Melton City Girls Can 2026
$500 grants available to local sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations.
Following a successful pilot in 2025, Melton City Council is excited to bring Melton City Girls Can back in 2026.
Sports clubs and community not-for-profit organisations within the City of Melton are invited to apply for $500 in funding to deliver a free activity or program that encourages women and girls from all backgrounds to get moving, be active, or participate in organised sport.
Eligible activities may include:
- 'Come and Try’ sessions
- Skills-based clinics or workshops
- Inclusive sport and recreation training for club members
- Registration drives or trial events
Please note: equipment and uniforms are not funded through Melton City Girls Can. For these items, please enquire through Council’s community grants and funds.
Apply Now!
To apply, please complete the Expression of Interest form by 5pm, Monday 19 January 2026.
Melton City Girls Can 2026 Funding EOI
Why Melton City Girls Can?
Evidence shows that women and girls participate in organised sport at significantly lower rates than men and boys. Research tells us that girls drop out of community sport at twice the rate of boys by the time they are teenagers.
Many women hesitate to try new activities because of fear of judgement or feeling like they’re not “fit enough” to start. In fact, women are twice as likely as men to put off getting active because they worry about what others might think or feel unwelcome in sport and recreation environments.
MCGC will look to break down these stereotypes, build confidence and create inclusive and welcoming spaces for all. Whether it's your first time trying something new or returning to a sport or activity that you love, this is for you!
Events
Join us for events and workshops.
FAQs
Why should your club become more inclusive for people who identify as women and girls?
Increasing women’s and girls’ participation helps sport clubs to grow membership, boost revenue and improve performance by expanding the talent pool. Inclusive clubs attract more players, supporters, and sponsors while fostering stronger teams and leadership pathways. Clubs that are diverse and welcoming to people of all genders and backgrounds build positive role models, stronger communities and more successful sporting cultures.
To support this, Council has recently adopted its Allocation of Sport and Recreation Facilities Policy and accompanying Fair Access in Sport Action Plan.