Sport and Recreation Minister Kevin Greene said the new programs have been revamped to better target the projects that most need help and to reduce back office administration costs.

“The Rees Government is committed to helping young athletes, increasing community participation in sport and providing much needed funds to build, upgrade or repair sporting facilities across the State,” Mr Greene said.

“Increasing participation in sport and recreation is a powerful preventative health strategy.

“That’s why we’ve overhauled the existing sports grants programs to cut red tape for applicants and encourage innovation amongst sporting organisations.

“The new grants are focused squarely on sport development and athlete support, general participation and the development of quality sporting facilities,” he said.

The new programs focus on three key areas:

• Community Involvement in Recreation and Sport – Recognising the community and social values of sport and recreation, this fund supports projects increasing participation and reducing barriers to participation.

• Sport Development and Athlete Pathways – Funding for sports organisations and peak bodies across the State.

• Sport and Recreation Facilities Development – Focused on increasing participation by providing funds to build, repair or upgrade facilities across NSW.

Mr Greene said applications for the Sport and Recreation Participation Program and the Sport and Athlete Development Program will open on November 11, while the Sport and Recreation Facilities Development Program will open in December.

“A major improvement is the introduction of an online application system so people can enter project details on a secure website, though written forms will still be accepted,” he said.

“There are some other major benefits of the new grant programs and the online system, like:

• Streamlined application process;

• Reduced administrative burden on applicants;

• Reduced turn around times; and

• Less funding to administration and back of house support.

The guidelines, sample application forms and information about the online application process for the new funding programs are available on the website www.communities.nsw.gov.au.