AFL Europe – Leadership & Governance (F) - AFL Europe

AFL Europe - 2024 Grants Program-17

Leadership & Governance

Ultimately good governance in Australian Rules football is about creating an environment where everyone can participate and succeed and where the values of fairness, respect and sportsmanship are upheld. A well governed League or Club should have clear and transparent rules, well defined policies, and a system for monitoring compliance. The AFL Europe “Funding Footy” Grants Program will provide financial assistance to Members, Leagues and Clubs who demonstrate a strong commitment to improving governance practices and establishing a culture of transparency and accountability. Funding will focus on the following criteria:

Criteria 1 – Member / League / Club Incorporation

Costs associated with developing articles of association, constitutions or other legal documentation required for a Member, League, or Club to become incorporated (or legal equivalent) within the local jurisdiction

Criteria 2 – Policy Development & Compliance

Costs associated with developing policies, procedures, rules and regulations to govern Clubs and Leagues

Costs associated with the translation of existing AFL Europe policies, procedures, rules, and regulations into the local language

Criteria 3 – Sustainability

Initiatives that aim to increase the sustainability of Australian Rules football within a local context

Eligibility Criteria Funding Availability Application Process Acquittal Process Success Stories

You can apply for a grant, provided you’re:

A current AFL Europe Member (Full, Affiliate or Developing) or a Club recognised by a current AFL Europe member *

In good financial standing with AFL Europe with no outstanding fees, fines or other financial obligations

Incorporated and / or have a business bank account in the name of the Member or Club making the application. NO payments will be made into personal bank accounts

Where applicable, protected by an appropriate level of public liability insurance (either as a Member or Club) *

* Exemptions may apply if you are requesting funding for a new Club

You cannot apply for a grant, if you:

Are an individual or sole trader

Have an outstanding AFL Europe grant acquittal from a previous funding program

Are currently under sanction or inactive as an AFL Europe Member or Club

Additional Requirements

In addition to the above, if you’re applying for any Youth Football Funding (other than for the purpose of meeting the requirements outlined below), you must also be able to evidence:

Appropriate Safeguarding Children policies, procedures and background checks (e.g., DBS Checks in UK) that are compliant with local laws and regulations where the project or initiative will be delivered

The following projects will not be funded

Costs associated with hosting events and / or competitions in which the majority of participants are already existing and engaged players

Costs associated with hosting or participating in any non-playing social events or functions

Travel, accommodation and / or competition entry fees, including international competitions

Equipment (e.g. video cameras) or facility hire that cannot be directly related to playing or organising football activities

Footballs for existing Members or Clubs

AFL Europe - 2024 Grants Program-21

Important Dates

Grant Application Window Opens – 22 December 2023

Panel Evaluations Commence – 19 February 2024 (ongoing monthly as required)

Grant Application Window Closes – 30 June 2024

All complete applications that meet the eligibility criteria will be evaluated and assessed by the AFL Europe Commission. It is at their absolute discretion how to allocate funds and if an application will receive full, partial, provisional or no funding. It is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee that your application will receive any funding.

Applicants will receive formal notification on the progress of their application once it has been evaluated only.

All applications must:

Meet at least one of the applicable criteria outlined by AFL Europe

Clearly define the objectives and outcomes that the funding will be used to achieve

Be sustainable, with a clear plan for how the applicant will continue to implement a program or initiative beyond the initial funding period

Include a detailed budget, including quotes and any additional financial commitments that will be made by the applicant or external funding sources in addition to any grant funding

Demonstrate the capacity of the applicant to effectively manage the project or initiative and achieve the desired outcomes

Highlight how the project or initiative will have a positive impact on the wider community or the development of Australian Rules football in the region

All grant applications are to be submitted online before the deadline listed above. Late submissions will not be assessed

Incomplete applications that do not provide the required level of information will not be assessed

Applications will be accepted from Member or Club Presidents, Vice-Presidents or Treasurers only

Please note that only one application will be considered per Member or Club

Acquittal Process

Applicants will have 11 months to use the funds as agreed from the date of allocation.

Either at the conclusion of the project or initiative or no later than 12 months from the date of allocation, the applicant must provide AFL Europe with the following:

One invoice from the Member or Club requesting reimbursement for costs incurred as agreed in the application

Receipts of original invoices for costs incurred as agreed in the application that equal the amount requested above

A brief written report evaluating the impact of the funding and how it achieved the desired outcomes

5-10 photos / videos / documents / other evidence of the funding being utilised

Examples of any social media / promotion that was created as part of the grant funding

Additional Requirements

Successful applications may be required to reference AFL Europe and a designated sponsor on any media or social media coverage (including logos) relating to the project or initiative. These requirements will be discussed as part of the grant process and form part of the funding agreement.

Success stories will be uploaded here once the funding has been awarded