Industry Partnership Program


These guidelines provide details for Category 1 and 2 state sport and active recreation organisations wishing to apply for an ACT Government investment from the Industry Partnership Program (IPP).

The program is designed to allow the ACT Government to invest in innovative, collaborative and co-investment projects with SSOs who demonstrate high levels of capacity and capability to deliver identified projects which are assessed as scalable and sustainable.

The IPP will be administered via 3-year funding agreements that support significant “game changing” projects (either individually or in partnership) that assist in the achievement of the strategic priorities within the Sport and Recreation Strategy 2023-2028 CBR Next Move.

Program Guidelines

Industry Partnership Program (IPP) - Funding Guidelines

Important Dates

Applications Closed Midday, Friday 15 March 2024

Outcomes Advised - May 2024

Funding Overview

ACT State Sport Organisations (SSOs) and State Active Recreation Organisations that have been categorised through the SSO Categorisation as either a Category 1 or Category 2 organisation are eligible to apply for an investment from the IPP.

If you are unsure of your categorisation please contact Sport and Recreation.

The IPP will be administered via 3-year funding agreements that support significant “game changing” projects (either individually or in partnership) that assist in the achievement of the strategic priorities within the CBR Next Move Sport and Recreation Strategy 2023 - 2028.

The program is designed to allow the ACT Government to invest in innovative, collaborative and co-investment projects with SSOs who demonstrate high levels of capacity and capability to deliver identified projects which are assessed as scalable and sustainable.

Programs working in partnership, must be able to provide documentation that clearly demonstrates the other organisation is contributing to the development and delivery of the project.

The program does not allow funding recipients to use funds for operational / business as usual activities, or other day to day business costs, but funding can be used to source project specific specialist human and/or technical resources.

Funding is dependent on category classification.

Category 1

State Sporting Organisations

Maximum annual instalment of $125,000

Minimum annual instalment of $35,000

Example: an applicant may request up to $125,000 in year one, up to $125,000 in year two, and up to $125,000 in year three – for a total of $375,000

Category 2

State Sporting Organisations

Maximum annual instalment of $85,000

Minimum annual instalment of $35,000

Example: an applicant may request up to $85,000 in year one, up to $85,000 in year two, and up to $85,000 in year three – for a total of $255,000

All Organisations are required to provide a minimum 25% financial co-investment of the total 3-year IPP amount requested.

Example: for an organisation requesting a total 3-year amount of $375,000 through the IPP, the level of co-investment towards the project would start from $93,750.

All organisations must submit a comprehensive project proposal including any supporting material via SmartyGrants online application management system.

Project proposals will be assessed against the following criteria:

Project Description and Objectives

  • Clarity of project goals and objectives – how is it “game changing”.
  • An innovative approach to addressing the identified issue or problem.
  • Feasibility and relevance of project implementation plan.
  • The potential impact of the project on the target population or community.
  • Demonstrates ability to measure and evaluate impact.

Alignment with Strategic Plan

Demonstrate how the proposed initiative:

  • aligns with one (or more) strategic priorities identified in CBR Next Move
  • aligns with key priorities in your organisations strategic plan or development plan.

Timelines and budget

  • A realistic budget that includes all necessary expenses.
  • A realistic timeframe that meets program requirements regarding project commencement and completion dates.

Capacity, capability, and partnerships

  • Demonstrates readiness, capacity, expertise, and skills to deliver project outcomes and achieve success. This may include the formation of relevant partnerships and/or collaborations with relevant stakeholders.

Sustainability and Scalability

  • The likelihood of the project continuing and having a lasting impact after the funding period.
  • Demonstrates how the proposed initiative could be adapted to a bigger scale.

Step 1: Check your eligibility

  • Before you apply, please read the guidelines to make sure you understand all relevant requirements.
  • Applications including all support material, must be made through the online SmartyGrants portal to be considered eligible.
  • Contact your Sport and Recreation to discuss your application and receive the application link.

Step 2: Prepare your application

  • Applying for the SOSP is a simple process using the SmartyGrants Platform.
  • An online help guide can be found here: Help Guide for Applicants (smartygrants.com.au)
  • It is recommended that applicants familiarise themselves with the online application form ahead of preparing the application and gather supporting documentation ahead of the closing date. You can download a copy of the application form prior to commencing your application.
  • It is expected that the time required to coordinate the quotes, support letters, and other relevant attachments required can take in excess of 10+ hours. Sport and Recreation suggest that applicants take this into consideration when planning to submit an application.

Step 3: Submit your application

  • Complete the application by filling in each of the sections.
  • Submit the application before the closing date and time.
  • Successful submissions will be issued with a SmartyGrants system generated acknowledgement email containing a PDF copy of the application which will confirm the time the application was submitted.