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Adelaide University Sport and Fitness (AUSF) provides grants and funding throughout the year to affiliated clubs to assist them to achieve their goals.

Grants available in 2026

Note: AUSF are using a multi-page survey for applications in 2026, rather than a single-page. Key difference to commence your application you must login using your personal credentials. You can complete your submission over multiple visits, and will receive an email with link to your submission so that you can come back at any time to complete the application before the due date.

Stream
Detail
Strategic Purpose Fund

Applications closed: Tuesday 27 January 2026

Applications assessed and notified: End of February

 

The Strategic Purpose Fund supports large-scale initiatives that assist clubs to grow and achieve strategic objectives aligned with Adelaide University Sport & Fitness (AUSF), Adelaide University, and individual club strategic plans.

  • Total funding pool: $160,000
  • Maximum grant per club: $40,000
  • Maximum allocation to salaries/human resources: $25,000

Note: AUSF retains oversight of all club employment contracts and may employ staff directly, seconding them to clubs where appropriate.

Funding Focus

  • New or existing projects aligned with strategic priorities
  • Upskilling of club administrators and leaders
  • Workforce support (seasonal or fixed-term) for strategic initiatives
  • Student membership growth
  • Delivery of programs with shared strategic value (club, AUSF, AU)
  • Governance and strategy (e.g. consultants, legal support)
  • Inclusion and diversity initiatives (particularly international student engagement)
  • Membership retention and churn reduction
  • Partnerships with Adelaide University faculties and departments
  • High school engagement initiatives
  • Uniforms and merchandise aligned with AUSF branding (where not yet implemented)

Exclusions

  • Individual payments (e.g. match payments) and sporting equipment
  • Medical expenses
  • Affiliation and membership fees
  • Projects with less than 50% club contribution
  • Projects aligned to other AUSF funding streams (e.g. coaching/officiating, capital equipment)
High Performance Pathways

Applications closed: Tuesday 27 January 2026

Applications assessed and notified: End of February

This stream supports clubs with established high-performance programs to enhance the development and success of athletes, coaches, officials, and teams.

  • Total funding pool: $140,400
  • Maximum grant per club: $20,000

Eligibility Criteria

Clubs must:

  • Compete in the highest available league for their level or demonstrate a clear high-performance pathway for their teams or athletes
  • Provide clear supporting documentation outlining the proposed use of funds

Funding Focus

  • Coaching contracts and coach development
  • Strength & conditioning (S&C) and sport science support
  • Access to S&C and recovery services (e.g. Fitness Hub)
  • Match-day medical support
  • Player development and education programs
  • Mentoring (players, coaches, S&C staff)
  • Performance analysis (e.g. video software)
  • Wellbeing programs

Priority will be given to applications that utilise AUSF/Adelaide University facilities, staff, and resources.

Exclusions

  • Individual payments and sporting equipment
  • Affiliation and membership fees
  • Projects with less than 50% club contribution
  • Projects aligned to other AUSF funding streams (e.g. administration, capital equipment)
Innovation & Engagement

Round 1 - Applications closed: Sunday 1 March

Round 2

Applications closed: Sunday 31 May 2026

Applications assessed and notified: End of June

This is a funding opportunity aimed at shaping the future of sport, fitness and active recreation at Adelaide University. It invites AUSF clubs to present innovative project proposals that enhance engagement in sporting experiences for our students and wider community. Clubs have the chance to pilot new initiatives aligned with our strategic goals. Apply now to unlock new possibilities, create impactful sports experiences, and contribute to an inclusive and thriving campus culture.

Total funding pool: $50,000

Terms & Conditions

Clubs must demonstrate:

  • A minimum 20% financial contribution OR
  • Capacity to generate at least 20% of the total project cost through revenue

Funding Focus

  • New initiatives with strategic value (Club, AUSF & AU)
  • Student membership growth
  • Inclusion and diversity programs
  • Membership retention initiatives
  • Partnerships with Adelaide University Colleges and departments
  • High school engagement

Exclusions

  • Projects aligned to other AUSF funding streams (e.g. coaching/officiating, capital equipment)
  • Existing business as usual for the club e.g. Social Sport competitions that have already been running in previous years
  • Primarily social events e.g. Meet & Greet BBQ, Trivia Night
Major Capital Equipment

Round 1 - Applications closed: Tuesday 27 January 2026

Applications assessed and notified: End of February

Round 2

Applications closed: Sunday 31 May 2026

Applications assessed and notified: End of June

This funding stream supports the purchase of high-cost equipment and infrastructure

  • Total funding pool: $60,000

Funding Structure

  • 20% provided as a cash grant
  • 80% provided as an interest-free loan
  • Repayment terms based on equipment lifespan

Exclusions

·       Maintenance on existing equipment
Small Equipment

Round 1

Applications closed: Sunday 1 March

Round 2 

Applications closed: Sunday 31 May 2026

Applications assessed and notified: End of June

 

Supports one-off purchases of minor equipment that contribute to club sustainability and growth.

  • Total funding pool: $15,000 ($7,500 per round)
  • Maximum grant per club: $1,500

Funding Focus

  • Durable equipment owned by the club
  • Administrative, operational, or sport-specific equipment

Exclusions

  • Individually owned equipment
  • Consumables (e.g. training or match balls)

Note: Clubs funded in Round 1 are not eligible for Round 2.

 
Venue Subsidy

2026 allocations set by AUSF

 

Allocation: Determined by AUSF (no application required)

The Venue Subsidy supports costs of hiring external facilities for training and competition for clubs unable to access an AUSF or AU venue.

  • Total funding pool: $28,000

Funding Focus

  • Venue hire for training and competition
  • Priority given to clubs with >50% student participation

Exclusions

  • Venue hire for social events
  • Programs primarily involving juniors or the general public

Funding is allocated via direct consultation with clubs.

 

 

Requirements for funding

AUSF requires clubs to meet off-field governance requirements to be eligible for funding.

Clubs must:

  • Return and be compliant with their affiliation agreement (including receipt of minutes from Annual General Meeting, annual Financial Year Report/Statement).

  • Meet minimum student membership percentage requirements (student membership data is verified by Adelaide University for current enrolment).

  • Have good financial standing with AUSF (no outstanding invoices, outstanding grant acquittals).

  • Provide up-to-date membership reporting (if not using AUSF CRM).

  • Ensure all coaches, officials, and office bearers are registered in AUSF CRM.

  • Provide completion evidence of AUSF online induction by office bearers.

  • Provide WWCCs for coaches, officials, and office bearers as a minimum.

student membership percentage - ASSESSMENT
Percentage
Eligibility
0-49%
INELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Clubs below 50% are encouraged to apply for funding and strongly recommend to include an action plan demonstrating how the club will achieve 50% as part of the application.
50-100%
FULLY FUNDED

Will receive approved funds on receipt of tax invoice for costs 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026. Subject to grants program listed below and nature of project, the payment of grant may occur in quarterly instalments or in full.

 

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP PERCENTAGE - Census Dates
 
Orientation Week
Census Date
Semester 1
 W/C 9 February 2026 27 March 2026
Semester 2
 W/C 20 July 2026 4 September 2026


In addition to the above Census dates, club membership data is reviewed monthly for Membership Dashboard reporting for the AUSF Board.

External GRANT Opportunities

These grants are funded and administered by associations outside of Adelaide University Sport and Fitness and Adelaide University.

Please check eligibility requirements prior to proceeding and ensure that your grant request meets the intention of the grant.