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Sports development program

The Sports Development Program (SDP) is designed to assist eligible State sporting organisations and peak industry bodies to work in partnership with the State Government to develop their sport and recreation activities at all levels in NSW.

This program provides a flexible system of financial support, which responds to the priorities of organisations and is consistent with government policies and priorities.

Key features of the SDP include:

  • Six funding categories for State sporting organisations and five funding categories for peak industry bodies
  • Funding support based on category ranking
  • Three year funding agreements available
  • Project funding available to category 6 sports and a project based component available to category 5 sports.

Who can apply?

NSW State sporting organisations

To be eligible for assistance under the SDP, State sporting organisations must:

  • Be properly constituted
  • Be a 'not for profit' incorporated body*
  • Be truly representative of the sport in NSW with absolute jurisdiction on a state-wide basis
  • Be affiliated with a National sporting organisation that is funded and/or recognised by the Australian Sports Commission
  • Comply with the world anti-doping code as supported by the Australian Sports Commission
  • Be able to demonstrate that they are responsive to and complying with relevant government policies and committed to the development of social justice and gender equity strategies as components of their business plan.
NSW peak industry bodies

Definition of a NSW peak industry body: Bodies that provide a specific function such as education, promoting equity, improving safety or supporting elite NSW athletes. Activities must be of benefit across a wide range of sports or to a distinct industry sector (sport, community recreation, outdoor recreation and fitness) and the organisation must have coverage of their service/function across the entire state.

To be eligible for assistance under peak industry bodies organisations must:

  • Be properly constituted
  • Be a 'not for profit' incorporated body*
  • Be the recognised NSW affiliate of the ASC recognised National body
  • Have coverage and influence over the sector/sphere of activity in NSW
  • Be able to demonstrate that they are responsive to complying with relevant government policies and committed to the development of social justice and gender equity strategies as components of their business plan.

*'Not for profit' incorporated body is an independently incorporated constituted organisation which does not distribute profits to shareholders, even though it may be desirable for them to produce surpluses for future working capital or judicious reserves.

How to apply

For sports and peak industry bodies not already recognised for SDP funding

State sporting organisations and peak industry bodies wishing to seek funding assistance under the 2005-2008 Sports Development Program must complete this application form together with the necessary attachments.

NOTE: Sports and peak industry bodies already recognised will have already been contacted by the department and do not need to complete this form.

Guidance notes and application

Further information

For further information about this program, contact us or send an email

Useful links

Related sections