Athlete Funding
Opportunities for athletes to receive funding through SASI, Australian Sports Commission and Local Councils. Check with the providers directly for more information.
The SASI Individual Athlete Program (IAP) grants provide financial assistance to offset the costs associated with high performance training, competition and equipment.
As well as financial assistance, IAP athletes can access performance support based on an annual performance planning needs analysis. This support will be tiered according to the athlete’s sport categorisation level along with their recent performances and future potential at benchmark events*.
Benefits of the IAP scholarship may include:
- Use of SASI facilities and training venues
- Access to sport science and sport medicine expertise
- Athlete wellbeing and engagement support
The IAP is not available to athletes who are scholarship holders in a SASI sport program. Athletes in sports where SASI conducts a program applicable to their age group e.g. National Sporting Organisation National Training Centre (NTC) programs, for the full period of the scholarship, are also ineligible.
*Benchmark events – The highest ranked event each year specific to your sport at the appropriate age and level i.e. World Championships.
The SASI Country Athlete Award (CAA) offers financial assistance to talented junior athletes, who are performing at a national level or on the trajectory to compete at this level within two years in Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Games sports and disciplines. The CAA targets athletes from rural areas to offset expenses that may be incurred in:
- the implementation of a training and competition program;
- travel and accommodation not met by the club, State or National Sporting Organisation;
- the purchase and maintenance of training and competition equipment.
CAA recipients will have demonstrated through their sporting achievements, an outstanding ability to progress to the senior elite level. Athletes who have been identified by the SASI Talent Search Program or a National Talent Identification Program in their sport will also be considered.
The program aims to assist young elite Australians to reach the highest level of their chosen sport by providing financial support and more importantly, unrivalled access to mentoring from a Sport Australia Hall of Fame Member, who may not have necessarily competed in the same sport.
Tier 1 Scholarships are awarded to up to six successful applicants who will receive encouragement and funding for approximately 12-14 months, assisting each Scholarship Holder in reaching the highest level of their chosen sport. Most importantly, each successful recipient will receive unrivalled access to personal one-on-one mentoring from a Sport Australia Hall of Fame Member; surely no greater way to inspire young elite Australian sportspeople to fulfil their potential.
Tier 2 Scholarships are awarded to up to ten successful applicants and Tier 3 Scholarships are awarded to up to 16 successful applicants. Both of these Tiers provide encouragement and funding for approximately 12-14 months, assisting each Scholarship Holder in reaching the highest level of their chosen sport.
The Robert Gerard AO Emerging Athlete Development Fund Inc (RGEADF) was originally established in May 2007. Its charter includes the provision of support to next generation elite athletes, particularly those competing at the Junior/ Under 23 World Championship / International benchmark event. The program typically award grants from $500 annually to successful applicants.
Athletes at the senior level who have not yet consolidated their position on national teams along with athletes with significant financial challenges are also encouraged to apply.
Applications must be sent to RGEADF@sa.gov.au and close on 30 June each year.
The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships.
If successful, applicants will receive $500 - $750 towards the cost of attending their championships.
- Base Grant: $500
- Applicants travelling 800km - 1999km to their nominated championships: +$100
- Applicants travelling internationally or greater than 2000km to their nominated championships: +$200
- Applicants residing in a rural electorate: +$50
Many local councils in South Australia offer financial grants and assistance to athletes in their council areas.
These can range from $50-$500 annually, depending on level of competition and age.
Please check with your local city council in the first instance.
