To be eligible to apply for the Grant Program, the following criteria must be met:

Organisation

• Be an ASC recognised NSO/D for a Paralympic sport or a NIN Partner (collectively referred to as ‘eligible organisations’).
• Have a HP Strategy and/or Coach Development Plan in place which identifies the coaching need to be addressed by the targeted coach or be partnered with an organisation that has identified that need – e.g., a NIN partner partnered with an NSO/D).
• Identify, select and support a coach with the ability, qualifications, experience and commitment required to meet the identified coaching need.
• Clarify the roles and responsibilities of the coach (including targeted athletes), in consultation with the coach. Provide/source additional funds should the funding amount not be sufficient to support the coach for the grant period.
• Confirm that the coach targeted for the Grant Program:
  • is an Australian citizen or has been granted permanent residency status;
  • has the ability, qualifications, experience and commitment required to meet the identified coaching need; o is willing to undergo Safeguarding and Integrity checks from ASC Safeguarding and Sport Integrity Australia (organised by the ASC);
  • is interested and available to meet the identified coaching need; o will commit to and deliver agreed coaching support to Para athletes identified by the relevant NSO/D and/or NIN Partner during the 2026/27 financial year. will engage fully and be willing to work collaboratively with the Program (NSO/D, NIN partner, AIS) staff and athletes;
  • will be open to feedback and monitor their own progress during the year and be willing to provide feedback;
  • will be highly motivated and committed to improving their craft as a Para coach;
  • will complete the evaluation tasks for the Program.
• Submit a financial acquittal, written report and recommendations and an evaluation of the Grant Program to the SmartyGrants platform by 5 April 2027.

Coaches - Para Coach Capacity Building Grant

• Be currently coaching (or have previously coached) a Para athlete or athletes at the level required to meet the identified coaching need of the eligible organisation.

Coaches – Olympic to Para Coach Incentive Grant

• Be currently coaching (or have previously coached) able-bodied athletes at the level required to meet the identified coaching need of the eligible organisation.
• Be committed to and capable of attracting and developing Para athletes within the grant period (Section 3.2).
• Be committed to ongoing coaching Para athletes beyond the grant period (Section 3.2).

Important note: In the case of nominations from NIN partners, the coach must also meet an identified need of the relevant NSO/D and be endorsed by the NSO/D’s Paralympic Performance Manager or Paralympic Head Coach or equivalent role, as relevant to the NSO/D.

The grant can be used to support the engagement of the targeted coach in the identified project/coaching activities.

Grant funds must be used to directly support coaching activities that address an identified Para coaching need and align with the objectives of the Grant Program. This includes enabling the coach to increase time spent with Para athletes, expand coaching capacity, or extend their focus to include Para athletes. Eligible expenses may include coach remuneration, travel, and other costs required to deliver agreed coaching support and improve athlete outcomes.

Before applying, applicants must read and understand these Guidelines and the application form. As per Section 3.1, eligible organisations may submit more than one (1) application, with one coach identified per application. Applications are to be completed online via the ASC website at https://sportaus.smartygrants.com.au/AISPC2026, opens in a new tab by the closing date.

To complete the application, applicants must:

• Provide all the information requested.
• Address all eligibility criteria and assessment criteria.
• Attach all mandatory supporting documentation.

Please ensure the application is complete and information accurate, prior to submitting. Application changes after the closing date and time are not permitted. Late applications will not be accepted except at the discretion of the ASC following consideration of evidence of exceptional circumstances. Applicants should keep a copy of the submitted application and any supporting documents. An automated email from the ASC grant management system confirming receipt of your application will be generated after submission. If you do not receive an email, or experience technical issues please contact the ASC Grants Team via funding@ausport.gov.au.

Applications will first be assessed against the eligibility criteria. If eligible, the ASC will assess applications against the assessment criteria (see Section 6) and against other applications across both grant streams. In doing so, consideration will be given to the differing objectives of each stream to ensure equitable assessment.

Each application is considered on merit, based on:

• how well it meets the assessment criteria;
• how it compares to other applications;
• whether it represents value with money, including consideration of the scale of impact (e.g number of athletes supported), level of co-investment, and the potential sustainability or longer-term benefit of the proposed activities.

The assessment process will consider:

• the overall objective/s to be achieved in providing the grant;
• the relative value of the grant sought;
• the extent to which the evidence in the application demonstrates that it will contribute to meeting the objectives;
• the extent to which the proposed activities are achievable within the grant period and the likelihood that outcomes will be sustained beyond the funding period.