Frequently Asked Questions

The COVID-19 Cross Border Sport Fund is part of the NSW Government’s Community Sport Recovery Package 2021, specifically targeting NSW border grassroot clubs and associations that have been impacted by COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Cross Border Sports Fund (the Fund) will support NSW based clubs and associations that are affiliated with a state level sporting organisation or association recognised in another State/Territory, that are not eligible to receive funding under the Grassroots Sport Fund. This is restricted to those clubs and associations that are affiliated to an interstate organisation that is the equivalent of a SSO or SSOD recognised by the NSW Government or National body where a unitary structure applies. The type of sport must be recognised in NSW.

• the local club or association must be a legal entity and have been affiliated with a state level sporting organisation or association recognised in another jurisdiction (State/Territory), including NSOs for with a unitary structure, before 26 June 2021;
• the local club or association must be based in NSW;
• the local club or association must have registered members and participants;
• the local club, association or organisation must be a legal entity whose primary purpose is to organise sporting activities / deliver sport programs;
• if the local club or association is a school it must offer programs to the public;
• the club or association must deliver programs for one of the sports listed in Appendix A of the Program guidelines
• the club or association has not already received funding from the Office of Sport or a NSW SSO/SSOD under a COVID 19 grants since 1 July 2021; and
• the local club or association will use the payment for an approved purpose.

Yes, the COVID-19 Cross Border Sports Fund (the Fund) will support NSW based clubs and associations that are affiliated with a state level sporting organisation or association recognised in another State/Territory, that were not eligible to receive funding under the Grassroots Sport Fund.

No. Only clubs and associations affiliated with an SSO or SSOD in another jurisdiction as of 26 June 2021 are eligible for payments under the Fund.

Each legal entity is only eligible for one payment, regardless of the number of sports or teams it supports. 

Licenced sport clubs are eligible to receive one COVID-19 Cross Border Sport Fund payment providing the ‘sub-club’ meets other eligibility criteria and the payment is used to benefit the sport.

If sporting clubs/associations are incorporated or registered in their own right and have a separate ABN/Incorporation number to their licensed premises, they are eligible to apply 

If your organisation is not a separate legal entity to the SSO/SSOD, it will not be eligible. 

• Applying for the Cross Border Sport Fund is a simple process using the SmartyGrants platform
• You can download a copy of the application form from the SmartyGrants website prior to commencing your application
• Visit the Program website sport.nsw.gov. au/grants/cross-border-sport-fund read the FAQs and further information about this Program
• Submit the application by the closing date/ time of 1pm Monday 28 February 2022

The Office for Sport suggests that it’s good practice to complete the application in SmartyGrants prior to the closing time and date. The applicant is responsible for ensuring they have adequate technical capability, including sufficient bandwidth, to complete the application in SmartyGrants.

If it is clear that for some unforeseen reason you are not able to lodge your application on time, you must contact the Office of Sport at the earliest possible time prior to the Closing Date and Time

You can search for Incorporation Numbers via the NSW Incorporated Associations Register

You can search for ABNs and ACNs via the Australian Business Register

The maximum amount each eligible club and association can receive will be up to $1,000, provided it is for an approved purpose. 

COVID-19 Cross Border Sport Fund payments to clubs and associations can be used for costs such as:

Fixed costs

• insurances
• power
• telephone and internet
• fixed vehicle or equipment costs (lease, registration)
• other base operating costs including affiliation fees, EFTPOS and banking fees and IT support arrangements.

Irrecoverable costs

• the loss of perishable goods (e.g. food) that were not able to be used
• cancellation fees and charges (e.g. facility/coach/officials) that were not refunded
• booking cancellations that were not refunded
• other costs and losses incurred that could not be reasonably avoided and were not recovered
• 2020/21 registration fees that are not refunded from the relevant SSO for senior players (this does not apply to juniors who have used the Active Kids vouchers)
• uniforms purchased for the 2020/21 season that are unable to be used for a future season.

Return to sport costs

• marketing and communication expenses for the current or upcoming season
• essential equipment (including sport equipment and equipment required to implement COVID-19 Safety Plans)
• uniforms for the current or upcoming season
• subsidised registration fees for senior players (this does not apply to juniors who are able to access the Active Kids vouchers).

Note: Any individual ‘return to sport costs’ applied for and funded under this program will be ineligible to be funded under the Local Sport Grant Program for the same cost type.

Yes, as long as the funding received from the COVID-19 Cross Border Sport Fund is spent on an approved purpose that has not already been covered by the funds provided in the Small Business Grant.