Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions Significant Sporting Events Program 2026

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions has opened applications for its Significant Sporting Events Program 2026. This program is a Victorian Government initiative aimed at enhancing the delivery of national and international sporting events in Victoria.

🌟 About the Program

The Significant Sporting Events Program (SSEP) supports event organizers in growing and strengthening Victoria’s reputation for world-class sporting experiences. It also builds capability within the Victorian sporting sector and workforce. The program aims to:

• Promote sport participation.
• Provide pathways for athletes of all abilities.
• Contribute to Victoria’s thriving sporting culture.

🎁 Benefits

The program offers two grant streams:

1. Event Assistance Grant:

   • Up to $20,000 per event per year to offset general operational costs.

2. Event Development Grant:

   • Up to $150,000 per event per year to develop or expand existing events or attract new events delivering significant outcomes for Victoria.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Eligible sporting events must:

• Be delivered in Victoria.
• Be for a sport recognized by the Australian Sports Commission as the National Sporting Organisation for their sport in Australia and listed on the Australian Sports Directory.
• Be nationally or internationally sanctioned by a recognized sporting body and meet the criteria of at least one Event Type as detailed in the program guidelines.
• Occur at least 6 months after the date of the submitted application.
• Offer equal prize money for people of all genders, where prize money is awarded.
• Applications for multi-year events and events subject to a bid process that meet the program criteria are acceptable.

📝 Application Process

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Confirm your event meets eligibility and sanctioning requirements.
2. Select the appropriate grant stream: Event Assistance or Event Development.
3. Prepare an application detailing:
   • Operational needs.
   • Expected outcomes.
   • Alignment with SSEP objectives.
4. Include:
   • A clear budget.
   • Project timeline.
   • Evidence of sanctioning and recognition by relevant sporting authorities.
5. Submit the application at least six months prior to the event date.

📅 Application Deadline

15 February, 2026

🔗 Application Portal

• View more details about the program on the Significant Sporting Events Program Page.
• Apply directly via the Grants Portal.

For more information, visit the official program page or contact the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.

• Event Assistance Grant: Up to $20,000 per event per year to offset general operational costs.
• Event Development Grant: Up to $150,000 per event per year to develop or expand existing events or attract new events delivering significant outcomes for Victoria.