Category 1 supports projects and/or services that contribute to the welfare and broader social fabric of the local community and are aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged people.

Eligible activities include:
Community Welfare & Social Services
• Aged care, disability, and youth services
• Domestic and family violence support
• Family assistance programs
• Volunteer emergency services (e.g. Surf Life Saving, Rural Fire Service)
Community Development
• Community education and capacity building programs
Community Health Services
• Child and family health services
• Community mental health programs
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health initiatives
Employment Assistance
• Group training and employment support programs

For a full list of eligible Category 1 expenditure, refer to the ClubGRANTS guidelines.

• Opening date: 1 March 2026
• Closing date: 31 May 2026
• Assessment period: June 2026
• Notification of outcomes: July 2026
• Payment of grant funding: By 31 August 2026
• Project delivery period: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027

1. Confirm your eligibility
Review the ClubGRANTS guidelines to ensure your project meets Category 1 criteria and funding priorities. Previous recipients must complete all required reporting in the ClubGRANTS portal before submitting a new application. The examples of past funded projects (below) provide an indication of the scale, impact and budget range of the funding. Or speak with the Grants Administration Officer if you need guidance.
2. Submit your application online
Apply via the ClubGRANTS website. If your postcode returns no results, increase the search radius or use the Bega postcode 2550. Ensure all sections of the application are completed clearly and accurately, as missing information may delay assessment or affect eligibility. The ClubGRANTS Application Guide outlines general requirements and basic troubleshooting.

The following organisations have previously received ClubGRANTS funding for projects that support community wellbeing across the Bega Valley.
2025 Category 1 funding:
• Marine Rescue Bermagui – Replacement of batteries to maintain 24/7 marine radio and rescue coverage: $5,647
• Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services – Establishment of a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice in partnership with the University of Wollongong Bega campus: $23,500
                           Supported in part by Eden Sports & Recreation Club
• Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service – Expansion of a community-led domestic and family violence prevention plan: $18,590
                           Supported in part by Eden Sports & Recreation Club
• Marine Rescue Eden – Upgrade of ageing computers to improve rescue coordination and vessel monitoring: $3,000
                           Support by Eden Sports & Recreation Club
• Connections Plus Australia – Inclusive recreational activities supporting social inclusion for people with disability: $7,332
• Sapphire Life Opportunities – Establishment of a soup kitchen providing free hot meals from a food trailer in Merimbula: $25,000
• Pearls Place – Hosting a Christmas lunch for individuals experiencing long-term disadvantage: $1,800
• Pambula Surf Life Saving Club – Purchase of essential equipment for nippers, the Same Wave program, and Bronze Medallion trainees: $14,725
• Burragate Rural Fire Brigade – Installation of floor coverings in the fire shed (a designated Neighbourhood Safer Place) to improve its use as a community shelter: $1,260
• The Women’s Resource Centre – Professional driving lessons to support women’s independence, employability, and community participation: $6,025
• Bega Valley Meals on Wheels – Establishment of a mobile seniors café to support social connection and engagement: $5,000
• Directions Health – Harm minimisation education for marginalised youth impacted by substance use: $5,000
                           Supported by Eden Sports & Recreation Club
• St Vincent de Paul Society – Gifts for children and Christmas food hampers for individuals and families experiencing disadvantage: $9,000
• Parkinson’s NSW – Community Education Seminar for people living with Parkinson’s, their families, and caregivers: $3,746

Additional Information for Category 1
• Reporting and accountability requirements apply to all funded projects.
• Refer to the ClubGRANTS guidelines for wider program objectives.
• Apply via the ClubGRANTS website
• The ClubGRANTS Application Guide outlines general requirements and basic troubleshooting.

Contact
For enquiries about ClubGRANTS in the Bega Valley, please contact:
Jayde Rankin
Grants Administration Officer
Email: BegaValleyClubGRANTS@gmail.com

Category 2 funding supports a broader range of community activities that do not fall under Category 1.
Category 2 contributions may support:
• Community welfare or social services
• Community development initiatives
• Community or professional sporting organisations
Category 2 funding isn’t only about cash contributions — many participating clubs also offer inkind support, which can be just as valuable for community organisations.
Projects must align with the ClubGRANTS Guidelines and be delivered by notforprofit organisations. Inkind support is offered at the discretion of each club.

Category 2 funds are provided directly by local clubs and are available throughout the year, offering flexibility for emerging needs and smaller-scale initiatives.

Category 2 applications are managed directly by individual clubs, not through the local committee process.
1. Contact your local club Eden Sports & Recreation Club Grants Administrator at tourism@esrc.com.au
2. Prepare your project information Ensure your organisation is notforprofit and that your project aligns with eligible Category 2 activities.
3. Submit directly to the club Clubs assess applications independently and may provide funding promptly depending on available resources.
2025 Category 2 funding
Financial:
• Cash Donations – Helping clubs enhance and maintain high-quality services during their annual seasons
In-kind:
• Venue hire Access to club rooms, meeting spaces, function areas, or outdoor facilities at no cost or reduced cost.
• Catering and hospitality Provision of food, beverages, or catering services for community events, volunteer functions, or training sessions.
• Equipment and resources Use of club-owned equipment such as marquees, tables, chairs, audiovisual equipment, or event infrastructure.
• Promotional support Assistance with promoting community initiatives through club newsletters, noticeboards, social media, or digital screens.
• Volunteer or staff assistance Support from club staff or volunteers for community events, fundraising activities, or program delivery.
• Prizes or goods Donation of vouchers, merchandise, or items for raffles, community events, or fundraising activities.

• Eden Golf Club – Cash donation to support the Mens and Ladies Annual Golf Opens: $1000
• Eden Whalers AFL Club – Cash donation to support their 2025 Club year: $2,000
• Eden Killer Whalers Soccer Club – Cash donation to support their 2025 Club year: $2,000
• 2SEA Radio – In-Kind donation of free room hire to hold their regular meetings
• Eden Trail Blazers – In-Kind donation of a golf package as a raffle prize for their annual fundraising function
• Giiyong Festival – In-Kind donation of use of our 8-seater golf cart to assist with transporting visitors around their festival
• Eden Bowls Club – In-Kind donations of prizes for their yearly Twilight Bowls

Additional Information for Category 2
• Reporting and accountability requirements apply to all funded projects.
• Refer to the ClubGRANTS guidelines for wider program objectives.