There is a Special Initiatives category of funding within the State Development Program 2017-2019, with sub-categories of Strategic Projects, Indigenous Sport [and Recreation] Grants, and Championship Events. However, the Special Initiative category funding will only be made available to organisations who are successful in applying for the core Organisational Support category funding. So, again, it is important that any eligible organisations apply for this funding program.

With the Olympic Games on our doorstep and the Commonwealth Games around the corner, the Queensland Government is working with over 70 state sport and recreation organisations to fund more than $30 million over three years to increase Queenslanders’ participation in sport and recreation.

Treasurer and Minister for Sport Curtis Pitt said this was a $3 million boost over the next three years, specifically allocated to special initiatives targeting Indigenous sports participation, regional championships and strategic projects.

“I’m thrilled to announce the State Development Program 2017-2019 today which will officially open on Thursday 21 July 2016 for funding applications,” Mr Pitt said

“The program includes $30.6 million over three years, with $27.6 million of that allocated to organisational development component and $3 million allocated to special initiative categories.

“Queensland has always been a leader in the amount of support provided to state level organisations and we’re confident this budget will allow for significant opportunities for Queenslanders to get involved in sport and recreation.

“The new State Development Program 2017-2019 will be a key investment in the sport and recreation industry and included an increase in funds from the prior Queensland Sport and Recreation Industry Development Program 2014-2016.

The core organisation support component includes:

• An increased focus on governance, while retaining priorities on participation and grassroots service delivery.
• An introduction of simpler arrangement for smaller State Level Organisations run by volunteers with less than 200 full active members and service delivery in less than four regions.
• Consolidation of various grant funding opportunities available to State Level Organisations.

There are 3 new special initiative categories, including:

1. Indigenous sport grants – $1.8 million allocated to deliver targeted sports programs in Indigenous communities.
2. Regional championships – $630,000 allocated to increase the number of state and national events held outside of South East Queensland.
3. Strategic projects – $600,000 allocated to support innovative activities that enhance sport or active recreation.

Funding application details are available from State Development Program