20 inclusion program ideas for community sport organisations to secure grant funding
In today's diverse society, community sport organizations have a unique opportunity to promote inclusivity and diversity through their programs. However, coming up with program ideas can often be a challenge especially for clubs and organisations who may be new to inclusion and diversity initiatives. The good news is there are an increasing amount of grants and funding programs that provide a valuable avenue to secure financial support for inclusion programs.
In this post, we offer up 20 simple ideas for sport organisations from community clubs to sport peak bodies to consider when applying for grant funding. These ideas encompass a wide range of inclusion and diversity initiatives, empowering organisations to create meaningful and impactful sports experiences for all.
Inclusion program ideas
1. Inclusive Sports Clinics
Host regular clinics that cater to individuals of all abilities, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and learn.
2. Cultural Exchange Tournaments
Organize tournaments that celebrate diversity by inviting teams representing different cultural backgrounds to compete and promote cross-cultural understanding.
3. Adaptive Sports Programs
Develop programs tailored for individuals with disabilities, offering adaptive sports that cater to their specific needs and abilities.
4. Language Inclusion Initiatives
Provide language support and resources for non-native English speakers, ensuring effective communication and inclusion within sports activities.
5. Specialised Sports Leagues
Establish dedicated sports leagues or events that create a safe and inclusive space for disengaged or disadvantage target groups as an entry point to sport.
6. Women Empowerment Initiatives
Launch programs that encourage and empower women and girls to engage in sports, promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the sporting community.
7. Indigenous Sports and Cultural Events
Organize events that honor Indigenous sports and cultural practices, promoting awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Indigenous heritage through sport.
8. Intergenerational Sports Activities
Facilitate sports activities that bring together different age groups, fostering connections and mutual understanding between generations.
9. Refugee and Migrant Integration Programs
Develop initiatives that support the integration of refugees and migrants into the local sporting community, providing sports opportunities and fostering social connections.
10. Mental Health and Well-being Programs
Implement programs that promote mental health and well-being through sports, emphasizing the positive impact of physical activity on mental well-being.
11. Social Inclusion Sports Events
Organize inclusive sports events that focus on fostering social connections and breaking down barriers between diverse groups within the community.
12. Inclusive Sports Equipment and Facilities
Invest in inclusive sports equipment and modify facilities to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, creating an inclusive environment that accommodates diverse participants.
13. Anti-Discrimination Training
Conduct workshops and training sessions to raise awareness about discrimination and promote inclusive practices within the sporting organization.
14. Community Outreach Programs
Develop outreach initiatives that engage underserved communities and marginalized groups, providing access to sports programs, equipment, and resources.
15. Empowering Youth Leadership Programs
Establish programs that empower young leaders from diverse backgrounds to take on leadership roles within the sporting organization, fostering inclusivity and representation.
16. Complete Inclusion Training
Implement comprehensive inclusion training programs for coaches, volunteers, and staff members to create inclusive and welcoming sporting environments.
17. Diversity Awareness Campaigns
Launch campaigns to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sporting organization and the wider community, fostering understanding and respect.
18. Accessible Sports Transportation
Establish transportation services or partnerships to ensure individuals facing transportation barriers can participate in sports activities.
19. Inclusive Sports Scholarships
Offer scholarships or financial assistance programs to enable individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or marginalized communities to participate in sports programs.
20. Inclusion and Diversity Research Initiatives
Support research projects focused on inclusion and diversity in sports, contributing valuable insights and guiding future inclusion efforts.
How to come up with your own inclusion program ideas
While the 20 inclusion program ideas we've provided are a great starting point, community sport organisations may also want to develop their unique initiatives that align with their specific goals and community needs.
The Inclusive sport design Program Planning Framework is an excellent start point for this. To learn more follow the links below:
Conclusion
Community sport organizations have the power to create transformative experiences through inclusive and diverse programs. By exploring these 20 inclusion program ideas, organizations can not only make a positive impact but also increase their chances of securing grant funding. Remember, each
Next steps
For some inspiration, check out the inclusion programs featured in our Inclusion in Action videos available in the ISD Community Hub.
If you need help designing your sport programs or preparing your grant applications ISD is here to help. Simply contact us to get started.
In case you missed them
Check out our latest blog posts
Connecting individuals to physical activity in the NDIS (Free Course)
Learn about the many options, benefits and impacts of physical activity and how you can help individuals with disability get involved so that they can participate in the community, build their capacity and reach their goals.
Including Students with Disability in School Sport (Free Course)
Learn about the many options, benefits and impacts of physical activity and how you can help students with disability get involved in sport and physical activity.
Disability Inclusion for Coaches (Free Course)
This course is designed to give you the basic skills and knowledge to be a more inclusive coach of people with disability in sport and active recreation programs and activities.
