Game On Grants 2026: Up to $100,000 for Sporting Clubs’ Solar & Energy Upgrades
Sporting clubs can access up to $100,000 through the Game On Climate Action Grants. Learn how solar, batteries and energy upgrades can reduce costs and improve resilience.
Up to $100,000 Available for Sporting Clubs: How the New Game On Climate Action Grants Can Fund Solar, Batteries and Energy Upgrades
Community sporting clubs are the heart of Australian communities. From junior football and netball programs to cricket clubs and local sporting associations, these local facilities bring families together every week.
Rising energy costs and ageing infrastructure are placing additional pressure on club budgets.
The Australian Government’s new Game On: Teaming Up for Climate Action Program has been created to help community sporting clubs address these challenges through grants of up to $100,000 for energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate resilience projects.
The program will provide $35.262 million over two funding rounds and is expected to support up to 500 community sporting clubs across Australia.
For clubs considering solar, batteries, LED lighting upgrades or energy efficiency improvements, this is a great funding opportunity currently available.
What Is the Game On: Teaming Up for Climate Action Program?
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has launched the program as part of Australia’s broader Net Zero strategy, helping sporting clubs reduce emissions, lower operating costs and become more energy resilient.
The program aims to:
- Help sporting clubs reduce energy consumption and operating costs.
- Support electrification and renewable energy adoption.
- Improve climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
- Reduce emissions in line with Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction targets.
Round 1 applications open on 1 July 2026 and close on 28 July 2026, although applications may close earlier if funding demand exceeds available allocations.
How Much Funding Is Available?
For Round 1, the Australian Government has allocated $17.631 million in grant funding.
Eligible clubs can apply for grants between:
- Minimum grant: $25,000
- Maximum grant: $100,000
The grant can fund up to 100% of eligible project costs, making it a highly attractive opportunity for clubs looking to modernise their facilities.
What Can Sporting Clubs Use the Grant For?
The program specifically supports projects that improve energy efficiency and climate resilience.
Eligible projects include:
Solar and Battery Storage Systems
Sporting clubs can apply for funding to install:
- Solar PV systems
- Battery storage systems
- Switchboard upgrades
- Roof strengthening required for solar installation
- Virtual Power Plant (VPP) integration
These upgrades can significantly reduce electricity bills while providing backup power during outages.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Funding can also support:
- Energy audits
- LED lighting upgrades
- Sports field and court lighting improvements
- HVAC upgrades
- Heat pump hot water systems
- Building insulation
- High-performance glazing
- Draught sealing
- Appliance upgrades
These improvements can reduce operational costs while improving comfort and performance for players, volunteers and spectators.
Climate Resilience Projects
The grant also supports projects designed to protect sporting facilities from increasingly severe weather events.
Examples include:
- Flood mitigation and drainage upgrades
- Water harvesting systems
- Disaster-ready infrastructure
- Shade structures
- Climate action plans
- Climate risk assessments
- EV charging infrastructure
- Sustainable transport facilities such as bike parking
These projects help ensure clubs can continue operating during extreme weather events while improving long-term sustainability.
Why Sporting Clubs Should Act Quickly
Unlike many competitive grant programs, the Game On program operates as an open non-competitive grant process.
Applications are assessed against eligibility and program criteria, but importantly, where demand exceeds available funding, applications may be considered in the order they are received.
The Department also reserves the right to close applications early if funding capacity is reached.
Melbourne Energy Group’s Proven Experience Delivering Grant-Funded Projects
Successfully securing grant funding is only one part of the process. Clubs also need a technically sound project that delivers measurable energy savings, emissions reductions and community benefits.
Melbourne Energy Group has extensive experience helping organisations develop renewable energy and resilience projects that align with government funding objectives.
Case Study
A recent example is the Hurstbridge Football & Cricket Pavilion Energy Resilience System, delivered in partnership with Nillumbik Shire Council and supported through the Victorian Government’s DEECA Neighbourhood Batteries Program.
The project included:
- 38kW solar PV system
- 240kWh battery storage system
- Backup power capability
- Switchboard upgrades
- Advanced monitoring systems
The installation now provides energy resilience during grid outages, reduces operational costs and supports community emergency preparedness. The project is expected to generate approximately 55–60MWh annually while offsetting 50–55 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
This type of integrated solar, battery and resilience solution aligns strongly with the objectives of the new Game On funding program.
How Melbourne Energy Group Can Help
Many sporting clubs have never applied for a government grant before.
Melbourne Energy Group can assist clubs by providing:
- Energy audits and feasibility assessments
- Solar and battery system design
- Detailed project scoping
- Budget estimates and quotations
- Energy savings modelling
- Emissions reduction calculations
- Technical documentation to support grant applications
- End-to-end project delivery and installation
Our team understands both the technical requirements and the outcomes government funding programs are seeking to achieve.
Is Your Club Eligible?
Generally, eligible applicants include:
- Incorporated sporting clubs
- Community-focused not-for-profit sports organisations
- Clubs affiliated with recognised state or national sporting bodies
Consortium applications are also available, allowing multiple clubs to apply together and deliver larger-scale projects across multiple facilities.
Start Planning Now
Whether you’re considering solar, battery storage, LED lighting, electrification or broader energy efficiency improvements, now is the time to start planning.
Melbourne Energy Group can help your club identify the most suitable opportunities, develop a compliant project scope and position for your application.
Talk to Melbourne Energy Group
If your sporting club is considering applying for the Game On: Teaming Up for Climate Action Grant, contact Melbourne Energy Group today.
