Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for the Centre of Excellence Fund is a simple process using the SmartyGrants platform: https://sport.smartygrants.com.au/COEF-2022-23

Before you apply, please read the guidelines and related materials to make sure you understand all relevant requirements. You can find the relevant information here.

Applications must be lodged by 1pm on Monday 5 December 2022, via the Office of Sport’s grants online system.

Eligible applications will be assessed against the Fund’s objectives, focus, and aim and the following assessment criteria:

talent and development pathways
community engagement
exemplary facilities that are inclusive
value for money
project deliverability and applicant capability.

Assessment criteria is detailed in the Centre of Excellence Guidelines.

Yes. Eligible applicants must prepare a NSW Government compliant business case.

A sound business case assists in resource allocation decisions by documenting an investment proposal and its contribution to NSW Government priorities to provide:

confidence that a project is sufficiently well developed to be ready for funding and that the capability exists to deliver it effectively
a road map for the project that sets out how it will be delivered and how its achievement against the Fund’s objectives will be assessed, to help increase the likelihood of the funding delivering value for money.

A business case must be prepared in line with NSW Government Business Case Guidelines and include a case for change, cost benefit analysis, financial analysis, commercial analysis and management analysis. The complexity and the size of the business case should be proportional to the scope, value and complexity of the project.

A NSW Government compliant business case template is available here.

No. The application process is competitive. It is anticipated there will be multiple applications competing for the available funding in 2022-2023. Successful applications will be those that best meet the objectives, focus and aim of the Fund and the assessment criteria.

The sporting organisations recognised by the Office of Sport and Sport Australia as the pre-eminent bodies for the development of their sport in NSW and Australia.

Yes. All projects must have a letter of support from the relevant State/National Sporting Organisation. Where the facility provides for a number of sports, a letter from each State/National Sporting Organisation is required. Where a letter of support has not been provided, the Office of Sport reserves the right to recommend to the Grant Assessment Panel to set the application aside from further consideration, at its absolute discretion.

Letters of support that demonstrate project need can also be provided by MPs, councils, National/State and local sporting clubs and associations, schools and community groups where available.

Yes. Australian Universities with a campus in NSW can apply for funding. Universities are encouraged to partner with sporting and other organisations to ensure their project satisfies the Fund’s objectives including the role of the facility in supporting talent identification and development pathways, improving community access and engagement, and being inclusive.

No. The Fund aims to support the capital construction cost of a project.

No. The financial co-contribution must be a financial contribution of 50% of the estimated total project cost.

Yes. However, the grant must be for a different component of the project.

Yes. Applicants can claim a maximum of 5% of the estimated total project cost (exclusive of GST) for the payment of project management/project director/client representative services. This limit cannot be exceeded unless otherwise agreed by the NSW Government.

Sport is defined as physical activity that can be undertaken by a team or an individual in a social or competitive environment in pursuit of a result. It can be organised or less formal with a greater focus on social outcomes.

Active recreation is defined as physical activity for the purposes of relaxation, health and wellbeing or enjoyment which can be self-directed or facilitated by a provider or organisation.

Yes, however, only where project delivery has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and/or significant new and additional scope is to be delivered.

No. The co-contribution must be a financial contribution.

The grant amount requested by an applicant must be a minimum of $5 million and cannot exceed $15 million.

Applicants that cannot meet the funding co-contribution expectation may apply for financial hardship. A financial hardship application provides applicants the opportunity to outline why they should be exempt from the requirement to provide a minimum 50% financial co-contribution of the estimated total project cost. Financial hardship applications are to be made through the application process.

Financial hardship may be granted where a project is located in a disadvantaged area of NSW and/or is recovering from a significant natural disaster or pandemic e.g., COVID-19 or other exceptional circumstances. The Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA), published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), will assist in measuring disadvantage.

A financial hardship application cannot be used by the applicant to request an additional project funding contribution from the NSW Government. An application for financial hardship must clearly demonstrate that a Centre of Excellence Fund project can still be delivered in the absence of the applicant’s funding co-contribution.

Example 1 – The use of the financial hardship application in example 1 IS acceptable.

Centre of Excellence Fund estimated total project cost: $10,000,000
Applicant’s Centre of Excellence Fund grant amount request: $10,000,000
The minimum expected funding co-contribution required by the applicant based on the 50% co-contribution of the estimated total project cost required under the Program’s guidelines: $5,000,000
Applicant’s proposed Centre of Excellence Fund 50% co-contribution of the estimated total project cost: $0
Applicant’s Financial Hardship Form submission: To seek exemption from the minimum 50% co-contribution of the estimated total project cost.

The applicant is not able to provide a minimum 50% co-contribution ($5,000,000) of the estimated total project cost ($10,000,000) and will submit a financial hardship application seeking an exemption from the co-contribution requirement. Note that the applicant must clearly demonstrate that their Centre of Excellence Fund project can still be delivered in the absence of a funding co-contribution.

Example 2 – The use of the financial hardship application in example 2 is NOT acceptable.

Centre of Excellence Fund estimated total project cost: $12,000,000
Applicant’s Centre of Excellence Fund grant amount request: $10,000,000
The minimum expected funding co-contribution required by the applicant based on the 50% co-contribution of the estimated total project cost required under the Program’s guidelines: $6,000,000
Applicant’s proposed Centre of Excellence Fund 50% co-contribution of the estimated total project cost: $0
Applicant’s Financial Hardship Form submission: To seek an additional $2,000,000 from the NSW Government to ensure the project is fully funded.

The applicant is requesting that the NSW Government provide $2,000,000 towards the project in addition to the $10,000,000 the applicant has requested under the Fund. Applicant submits a financial hardship application requesting the additional funding on the basis they do not have another confirmed funding source for the total project cost of $12,000,000.

No. While projects that have Development Application approval (where applicable) are encouraged the Office of Sport recognises that many projects will be in the preliminary planning phase and reliant on confirmation of project funding before submitting a Development Application. Applicants should clearly outline the activities associated with obtaining planning approval (e.g. Development Application or Complying Development Certificate) and the estimated project timeline.

Yes. Applicants must provide a signed letter of consent from any landowners for the project on the land on which the facility is to be developed.

Where a letter providing landowner consent has not been provided, the Office of Sport reserves the right to recommend to the Grant Assessment Panel to set the application aside from further consideration at its absolute discretion.

No. As councils are expected to also apply, they cannot have access to information on other applications.

No. Applications should be limited to constructing new or enhancing existing Centres of Excellence. Centres of Excellence typically include the following components:

high performance training environments - indoor (e.g. gymnasium and hard courts) and/or outdoor (e.g. playing fields)
aquatic and non-aquatic recovery facilities
athlete lounge, learning and wellness areas
education theatres and other meeting and multipurpose spaces
sports science and medical facilities
athlete change and preparation areas
property and storage areas
administration and associated amenity areas.

Yes. Applicants can submit up to three (3) applications, with each requesting up to a maximum of $15 million for this round. It is up to the applicant if they would like to advise project priorities. As part of the assessment process projects will then be assessed in line with the guidelines.

No. For example, providing a new gymnasium at one site, playing field upgrades at another and new amenities at a third site will not be eligible. Packaged up projects will only be accepted if integrated Centres of Excellence that include multiple facility components are proposed to be delivered within a sporting precinct.

No. The statutory functions of Parents and Citizens Associations are aimed at assisting the school with which they are associated and promoting the welfare of the students of that school.

Inclusive design keeps the diversity and uniqueness of everyone in mind and allows maximum use, by the widest range of people, without the need to adapt or add accessories. It includes the incorporation of universal design principles and providing safe, dignified and equitable access through functional space. Designs should be beyond Building Code of Australia or Access standards to ensure facilities are accessible to more people.

For further information:

One of the Fund’s primary objectives is to support the enhancement of dedicated female programs and facilities to improve pathways for women and girls, in line with the NSW Government’s women in sport strategy Her Sport Her Way. A project is not eligible if it does not substantially address this objective.

There is an expectation that facilities are universally designed and have considered the specific needs of women and girls to create functional, safe, accessible, fit-for-purpose and welcoming environments. Projects should lead to additional participation and program content/scheduling for women and girls and/or improved inclusiveness. For further information refer to the Fund Guidelines and the Office of Sport’s Women in Sport Strategy, Her Sport Her Way.

The Office of Sport’s Women in Sport Strategy, Her Sport Her Way (2019-2023) aims to build a stronger sport sector where women and girls are valued, recognised and have equal choices and opportunities to lead and participate. It provides a clear role for the NSW Government to work with the sector and new partners in innovative ways to shape the future of women’s sport.

Please visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/hersportherway

A primary objective of the Fund is to support talent identification and development pathways (i.e. athletes moving from pre-elite to elite). Where possible and appropriate, projects should provide accessible and adaptive, best-practice training and competition environments that support athlete development. For further information refer to the Office of Sport’s Future Champions Strategy and the pathways and development section of the Office of Sport’s website.

Please visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/pathways-and-development/future-champions

No. Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified at the same time. Outcomes of applications under the Fund are expected to be advised from February 2023.

A sample template for State Sporting Organisation / National Sporting Organisation support is available here. A Statement of Support must be included for all projects.

Letters of support that demonstrate project need can also be provided by MPs, councils, National/State and local sporting clubs and associations, schools and community groups where available.

A single lead applicant is required to submit the application and if successful will become the grant recipient responsible for entering into a funding agreement with the Office of Sport. The Fund encourages applications based on partnerships e.g. sport(s) and a Council. If an eligible sporting entity applies, it can arrange for Council to manage the project delivery on their behalf. The application will need to outline the partnership model and the proposed delivery strategy including agreements to be put in place.

The more progressed a project’s design the greater level of confidence there will be in project cost, risk profile and delivery schedule. Applicants are encouraged to present schematic or detailed design plans, however concept design plans will also be accepted.

Project governance (including the establishment and operation of a Project Control Group to oversee project delivery) and planning activities (e.g. activities associated with obtaining planning approval including submitting a Development Application) must commence within three months of the execution date of the funding agreement. Project construction is to commence by February 2024, and project construction is expected to be completed within two years of commencing.

The assessment process will consider project scale and relative size. Consideration will be given to overall impact, relative economic and non-economic benefits of a smaller project.

Physical onsite works that are part of the construction represent the commencement of project construction. These works include, but are not limited to, early works construction packages, site clearing and demolition, earthworks or building works.

All successful applicants will receive detailed information about how they must acknowledge NSW Government funding for infrastructure projects. Projects funded by the Centre of Excellence Fund will typically require a statement of funding acknowledgment in the applicant’s annual reports and media releases and the NSW Government logo included on building signage, related websites and invitations and other funding related materials. Successful applicants will receive full guidelines, logo and signage template files.

Further details about acknowledgment of NSW Government funding for infrastructure projects can be found here.

Business cases should include a cost benefit analysis that identifies all material benefits and costs that are expected to arise and who the beneficiaries are from each option. Forecasts of estimated outcomes from each option should also be included.

As per the NSW Government Guide to Cost-Benefit Analysis (TPP17-03), the key results of a cost benefit analysis are presented through:

Net Present Value (NPV); and
Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR).

The NPV and BCR should be reported for all options assessed. Forecasts of estimated outcomes from each option should also be included. The number of options considered in your CBA should be proportional to the scope, value and complexity of the project. However, Office for Sport suggests at a minimum this should include the proposed option and a status quo (do nothing) option. For larger, more complex projects this may include one or two alternatives in addition to above. The Fund does not require a BCR of greater than one.

The complexity and the size of the business case should be proportional to the scope, value and complexity of the project

All applications should address the publicly available assessment criteria and will be assessed against the criteria.

Yes. Only where such components are completely funded by the applicant’s financial co-contribution and are directly related to the delivery of the centre of excellence project. Examples include, but are not limited to, public toilets and car parking. Your application (including the budget presented) should clearly demonstrate that any ineligible scope items are being completely funded by your financial co-contribution.

No. The purpose of this fund is to directly invest in the capital construction of a sport facility project.

No. These fields will only display in the application form if the applicant indicates they have a federal/state contribution.

It is based on the estimated total project cost.

Organisations that cannot meet the 50% funding co-contribution expectation may apply for financial hardship. A financial hardship application provides applicants the opportunity to outline why they should be exempt from the requirement to provide a minimum 50% financial co-contribution of the estimated total project cost. Financial hardship applications are to be made through the application process.

Example

If an applicant’s estimated total project cost is $30,000,000, they should demonstrate at least a $15,000,000 financial co-contribution (or demonstrate financial hardship).

Yes. Applicants are to provide suitable evidence confirming funding contribution(s) from project partner(s). All applications are required to provide a minimum 50% financial co-contribution of the estimated total project cost or submit a hardship application.

A letter from your CEO is not sufficient to demonstrate that a Development Application (DA) is not required for the project. It is recommended that all applicants discuss the project scope with their relevant local Council to determine if the project will require a DA and obtain a letter from Council that states their advice. For further advice please contact infrastructuregrants@sport.nsw.gov.au.

Yes. The expectation is that the co-contribution will be for infrastructure capital costs. This may include non-sport infrastructure construction works e.g. sport facility car parking, pathways and core service infrastructure.

Applicants are to provide evidence of approval for committed funding co-contribution(s) e.g., funding agreement, letter from fund/grant provider.

If you are provided a grant, it is your responsibility to put in place adequate controls to prevent fraud and corruption and avoid negligence. This requirement is stipulated in the funding agreement terms and conditions.

Fraud is defined by the Independent Commission Against Corruption as “dishonestly obtaining a benefit, or causing a loss, by deception or other means”, and corruption as “deliberate or intentional wrongdoing, not negligence or a mistake”. Grant recipients may experience fraud, corruption or negligence when dealing with contractors in the project, or within their own organisation or its governance. In general, negligence can be defined as the failure to take proper care over or for something.

Appropriate management of procurement processes, the management of contracts and contractors, the establishment of appropriate project management practices (including governance and oversight), and the declaration and management of conflicts of interest are common controls used to prevent or control such incidents. The Office of Sport does not cover the loss of project funding due to fraud, corruption or negligence on behalf of the grant recipient which may also result in the termination of a funding agreement for a grant.

If you experience fraud, corruption or negligence, you should notify the Office of Sport. The Office of Sport can help your organisation work any variations required, except additional funding, to manage the impact on the project.

Fraud and corruption should always be reported to the police. More information about reporting fraud and corruption can be found at:

https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/frauds_and_scams

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/report-fraud

https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/buying-products-and-services/scams

General Questions

How do I prepare and submit an application?

When do applications need to be lodged by?

What criteria apply to the assessment of applications?

Do I need to submit a business case as part of my application?

Will all applications receive funding?

What is a recognised State Sporting Organisation and a National Sporting Organisation?

Does a National/State Sporting Organisation Statement of Support need to be included for all projects?

Can Australian based Universities with a campus in NSW apply for funding?

Can funding be used to buy back private equity in an existing facility or used to purchase land for the project?

Can the 50% financial co-contribution of the estimated total project cost include the value of the land on which the project is proposed to be developed?

Can the source of the financial co-contribution be another NSW Government or Federal Government agency?

Is there a limit on the amount of project management fees that can be claimed for a project?

What is the Office of Sport’s definition of sport and active recreation?

Can an existing Centre of Excellence project apply for funding?

Can the financial co-contribution be in kind, such as discounts or labour contributions?

What is the minimum and maximum amount that can be requested?

What is a Financial Hardship application and in when is it acceptable to use?

Do you have to have Development Application approval prior to submitting the application?

Do organisations require land-owner consent for projects that will be built on land owned by a public authority?

Will local government be consulted if multiple projects are submitted within their area?

Would an amenity block and field surface upgrade for a local sporting association be considered an eligible project?

Can you put in more than one application as long as they are different projects?

Can you package up projects across multiple sites?

Are Parents & Citizens (“P & C") Associations eligible to apply for a grant?

What does ‘inclusive design’ mean?

Can you please provide guidance on the meaning of the phrase "facilities that meet the needs of females"?

Where can I find further information on the Her Sport Her Way Strategy?

Where can I find further information regarding talent pathways?

Will the eligibility assessment (pass/fail) be published within 2 weeks of the closing date of the Fund?

What elements should the State and/or National Sporting Organisation letter of support comprise?

Can an eligible sporting entity(ies) apply in partnership with a Council? If so, can the Council manage the project delivery on behalf of the sport(s)?

What level of design should be included as part of the application?

When will successful projects need to be delivered by?

Will consideration be given to smaller projects?

What works constitute project construction commencing?

How do successful applicants acknowledge the funding when projects are underway?

Does the Cost Benefit Analysis in the business case need to produce a CBA ratio?

Can my financial co-contribution fund ineligible project components (as stated in the Fund guidelines) that are critical to the delivery of the centre of excellence project (e.g. public toilets, car parking)?

Is a project considered eligible if the applicant is utilising the funds to purchase equity in a project?

Looking at the sample application, it appears applicants need contributions from federal or state governments. Is that correct?

Is the 50% financial co-contribution based on estimated total project cost or grant amount requested?

Can the 50% financial co-contribution required from the applicant include multiple partners? As well as a partner which may be ineligible to apply themselves?

How do I demonstrate that a Development Application is not required for the project? Is a letter from my CEO enough or do I need a letter from our local Council?

There are some restrictions as to what the grant money can be used for – given applicants are required to co-fund 50%, do the same restrictions apply to money applicants are co-funding?

What is the evidence required for the co-contribution?

If the project is subject to fraud, corruption or negligence, what should I do?