The Australian Sports Commission is strengthening the pipeline of board-ready women leaders to drive more inclusive decision making across the sector.
The Equity Governance Grant is open to all women with priority given to women from underrepresented groups to access high quality governance development opportunities and progress into meaningful leadership and board roles.
Part of the ASC's long-standing Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) initiative, the grant builds on more than two decades of investment in developing women leaders and supporting sporting organisations to create inclusive, equitable environments.
Women can apply for up to $10,000 in funding with a total pool of $120,000 available.
Minister for Sport Anika Wells said the grant was a crucial step in ensuring First Nations women, women with disability, and those in regional and remote communities could access leadership development opportunities.
"Diverse leadership brings broader perspectives and stronger connections within the communities sport serves, which in turn leads to better decision-making," she said.
"By investing in women leaders today, the Australian Government is helping to strengthen the future of Australian sport for generations to come."
ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the initiative reinforces the ASC's commitment to advancing gender equity across the sector.
"By prioritising women who have historically been excluded from leadership pathways, this grant will help unlock new perspectives and support organisations to build more inclusive, future-ready boards," he said.
Alongside individual grants, organisations can apply for WLIS funding to strengthen the policies, systems and cultures that drive gender equity.
This round will focus on initiatives that address systemic barriers and deliver meaningful, lasting change for women and girls in sport.
A total of $170,000 is available for organisations, with grants of up to $15,000 each.
Previous recipient Basketball Victoria used the funding to deliver its Calling on the Court project, a full-day workshop supporting women to build the skills and confidence to pursue basketball commentary.
"With amateur leagues becoming increasingly visible, there is a growing need for commentators to cover live-streamed games, roles that have traditionally been filled by all-male commentary teams," Basketball Victoria Women and Girls Participation Manager Leah Swain said.
"This grant enabled us to deliver a project that amplifies the voices of women in our sport. Without this grant, the project could not have gone ahead."
Managed by the ASC and funded by the Australian Government, WLIS has supported more than 28,000 women and over 800 sporting organisations since 2002.
Expressions of interest for both the WLIS Equity Governance Grants and Organisation Grants close on 15 May.
Visit the WLIS website for information on eligibility and application criteria.
