Regional Sports Organisations (RSO) Funding

The Community Trust of Southland allocates funding on an annual basis to Regional Sports Organisations (RSOs) to support regional sporting programmes and services which are intended to:

  • retain and increase participation, and
  • enhance enjoyment and satisfaction, and
  • provide skills development.

The Community Trust of Southland RSO Funding is allocated based on the number of participants in each sporting code, and is distributed as follows:

  • Base funding of $3,500 for each RSO, plus
  • $10 per participant (juniors and seniors)

RSOs have the discretion to direct the Community Trust’s funding to any area of their operation they deem a priority.

RSO Funding is conditional upon receiving the following information annually from each RSO:

  • audited financial statements
  • a business plan and budget for the next 12 months
  • an effectiveness report (against your business plan for the previous year)
  • current database detailing individual participants
  • a demonstrated need for funding

Before an RSO is eligible for Community Trust of Southland RSO funding, the following Base RSO Eligibility Criteria must be met:

  1. Must satisfy the Community Trust of Southland that the organisation is the recognised RSO for the Community Trust of Southland catchment area, whose principal activities are undertaken in that area;
  2. Must provide summary document of RSO participation activities, detailing all competition schedules, programmes and development initiatives to illustrate regular participation levels and activities;
  3. Must provide traceable participation documentation that clearly shows individual participant numbers, and the extent of their participation;
  4. Must meet the Trust’s standard legal entity and non-profit criteria;
  5. Must provide an annual business plan and accompanying financial budget.

Funding is also available to assist those fledging RSOs who wish to undertake appropriate planning and documentation in order that they can meet c), d) and e) of the Base RSO Eligibility Criteria.  To be eligible for this funding a new or developing RSO must first satisfy a) and b) of the Base RSO Eligibility Criteria.

RSO funding is paid in two instalments each year, April and September.  RSOs are required to submit an accountability report by 30 June each year.

Applications from organisations requesting RSO Funding for the first time will be considered at the Trust’s standard quarterly grants rounds.  See the closing dates page for further information.

RSO Application Form

RSO Funding Reporting Form