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Grants and Funding

Women Leaders in Sport

Empowering women in sport & helping to create a culture which values gender equity

Individual grants

Australians have a deep passion for sport, and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be involved in sport - as a participant, an official, an administrator or as a volunteer. From grassroots to the elite level, the ASC plays a crucial role in ensuring sport is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone. The ASC has a strong focus on gender equity and continues to strive for equal representation in sport.

The ASC is proud of the Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) program which began in 2002 and has supported more than 27,000 women and over 800 sporting organisations.

An Australian Government initiative, the WLIS program aims to reduce gender inequality and help more women advance into leadership roles within the sport ecosystem.

The WLIS Individual Grants Program, provides women throughout Australia the opportunity to advance in their leadership journey via a range of development programs and training.  In previous years courses undertaken by recipients have included these topics:

  • Leadership Skills and Management
  • Sports Administration
  • Communications and Media
  • Coaching and officiating
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
  • Organisational Governance
  • People and Culture
  • Integrity
  • Finance
  • Sport science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine (STEMM)

    Important dates

    Applications now open!

    • Applications open:
      9:00am (AEST) Monday 2 September 2024
    • Applications close:
      3:00pm* (AEDT) Tuesday 8 October 2024 (extended period*)
    • Outcomes notified to all applicants:
      December 2024
    • Successful grants payments processed:
      December 2024

    Apply here

    *Please note the following

    • We have extended the application period, it now closes 3:00pm* (AEDT) Tuesday 8th October 2024.
    • Applications will automatically close at 3:00pm (AEDT) Tuesday 8th October 2024. Applications must be submitted by this time and any unfinished applications will shut down and will not be accepted.
    • Please observe the different closing times for each state
      • NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS: 3.00pm
      • QLD: 2:00 pm
      • SA & NT: 1:30pm
      • WA: 12:00pm

    Guidelines

    The WLIS guidelines set out the funding requirement for the WLIS Individual Grants Program.  Please read these carefully prior to applying.

    Women Leaders in Sport Guidelines

    Eligibility criteria

    To be eligible you must meet these criteria:

    *Current employee also includes consultants contracted to the ASC where this engagement is the only link to the sporting sector. ASC cannot be the supporting organisation. 

    ^WLIS Programs refer to; Individual Grants, Athlete Accelerate, Talent Development Programs

    Applicants must meet all the above eligibility requirements. The ASC may at its sole discretion, offer an applicant special consideration if an eligibility requirement set out in the guidelines cannot be met due to extenuating circumstances.

    Funding

    In 2025 $200,000 is available to support professional development and training for eligible women in the sporting sector. This amount will be allocated across the following three tiers:

    Tier

    Course Level

    Total Tier Funds Available

    Maximum Grant Amount (excl GST)

    Tier 1

    Advanced professional development courses

    Approx. $50,000

    (approx. 5 grants available)

    $8,000 - $10,000

    Tier 2

    Intermediate professional development courses

    Approx. $80,000

    (approx. 15 grants available)

    $4,000 - $7,999

    Tier 3

    Foundational professional development courses

    Approx. $70,000

    (approx. 30 grants available)

    $0 - $3,999

    Total program funds

     

    $200,000

     

    Please note: Only one application per applicant will be accepted. If more than one application is submitted, the last submitted application will be assessed.

    How to apply

    Before you apply, please read these Individual Grant Program Guidelines to make sure you understand all relevant requirements.

    The ASC is committed to ensuring inclusivity in our grant processes. If you are unable to submit the application online, please contract wlis@ausport.gov.au or call (02) 6214 1463 to discuss other options for submission.

    Only one application per applicant will be accepted. If more than one application is submitted, the last submitted application will be assessed.

    1. Check your eligibility: Individuals will need to ensure they have met the eligibility criteria.
    2. Application format: Determine if you will be submitting an online written application or a video submission
    3. Gain a letter of support: Obtain a letter of support from your manager, direct report or person within the organisation you volunteer with. The letter of support must include:
      • The endorser’s name and job title
      • The endorser’s organisation (e.g. NSO)
      • Identifies the individual as being the applicant for the grant
      • Expresses support for the specific course/project/activity being proposed
    4. Identify the course: Gather course details including:
      • Course Title
      • Course Fees
      • Course provider
      • Course dates
      • Website link
    5. Prepare your assessment criteria response:  It is suggested that applicants prepare responses to the assessment criteria in Word, to ensure correct spelling and punctuation
    6. Complete the online application formYou will need to create an online account and login.
    7. Submit your application

    Please note: Individual Grant applicants who submit video responses to address the assessment criteria, will still be required to complete the other components of the online application form and submit responses in line with the process, including the closing date for applications.

    The application process will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

    If the application cannot be completed in one session, you can save the application and return to it later using your login details.

    You will have access to your application after submitting but you will not be able to amend an application once submitted. Should you have any issues post submission please contact the WLIS team WLIS@ausport.gov.au

    Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the information within the application is complete and accurate. Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code 1995.

    Additional information

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