthen the capability of sport and active recreation clubs and organisations and their volunteers to provide quality experiences.
The first round of the program, in 2020, delivered $7.65 million to 3828 clubs and organisations to help them get through the pandemic.
“The Palaszczuk Government also rolled out a state-wide survey with more than 1,200 responses identifying resources for volunteers as one the highest priorities for clubs,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
The COVID-SAFE Active Clubs Kickstart program supports the sport and active recreation community to restart activities as COVID-19 restrictions ease. It is part of the Sport and Recreation COVID SAFE Restart Plan.
Your organisation must be registered in the Sport and Recreation Grant Registration Portal (GRP) to apply for funding under this program. Applications must be submitted by 5 pm on Wednesday, 5 May 2021.