NSW Run My Way Grant Program 2026/27

Purpose and Program Overview

The Run My Way Grant Program 2026/27 is a targeted funding initiative administered by the NSW Office of Sport under Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities Program. Its primary intent is to increase the active and meaningful participation of women, girls, and gender-diverse people in running by improving perceptions of safety, reducing barriers to participation, and fostering inclusive running environments across NSW.

The program supports running organisations to trial and implement innovative, community-led approaches that enhance safety, visibility, confidence, and social connection in public spaces. By building the capability of running clubs and providers to create safe and respectful environments, the grant plays a broader role in strengthening community participation in sport and activating public spaces for inclusive physical activity.

While the total funding pool for the 2026/27 round is not explicitly stated in publicly available guidelines, individual grants range from $5,000 to $100,000 per eligible project, with all funded activities required to be completed by 31 December 2027.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: $5,000 to $100,000 per project
• Application open date: 11 August 2026
• Application close date: 14 September 2026, 1:00 pm (AEST)
• Eligible business types: Incorporated associations, ASIC-registered companies, not-for-profits/charities (ACNC), and sole traders with an ABN operating running-related businesses
• Co-contribution: Not mandatory; financial co-contributions may strengthen merit assessment (in-kind contributions do not count)
• Location applicability: Projects must be delivered in New South Wales (NSW)

Priority Sectors

The grant explicitly prioritises the running and athletics sector, with a focus on organisations whose primary purpose is the delivery of organised running activities, programs, events, or services.

Priority is given to initiatives that improve safety, inclusion, and participation outcomes for women, girls, and gender-diverse people in running.

The program is not open to sporting organisations where running is secondary (e.g., football, rugby, netball clubs using running for conditioning).

Funding Scope

• Minimum grant: $5,000
• Maximum grant: $100,000
• Funding streams: Single stream for innovative running-related projects aligned with Safer Cities Program objectives
• Project timeline: All projects must be completed by 31 December 2027

Eligible expenditures include capital purchases directly required for project delivery (e.g., personal safety devices, temporary lighting, radios, training equipment, portable signage), program delivery costs, and capacity-building activities.

Retrospective funding, administration costs, permanent lighting infrastructure, insurance premiums, and general office equipment are ineligible.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Hold a valid Incorporation Number and/or active Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Be a legally recognised entity (incorporated association, ASIC-registered company, not-for-profit/charity, or sole trader with ABN)
• Have an established operational presence in NSW (e.g., program delivery, members, or events)
• Provide a declaration to obtain Public Liability Insurance with minimum $5 million cover if successful.
• Demonstrate active and ongoing operations (e.g., digital presence, participation data, affiliation with sporting bodies, governance documents)
• Have a primary purpose of delivering organised running activities (community run clubs, structured training, inclusive/social running programs, running events, or athletics clubs with distance running focus)

Sole traders may apply where the project primarily delivers community participation outcomes in NSW and is not solely for commercial gain.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports projects that:

• Introduce new program formats to increase confidence and participation (e.g., women-focused runs, activations)
• Implement place-based safety initiatives (route planning, visibility strategies)
• Establish buddy systems, group safety models, guided runs, or walk-to-run programs for new runners.
• Develop digital tools or communication systems that enhance perceived safety.
• Deliver male allyship programs to promote gender equality and safe, inclusive environments.
• Build capacity of run group leaders, particularly from under-represented communities.
• Purchase capital items directly required for project delivery (personal safety devices, temporary lighting, radios, training equipment, portable signage)

Ineligible costs include application preparation, permanent lighting infrastructure, project administration not directly related to delivery, interstate/international travel, appearance fees, hospitality, fundraising events, land/rental costs, general office equipment, insurance premiums, feasibility studies, and political/religious activities.

Assessment Process

The Run My Way Grant Program is a competitive, merit-based grant.

Assessment occurs in two stages:

1. Eligibility check – confirmation that applicants meet all eligibility criteria
2. Merit assessment – evaluation against published criteria, including project alignment with Safer Cities Program objectives, innovation, community benefit, value for money, and capability to deliver

An independent probity advisor oversees the process, and the Minister for Sport makes final funding decisions based on recommendations from the Grant Assessment Panel.

Applications demonstrating financial co-contributions may be viewed more favourably during merit assessment.

Recent Program Updates

The 2026/27 round represents a continuation of the multi-year Safer Cities Program collaboration between Transport for NSW and the Office of Sport, with updated guidelines emphasising community-led safety initiatives and inclusive participation outcomes.

Key updates include clarified eligibility for sole traders, expanded examples of eligible capital purchases, and strengthened focus on gender-diverse participation and male allyship programs.

The application window for 2026/27 opened on 11 August 2026 and closes on 14 September 2026, with outcomes anticipated from November 2026 onwards.

Application Tips

• Verify eligibility thoroughly – confirm ABN/incorporation status, NSW operational presence, and primary running activity focus before applying.
• Prepare documentation early – gather letters of support, quotes, participation data, governance documents, and evidence of community consultation.
• Align with Safer Cities objectives – clearly demonstrate how the project improves safety, inclusion, and participation for women, girls, and gender-diverse runners.
• Showcase capability and outcomes – provide evidence of past delivery, projected participation growth, and measurable community benefits.
• Submit via SmartyGrants – familiarise yourself with the portal, complete all mandatory fields, and submit ahead of the 14 September 2026 deadline.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the Run My Way Grant Program 2026/27 and other associated Australian government websites.