Club & Program Handbook · Chapter 7

Funding & Marketing

How to fund your program the sustainable way, handle tax-deductible donations correctly, and attract the participants and volunteers who’ll make it thrive.

Sources of funding

A range of funding is available: sponsorship, donations, and grants from government or public benevolent institutions. The Executive Committee are all volunteers, so 100% of money raised goes to affiliated programs. The Committee applies for grants through the year and distributes them via an internal grant process or at affiliation renewal — so keep your program’s contact details up to date to hear about them.

Donation or sponsorship?

Two ways supporters can contribute

Donation	Sponsorship
A gift given out of generosity and goodwill, for a specific or general purpose, generally with no further obligation on the branch to provide goods, services or acknowledgement.	Often a legal agreement with a company or organisation, where a commercial or promotional opportunity is provided in exchange for financial support.

When choosing sponsors, consider the reputation of your program and Sailability Victoria — avoid inappropriate sponsors (e.g. alcohol companies), and consider local community, ethnic, political and religious sensitivities, especially where children are involved. Sample sponsorship proposals may be available from Sailability Victoria.

Where to look for grants

Grant-writing is almost an art form — it helps to have someone experienced prepare applications, and to read the funding criteria carefully. Suggested sources include:

• State Government grants and programs (vic.gov.au)
• Sport & Recreation Victoria — sporting equipment and athlete grants
• VicHealth — Active Clubs (available each year)
• Parks Victoria Facilities Grants — if you operate at a Parks Victoria managed venue
• Local Government community grant schemes — most councils offer annual recreation grants
• Philanthropic Trusts — several fund recreation involving disadvantaged groups
• Service Clubs (Lions, Rotary, Apex, Freemasons) — often fund equipment and provide volunteers; offer to present to local groups
• Private donors — philanthropically minded locals who may help with equipment or programs

Tax-deductible donations

Sailability Victoria is registered as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). Clubs can direct supporters to donate to Sailability Victoria, however Sailability Victoria cannot act as a channel agent by simply passing donations directly through to a club.

Donors may use the Donate button at the top of this page and can indicate their preferred area, club, program, or initiative for the donation to support. Sailability Victoria will consider donor preferences when allocating funds, but all donations must be received and managed by Sailability Victoria in accordance with its DGR obligations.

For donations:

1. Donations under $1,000 should be made through the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF): asf.org.au/campaigns/sailabilityvictoria.
2. Donations of $1,000 or more should be made through the Sailability Victoria donation page: [insert link].
3. Donors should include their preferred allocation or supported program when making the donation.
4. Clubs seeking support from donated funds can submit a request using the Grant Funding Support button at the bottom of this page.

Marketing your program

You’ll need to sell your program to the local community and your target market. Think about who you’d like to work with and who suits your capacity — craft available, safety boats, co-sailors, volunteers, and whether you’re teaching skills or offering a participation program.

Sometimes individuals or service providers approach you — often a big step for them, so be understanding. But you can be proactive too. Most people who join will live locally, so look around, identify nearby organisations and individuals, and approach them first. Ask what they want and what they need that you can provide.

Build a simple fact sheet

A small, shareable fact sheet is a great approach. Include:

• Style of program
• Your training or qualifications
• Facilities and capacity for group sizes
• Costs, dates and times, and location
• What participants need to bring

Approach the group by phone, then follow up by email with the fact sheet attached. If you don’t hear back within a fortnight, follow up to understand why and adapt if you can.

Develop your offer

After consulting local groups and individuals, a clear picture of needs should emerge. Package this into something appealing and good value (without being “charity”). It might include a buddy program for new members, “come and try” and family days targeting specific groups, information about activities and any facility modifications, and promotion via local radio, community papers and social media. Remember to include your services in all club promotional material.

Where to get help

• Disability organisations often have programs, resources and people who can help identify target groups, reach people with a disability, and assist with communication.
• Other Sailability programs — attend Sailability Victoria meetings (via Teams) and swap solutions, successes and resources with other coordinators.
• The Australian Sports Commission has case studies of clubs that have successfully included people with a disability.