Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund is a simple process using the SmartyGrants platform: sport.smartygrants.com.au/MSCFF-2022-23. You can download a copy of the application form from the SmartyGrants website prior to commencing your application.

Before you apply, please read the guidelines and related materials including the 2022/2023 application checklist to make sure you understand all relevant requirements. You can find the relevant information here: sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/multi-sport-community-facility-fund.

Applications must be lodged by 1pm on Friday 2 September 2022, via the SmartyGrants website.

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

No. The focus of the Fund is on facility projects that provide benefits to the community, not solely school students. Whilst educational organisations such as schools, TAFEs and universities are not eligible applicants, we encourage partnerships with these organisations and other partners such as sport organisations to provide the community with access to sporting facilities. A project between an eligible applicant e.g., council and a public school using the Joint Use Facility Agreement developed by School Infrastructure NSW would be an eligible project. The eligible applicant e.g., council would need to be the applicant under the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

NSW Department of Education operated specialist sports high schools are eligible applicants under the program guidelines 2022/2023.

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

No. Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified at the same time. Outcomes of applications under the Fund are expected to be advised from November 2022.

The grant amount requested by an applicant must be a minimum of $1 million and cannot exceed $5 million.

It is based on the grant amount requested.

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 grant amount requested. Financial hardship applications are to be made through the application process.

Example

If an applicant’s grant amount requested is $2 million, they must demonstrate at least a $1 million financial co-contribution (or demonstrate financial hardship).

Yes. Applicants 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 grant amount requested or submit a hardship application.

No, the contribution must be a financial contribution.

No. The financial co-contribution must be a financial contribution of 50% of the grant amount requested.

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

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

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.

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 grant amount requested. 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 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 Multi-Sport Community Facility 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.

• Multi-Sport Community Facility project estimated total project cost: $5 million
• Applicant’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund grant amount request: $5 million
• The minimum expected funding co-contribution required by the applicant based on the 50% co-contribution of the grant amount requested required under the Fund’s guidelines: $2.5 million 
• Applicant’s proposed Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund 50% funding co-contribution of the grant amount requested: $0
• Applicant’s Financial Hardship Form submission: To seek exemption from the 50% minimum co-contribution of the grant amount requested. 

The applicant is not able to provide a minimum 50% co-contribution ($2.5 million) of grant amount requested ($5 million) and will submit a financial hardship application seeking an exemption from the co-contribution requirement. Total project cost $5 million.

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

• Multi-Sport Community Facility total project cost: $7.5 million
• Applicant’s Multi-Sport Community Facility funding amount request: $5 million
• The minimum co-contribution required by the applicant based on the 50% co-contribution of the grant amount requested required under the Fund’s guidelines: $2.5 million 
• Applicant’s proposed Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund 50% funding co-contribution of the grant amount requested: $0
• Applicant’s financial hardship application submission: To seek an additional $2.5 million from the NSW Government to ensure the project is fully funded.  

The applicant is requesting that the NSW Government provide $2.5 million towards the project in addition to the $5 million 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 $7.5 million.

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

1. Strategic justification
2. Project scope and inclusive design
3. Project affordability
4. Project deliverability and applicant capability.

Assessment criteria is detailed in the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund Guidelines and Fact sheet.

An example would be new and upgraded provision of disability access and universally designed amenities that are beyond compliant and provide dignified inclusion in sport participation. Refer to eligible projects in the Program Guidelines.

One of the primary objectives of the Fund is to support the equitable provision of, and access to multi-sport facilities that address barriers and grow participation for women and girls.

There is an expectation that facilities are universally designed and functional facilities for women and girls that have been co-designed with women and girls, are safe, accessible, welcoming environments and fit-for-purpose. Where possible and appropriate, projects should lead to additional participation and program content/scheduling for women and girls and/or improved inclusiveness. For further information refer to the Office of Sport’s Women in Sport Strategy, Her Sport Her Way and the program guidelines.

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

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

The Fund does not require a Cost Benefit Ratio greater than one. All applications should address the publicly available assessment criteria and will be assessed against the criteria.

The assessment of applications under the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund is in accordance with the Program Guidelines and supporting documentation, which are publicly available. Grant programs are a competitive process, and it is essential that an applicant provides a thorough application that clearly addresses all the eligibility and assessment criteria.

No. Projects that provide letters of support from the relevant National/State Sporting Organisation will be considered favourably. As part of the merit assessment for strategic alignment the Grant Assessment Panel will consider demonstrated project need, support and alignment from National/State and local sporting organisations. Where the facility provides for a number of sports, a letter from each State/National/Local Sporting Organisation can be provided.

However, to demonstrate project need support letters can also be provided by MPs, councils, schools and community groups where available.

A sample template for NSO/SSO support is available on the website. An NSO/SSO Statement of Support demonstrates project need, support and alignment for projects.  However, community clubs and associations letters of support can also be provided for all projects. Refer to: SSO Statement of Support Form Template.

Yes. All 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. A template Landowner Consent Form is available on the Fund web page.

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. However having Development Application Approval (where required) assists to demonstrate the project is ready to be delivered. Where a Development Application (DA) would be required by a council, it must be evidenced as part of the application.

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). The project must be able to commence construction works by July 2023.

A letter from your CEO is not sufficient to demonstrate that a Development Application 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 Development Application and obtain a letter from Council that states their advice. For further advice please contact infrastructuregrants@sport.nsw.gov.au.

Physical onsite works that are part of the construction 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.

Routine or cyclical maintenance projects are not eligible projects. New and/or upgraded project elements that demonstrate sustainable solution are eligible, including:

• energy efficiencies (e.g.: LED lighting upgrade)
• environmental sustainability (solar installation, water harvesting)
• building facilities/surfaces for increased longevity and use (synthetic upgrades) are part of an eligible project scope.

No. Packaged up projects will only be accepted if integrated into the multi-sport community facility that include multiple facility components and are proposed to be delivered within a sporting precinct/site. An eligible example may include the construction of new facility clubhouse and field upgrade at the same site.

Only if it is part of the same sport precinct/sports hub/master plan at the same site location. Providing new or upgraded lighting across multiple sport sites will not be eligible.

Projects that can deliver a functional, flexible, and future proof facility (e.g., multi-sport/use facility components) that will cater for more than one sport or demonstrate a commitment to build partnerships with other sporting codes or user groups for facility usage.

Projects may include facility design layout that can provide social, competitive and event offerings to multiple beneficiaries. Examples may include multi-sport indoor facilities that provide for a range of sports and local needs, and clubhouses and amenities and multi-sport upgrades and resurfacing that support increased use for multiple sports and/or multiple beneficiaries (including school/community group use).

Yes. Multi-sport disciplines are considered multi-sport.

Inclusive design keeps the diversity and uniqueness of each individual 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:

Design for Dignity Guidelines

NSW Government Architects

NSW Government Architects - Urban Design for Regional NSW

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. Refer to https://www.and.org.au/data/Design_ for Dignity/Design_for_Dignity_Guidelines_ Aug_2016.pdf

Clubrooms could incorporate amenities such as change rooms, toilets, administration space, meeting rooms, canteen, strength and conditioning facilities, storage and provide a central, meeting base for a sporting club and local community. Universally designed clubrooms can contribute to a successful project to the benefit of the sporting club and local sporting precinct.

Yes. Applications that demonstrate multi-sport new or significantly improved walking, running or off-road cycling trails that are an integral component of the sporting precinct are eligible. Fixed outdoor exercise equipment is eligible if co-located and integrated into a sport facility development and has potential for multi-sport users.

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

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

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

Yes. Applicants can submit up to three (3) applications, with each requesting up to $5 million per round. The applicant can advise of their project priority ranking through the application form. As part of the assessment process projects will then be assessed in line with the Guidelines.

Yes. 

Physical construction works must commence by July 2023 and projects are expected to be completed by 31 December 2025.

All successful applicants will receive detailed information about how they must acknowledge NSW Government funding for infrastructure projects. Projects funded by the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund will typically require a statement of funding acknowledgment in the applicant’s annual reports and media releases; and a statement 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.

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.

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