The Equity Governance Grants provide targeted support to women who face systemic barriers to leadership and board participation.

The program supports women to access high-quality governance education and development opportunities, equipping emerging leaders with the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to contribute effectively at the board table.

By prioritising women who have historically been excluded from leadership pathways, the program aims to strengthen decision making, unlock diverse perspectives and support sporting organisations to build more inclusive, future ready boards that reflect the diversity of Australian communities.

In 2026, $120,000 (GST exclusive) is available through the Equity Governance Grants Program to support women to access high-quality governance development.

Funding will be allocated across the following streams:

• Stream 1 $0 - $3,999
  • Women beginning their governance journey or exploring leadership opportunities in sport
• Stream 2 $4,000 - $7,999
  • Women with some leadership experience who want to strengthen governance knowledge and confidence
• Stream 3 $8,000 - $10,000
  • Women preparing for board appointments, senior governance roles, or who already sit on committees/boards

To be eligible to apply, an applicant must satisfy all the following criteria:

• Be a woman aged 18 years or over
• While the program is open to all women, priority will be given to women from under-represented groups including:
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and other First Nations women
• Culturally and linguistically diverse women
• LGBTIQ+ women
• Women living with disability
• Women living in regional and remote locations
• An Australian citizen or have permanent residence status
• Currently involved in a paid or volunteer capacity for either:
• A National Sporting Organisation (NSO) or National Sporting Organisation for people with Disability (NSOD), recognised by the ASC (Australian Sports Directory),
• Local Club or State/Territory Sporting Organisations (SSO) affiliated with an NSO or NSOD recognised by the ASC (Australian Sports Directory),
• The Australian Olympic Committee,
• Commonwealth Games Association,
• The National Institute Network (NIN),
• Australian Sports Foundation.
• Have completed the free Australian Sports Commission Director Education Course - The Start Line at time of application. The course is self-paced, delivered in five modules and takes approximately two hours to complete.
• Not be a current employee of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC)*,
• Not have received WLIS support for governance activities within the last two years.

In addition:

• The selected governance course/training must commence between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.
• The applicant's supporting organisation is not named on the Workplace Gender Equality Agency website non-compliant organisations list., opens in a new tab
• The applicant's supporting organisation is not named in the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, opens in a new tab on its list of "Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme, opens in a new tab",

While the program is open to all women, priority is given to women from under-represented groups, including First Nations women, women with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse women, LGBTIQ+ women and women living in regional and remote communities.

• Email: wlis@sportaus.gov.au