Objectives of the Recreation Assistance Program

• To provide financial assistance by way of a dollar for dollar donation to assist and allow the sporting/recreation community to identify and participate in meeting their own needs.
• To encourage sporting/recreation clubs, associations or committees to engage in forward planning and in the identification of priority capital works.
• To address sporting and recreation needs as identified through community consultation, the Gosford City Sports Council, Social Plans, Medium Density Plans and the Open Space & Recreation Strategy Plan.
• To provide funds to sporting/recreation clubs, associations or committees which cannot afford funds from other sources such as State and Federal Grants.
• To reduce Council's expenditure of recurrent funds on capital works projects and items.
• To promote awareness and protection from the sun in recreation activities.

Funding Guidelines

• Funding will be provided on a dollar for dollar basis up to 50% of the total project cost.
• Priority will be given to projects on Council owned or controlled land.
• The provision of materials, and to a lesser extent, voluntary labour is allowed as part of an applicants contribution to the project cost.
• The grant will be administered annually. A report will be submitted to Gosford City Sports Council each year in order that they determine a recommended ranking of projects. All applicants are invited to attend this meeting to provide a brief description of their application. The scheduled time and venue for this meeting will be disclosed on the grant application form.
• Following a ranking by the Gosford City Sports Council, a report will be submitted for Council's consideration.
• Grant funds must be spent by 30 June each year unless prior arrangements have been made with Council, otherwise funding approval will be withdrawn and the funds reallocated.
• Variation to a funded project requires prior approval by the Gosford City Sports Council and Gosford City Council.
• Successful applicants must contact Recreation Services prior to commencement of any works to ensure a risk assessment and OH & S requirements have been completed.
• Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or sign the "Statement by Supplier" stating they are not eligible for income tax, otherwise Council is obliged to send 48.5% of the grant to the Australian Taxation Office as withholding tax.
• Payment can only be made after a tax invoice is received from the successful applicant, made out to Gosford City Council.
• Applications aimed at sun protection must address the guidelines set down in the Sun Smart Incentive Program which are available on request from Council's Recreation Services section.

Examples of Eligible Projects

• Upgrade or development of buildings (eg amenities, clubhouses).
• Fencing
• Floodlighting
• Ground (field) improvements (topsoil, levelling, turfing)
• Structures or clothing to provide protection from the elements - (sun, rain, wind).
• Irrigation
• Studies/investigations leading to a capital project - i.e. (design work)
• Equipment (uniforms, training aids, line marking etc).
• Hard court facility development/improvements.

Projects Not Eligible for Funding

• Projects occurring outside the Gosford Local Government Area.
• Projects which have no identifiable link to the developmenf of sport and recreation opportunities.
• Retrospective projects.
• Financial contributions to events.

Application Forms and Further Information

Visit the grants and bursaries application forms page to download the recreational assistance application form.
Further information can also be obtained by contacting Council's Recreation Services section on (02) 4325 8426.