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Financial assistance

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Grassroots to Gold

The Grassroots to Gold External link (formally Emerging Athlete Pathways) program supports eligible young athletes, coaches and officials aged 10-18 years to progress on a development pathway by providing financial assistance to help alleviate the costs associated with attending state, national and international events. 

 

Eligible athletes, coaches and officials may apply for funding assistance for up to 2 events each financial year across any event tiers (applicants can apply for 2 events of the same tier). Funding can be applied for as soon as they, or their team, have officially been selected to attend the event, up until 6 months after the event start date. 


Funding is available in the following 3 tiers:

  • state or state school event
  • national or national school event
  • international event.

Applicants must be at least 10 years of age and under the age of 19 at the start of the event and must travel at least 125km road distance (one way) from their residence to attend the championship. 


Please see the Grassroots to Gold website for the full eligibility criteria External link.

  

Lodging an application or meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding. ​

Australian Sports Commission—Local Sporting Champions

The Local Sporting Champions program is an Australian Government initiative designed to provide financial assistance for young sportsmen and women aged 12–18.

Facts:

  • Available to athletes, coaches, umpires and referees
  • Must complete and submit application prior to the nominated championship commencing
  • Funding of up to $500

Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association Athlete Grant Program

To be eligible for the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association grant (PDF, 990KB), members must be classifiable athletes with a physical disability or vision impairment, who are a Queensland resident and selected to represent their region, state or country (Australia) in either individual or team sports.

Up to $500 of eligible expenses may include:

  • nomination fees
  • equipment
  • training fees
  • uniforms
  • event related costs.

Council grants

Local community funding examples

  • Australian Sports Foundation (ASF)—Fundraising 4 Sport (donations above $2 tax deductible)
  • Seek sponsorship by writing a letter to local businesses, councillors, Members of Parliament
  • Local foundations and philanthropic groups such as
  • Localised supports such as
    • Darling Downs School Sport Board—Byron Foundation ($200)
    • South West Indigenous Network—Pathways Program (up to $1,000)


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Last reviewed 18 September 2026
Last updated 18 September 2026