Statewide services now eligible for ClubGRANTS

The guidelines (PDF 381.97KB) have been updated to add a new section (2.2.4) This allows organisations who provide Category 1 services in a statewide manner to receive funding under Category 2.

Requirements have been included to ensure:

• expenditure is limited to organisations that provide eligible Category 1 services and projects (Community Welfare and Social Services, Community Development, Community Health Services and Employment Assistance Services)
• organisations are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
• claims are limited to 20% of a club’s Category 2 expenditure
• clubs who claim expenditure under the new section (2.2.4) must have approval by Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW)
• organisations deliver services across at least 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in NSW, of which at least one must be in a regional area.

Minor changes have also been made to section (4.1) to clarify that clubs cannot claim any additional taxation benefit from funds claimed under ClubGRANTS.

For further information about the requirements email: contact.us@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au

FAQs

When do the changes come into effect?

The new guidelines are now in effect, with all expenditure from 1 September 2025 (the current gaming machine tax year) eligible to be claimed in the 2025/26 ClubGRANTS returns by clubs.

Why are claims for statewide services limited to only 20% of a club’s Category 2 funding?

This limit helps make sure other eligible projects and services like veterans’ services, arts and cultural activities and grassroots sport are not impacted.

Does this impact expenditure on eligible organisations in Category 1?

No. If a statewide service provider is eligible for Category 1 expenditure for your club, meaning they deliver their service in your Local Government Area (LGA), you can claim this expenditure within Category 1.

What is the approval process with L&GNSW?

Clubs must make a written application to L&GNSW. The application should outline how the expenditure meets the definition of a statewide service provider. It should include evidence of the service being provided across at least 10 LGAs including at least one regional LGA and evidence that the organisation receiving the funding is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC).

Applications are to be made by emailing the Director, Liquor & Gaming NSW at: gaming.probity@liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au

Why must organisations deliver services across at least 10 LGAs (including at least one regional LGA) to be eligible?

This separates the offering of a statewide service from organisations who only offer services across LGAs (such as neighbouring LGAs).

What defines a regional LGA?

A regional LGA is any LGA in NSW that is not a metropolitan area as defined in section (128) of the Liquor Regulation 2018. Metropolitan LGAs are defined as the Greater Sydney Region or the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, or Wollongong.