Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund (DSSF) ACT

Purpose and Program Overview

The Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund (DSSF) was established in 2019 by the ACT Government to support Canberra’s community clubs in reducing financial reliance on gaming machine revenue. The program provided grants to help clubs diversify income sources, strengthen long-term sustainability, and enhance efficiency.

The fund also focused on developing the skills of club workers, executives, and board members, enabling clubs to adapt to industry reforms and contribute positively to the ACT community. It played a broader role in reducing gambling harm by encouraging clubs to invest in new business models and operational improvements.

In April 2025, the program was suspended for two years following the Gaming Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. The suspension allows an independent inquiry to assess the future of the ACT club sector and inform the government’s reforms to gambling regulation and club sustainability.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Amounts varied depending on project proposals; no fixed cap specified
• Application dates: Currently suspended (from April 2025 for two years)
• Eligible industries or business types: Community clubs in the ACT
• Co-contributions required: Not always mandatory; dependent on project type
• Location: Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Priority Sectors

• Targeted specifically at community clubs in the ACT
• Broader applicability beyond clubs was not specified

Funding Scope

• No strict minimum or maximum published; funding tailored to project proposals
• Covered categories such as:
  • Diversification projects (new income streams unrelated to gaming)
  • Sustainability improvements (energy efficiency, facility upgrades)
  • Compliance and efficiency initiatives
  • Staff training and development
• Project duration was determined on a case-by-case basis in line with approved funding agreements

Grant Amount in Total

The total pool of the Diversification and Sustainability Support Fund has not been publicly disclosed. However, it was structured as an ongoing program with multiple grant rounds until its suspension in 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants had to meet the following requirements:

• Be a registered community club in the ACT
• Hold an ABN and be registered for GST
• Demonstrate a clear plan for reducing reliance on gaming machine revenue
• Show financial capacity to deliver the project (with or without co-funding)
• Comply with all relevant regulatory and governance obligations

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The DSSF supported projects such as:

• Capital upgrades (kitchens, dining areas, sporting facilities, conference spaces)
• Energy efficiency improvements (solar panels, modern equipment)
• Compliance and efficiency projects (reducing regulatory or administrative costs)
• Skills development (training for staff, executives, and board members)

Assessment Process

• The program was competitive, with applications assessed against published guidelines
• Evaluation criteria included:
  • Alignment with diversification and sustainability objectives
  • Demonstrated community benefit
  • Long-term financial viability
  • Value for money

Recent Program Updates

• Suspended in April 2025 for two years
• Pause introduced under the Gaming Legislation Amendment Bill 2025
• Independent inquiry underway to shape the future of ACT’s club sector and address gambling harm

Application Tips

• Review the eligibility criteria carefully before applying
• Prepare financial and governance documents in advance
• Highlight measurable outcomes and community benefits
• Ensure proposals align with ACT Government priorities of reducing gambling harm and improving sustainability

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. They can provide an initial assessment of eligibility and project alignment with the fund’s objectives. Additional guidance and application templates are available through the ACT Government’s official websites.