16th June 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria has launched a landmark Facility Planning Grant Program, investing $250,000 to help shape the future of basketball infrastructure across the state.
The first initiative of its kind delivered by a State Sporting Organisation in Australia, the program will provide up to five grants of $50,000 to support the planning and development of future basketball facility projects.
The grant program has been established in recognition of the growing demand for quality basketball facilities across Victoria and the important role community sport plays in creating healthier, more connected communities.
Basketball is one of Victoria's fastest-growing sports, providing opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to participate year-round. As participation continues to increase and communities continue to grow, so too does the need for accessible, fit-for-purpose facilities that support local participation and future growth.
While new facilities are critical to meeting future demand, every successful project begins long before construction starts.
Feasibility studies, master plans, concept designs and business cases help organisations understand future needs, build partnerships, secure stakeholder support and position projects for future investment opportunities. However, these early planning stages can often be one of the biggest barriers to getting projects off the ground.
Basketball Victoria Chief Executive Officer Nick Honey said the program represented an important investment in the future sustainability of the sport.
"Across Victoria, we are seeing strong demand for basketball participation and a growing need for additional courts and community facilities," Mr Honey said.
"Facility development starts long before construction begins. It requires strong planning, collaboration and a clear understanding of future community needs.
"This program is about helping organisations take that important first step and ensuring more projects are ready to attract future investment and move towards delivery."
The Facility Planning Grant Program will support a range of early-stage project activities, including:
- Feasibility studies
- Master planning
- Concept development
- Business case preparation
- Strategic planning and project readiness activities.
Basketball Victoria General Manager Government, Strategy & Innovation Jake Keogh said the initiative would help create a stronger pipeline of future basketball infrastructure projects across the state.
"Every new court starts with a conversation, a plan and a vision for what a community needs," Mr Keogh said.
"These grants are designed to help organisations take that first step, bringing together the right partners, developing a clear roadmap and creating projects that are ready for future funding opportunities.
"We're excited to see the ideas and partnerships that emerge through this program and the long-term impact they will have on basketball communities across Victoria."
The initiative forms a key part of Basketball Victoria's Strategic Plan 2025–2028, specifically the Infrastructure Development pillar, which aims to ensure all participants have enough courts to participate when and where they want, while creating greater opportunities for future facility investment.
Importantly, the program recognises that successful facility projects rely on collaboration. Basketball Victoria is encouraging partnerships between associations, local government, schools, landowners and community stakeholders to develop shared-use facilities that maximise community benefit and support long-term participation growth.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Basketball Victoria Member Organisations
- Victorian Local Government bodies
- Victorian schools and education providers, including government and non-government schools, TAFEs and universities.
Successful applicants can apply for grants of up to $50,000 and will be required to provide co-contributions towards eligible project costs.
Applications for the Basketball Victoria Facility Planning Grant Program will open 3rd August 2026.
For full eligibility requirements, funding details and grant guidelines, click here
-ENDS-
For all Media Enquiries:
Maree DeGeorge
Media & Communications Specialist
Basketball Victoria
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
