The Workforce and Volunteering Stream provides funding to projects that strengthen the sport and active recreation sector’s capacity by enhancing the skills, engagement and sustainability of its paid and volunteer workforce.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of South Australia’s sport and recreation sector. However, the sector is experiencing growing challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteers due to increasing rates of burnout, cost of living pressures, and changing community expectations. Many clubs and organisations rely heavily on a small group of long standing volunteers, leading to fatigue and a high turnover rate, often linked to the participation cycles of children.

This stream supports projects that implement innovative, practical strategies to:

• Reduce reliance on a small number of volunteers.
• Attract and retain a broader, more diverse volunteer base.
• Create shorter term or event specific opportunities that suit modern lifestyles.
• Recognise and value the contribution of volunteers.
• Build the leadership capabilities and future readiness of the sector.

It also encourages applicants to support both existing and emerging leaders within the workforce, particularly through professional development, mentoring, and knowledge sharing initiatives.

Applicants must demonstrate how their project contributes to the strategic objective of Sector Success under ORSR’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, particularly by aligning with the Workforce and Volunteers priority. Projects should also show consistency with the applicant organisation’s own strategic priorities, ensuring long term sustainability and impact.

The Open Stream provides funding to projects that respond to the diverse and evolving needs of their communities.

Projects must align with one or both of the following strategic priorities:

• Welcoming Communities
  Drive inclusive practices across all levels of sport and active recreation by removing barriers, increasing representation and fostering safe, welcoming environments.
• Active Kids and Youth
  Increase children’s and youth participation through accessible, inclusive and enjoyable programs that build social connection and support lifelong participation.

South Australians benefit significantly from regular physical activity. It contributes to improved physical and mental health, reduces the risk of chronic disease, enhances cognitive development, and fosters a sense of belonging and community connection. However, participation remains uneven across various demographics and settings, with social, cultural, and financial barriers continuing to limit access.

Through the Open Stream, organisations are encouraged to explore community-led, inclusive, and sustainable initiatives that reflect local needs, foster long-term participation, and build stronger community connections.

Whether it’s re-engaging inactive groups, improving organisational capacity, or removing access barriers, this stream seeks to empower organisations to deliver high impact, strategically aligned outcomes.

Applicants must also demonstrate how their proposed project aligns not only with ORSR’s strategic priorities but also with their own organisation’s long-term goals.

Weighting

Project design

Extent to which:

25%

• The project is well scoped and aligns with the objectives of the Sector Success Program and the applicant’s own strategic priorities.
• The project demonstrates an evidence-informed approach to engaging its target audience and staying relevant in a changing environment.
• The project is well governed.
• The project includes a clear and realistic sustainability plan, outlining how the project can be maintained beyond the funding period.

Stakeholder Engagement

Extent to which the applicant demonstrates:

15%

• Engagement with relevant partners or stakeholders, where appropriate, to support project delivery and enhance outcomes.
• Evidence of co-investment or resource sharing from partners or providers that strengthen the project’s capacity for success.

Participation and Community Impact

Extent to which:

30%

• The project addresses the need of the target group(s) to increase and sustain participation in sport and active recreation, particularly through one or more of the following areas:
  1. Increasing enrolment – engaging new participants.
  2. Increasing retention – retaining participants involved for up to one year or season.
  3. Reducing the rate of dropout – mitigating the loss of current participants.
  4. Re-engaging participants – attracting back those who have previously disengaged.
• The project demonstrates the expected scale and reach, including the number of participants, project locations, and access to suitable facilities.
• The project outlines how participation outcomes will be measured and reported using appropriate and fit-for-purpose methods.

Delivery and Legacy

Extent to which the applicant evidences:

30%

• A project plan that clearly outlines the project budget, deliverables, milestones, timelines and risk management strategies.
• Project value for money and the financial capacity to deliver the project, including confirmed co-investment if applicable.
• Necessary skills, experience, and capacity to successfully deliver and manage the project.
• How the project will strengthen the capability and capacity of the applicant and create lasting benefits to the community.