Applications are now open for the state’s first motorsport and motorcycling funding program, dedicated to backing community clubs, participants and volunteers and encouraging greater female participation.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence today launched the Community Motorsport Program, part of the Government’s $7.4m Racing Into a New Era for Motorsport initiative.

The initiative is aimed at addressing gaps in motorsport infrastructure and equipment, training volunteers and officials, supporting young motorsport participants and enabling more women and girls to get involved in the sport.

Grants from the Community Motorsport Program are available under two categories:

• Motorsport Club Assistance–initiatives to boost women and girls participation (up to $5,000); hosting events and activities (up to $20,000); funding to purchase safety and operational equipment (up to $10,000); training for volunteers and officials to build club capacity (up to $5,000).

• Infrastructure Upgrades and Equipment– funding to purchase critical facility equipment (up to $50,000); and deliver minor (up to $100,000) and major infrastructure developments (up to $500,000).

The grants demonstrate the Victorian Government’s commitment to health and wellbeing, economic resilience and diversity, and boost the capacity of communities to attract and host local and regional competitions and events.

Motorsport in Victoria supports more than 4,000 jobs and contributes almost $700 million annually to the Victorian economy.

The Community Motorsport Program is one of a number of Government infrastructure programs, also including the Community Cricket Program, World Game Facilities Fund and Community Sports Infrastructure Loans Scheme, investing millions of dollars into community sport and recreation infrastructure across the state.

For more information, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants.