While there are many things your organisation can do on your own, collaborating with strategic partners (other than existing partners and sponsors) can help you gain access to more resources, skills and connections. These partnerships will help you to grow your existing activities, skill sets and capabilities and identify what else you can do to keep the momentum going.
Here are some examples of the benefits of strategic partnerships:
- A strategic partnership with decision makers such as local councilors or Members of Parliament may assist in contributing or obtaining resources or funding to make your facilities more welcoming to everyone.
- Connecting with a local law firm may provide support to help review and revise your policies at no cost (refer to Policies and Practice section).
- Your increased focus on supporting people from diverse backgrounds could open doors to new sponsorship or partnership opportunities, and there may be a range of local businesses that would be interested in supporting your organisation beyond your existing sponsor base.
You might want to search for organisations that offer Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, pro-bono work or corporate workplace giving programs designed to benefit community organisations.
Resources and grants
Sometimes a little extra money will help you to accelerate the activities that support participation by people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Many local, State and Federal government organisations offer grants to sporting organisations to assist at grassroots level. These grants may focus on participation, facilities, education or leadership. To ensure you are in the loop on these opportunities, you are encouraged to sign up to newsletters from Sport and Recreation Victoria, VicHealth, State Sporting Associations, Vicsport or your local council.
VicHealth provides funding through the Active Club Grants Program and the Innovation Challenge: Sport.
Sport and Recreation Victoria often offer a range of grants for the Victorian sport sector.