![](https://www.tennis.com.au/sa/files/2016/02/Tennis-Cares-1024x450-700x450.jpg)
We are thrilled to announce a new Community Grant Program for all affiliated clubs to have an opportunity to apply for. Tennis Cares is the national initiative for social change in our communities. Now, more than ever, is the time for tennis to provide a social contribution that extends well beyond the court.
The Tennis Cares mission is to provide pathways and programs for young people in schools and families to contribute to a vibrant community through the sport, with tennis–related activities.
The new Tennis Cares Community Grant will support projects that demonstrate how tennis can have a positive impact in communities across Australia. Specifically, applications will be considered for local projects that support children and youth.
Value of Grants
Grants of $1000-$5000 will be provided to deliver practical projects that engage the local community. Recipients will have up to one year to complete their project and will be required to complete an evaluation report. The first round will involve a maximum pool of $50,000. Due to the sum of the grant we encourage only those projects where planning is complete and the project is ready to begin.
Objectives (Children & Youth focused)
Projects that are closely aligned with the Tennis Cares aim of developing successful young people (up to 25 years of age) will be considered.
Play – Children & youth facing barriers to accessing tennis will receive benefits including having fun, active and social.
Belong – Children & youth will be supported, valued and feel they belong in their communities and learn to contribute back to their community.
Empower – Develop confident young individuals and help them to be better prepared for success in life.
Priority will be given to projects that address the following imperatives:
- Promote active young people both on and off the court
- Develop confident young people through leadership and life skills
- Encourage young people to give back to their community
- Mentor young people with career pathways and work experience
For example if the project involves tennis participation, it must also address and involve either leadership/life skills, community service, or mentoring/work experience.
Community Grants will have a strong emphasis on reaching underserved communities, including;
- socioeconomic disadvantaged communities;
- Indigenous Australians;
- culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities;
- geographically isolated communities; and
- persons with disabilities.
WHO CAN APPLY?
This grant program is only available to Member Association affiliated clubs.
Application process
The Tennis Cares team has developed a grants management process that includes an online application using SmartyGrants. Clubs will be directed by their relevant Member Association to apply online at https://tennis.smartygrants.com.au/
The application guidelines and link to the application form can be found at http://www.tennis.com.au/about-tennis-australia/charities/tennis-cares.
Assessment process
- Tennis Australia will shortlist applications and then pass them on to the relevant Member Associations for review.
- The review by the Member Association will provide feedback on the merit of the projects as well as club capacity to implement the projects.
- After Member Association evaluation, Tennis Australia and the Member Association will jointly decide on which clubs will be successful in obtaining grants.
- The successful Club will provide an evaluation report to Tennis Australia and the Member Association at the end of the project outlining what the project achieved.
Assessment criteria/weighting
- Evidence of strong project alignment with Tennis Cares objectives – (25%)
- Evidence that there is a strong need for the project in the community – (20%)
- Evidence that the project provides a strong benefit to the community – (20%)
- Evidence of a thoroughly thought through budget – (15%)
- Evidence that the community supports the project – (15%)
- Evidence that the applicant has the capacity to successfully undertake the project – (5%)
Timeline – Key Dates
Applications Open | 9:00am Monday 1st February, 2016 |
Applications Close | 4:00pm Monday 14th March, 2016 |
Assessment | 15th March – End of April 2016 |
Grants Awarded | Mid-Late May 2016 |
Begin Project | Early June 2016 |
Evaluation Due | Friday 30th June, 2017 OR BEFORE |
If you have any further enquiries please don’t hesitate to email [email protected].