Australians have a deep passion for sport, and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be involved in sport - as a participant, an official, an administrator or as a volunteer. From grassroots to the elite level, the ASC plays a crucial role in ensuring sport is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone. The ASC has a strong focus on gender equity and continues to strive for equal representation in sport.
The ASC is proud of the Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) program which began in 2002 and has supported more than 27,000 women and over 800 sporting organisations.
An Australian Government initiative, the WLIS program aims to reduce gender inequality and help more women advance into leadership roles within the sport ecosystem.
The WLIS Individual Grants Program, provides women throughout Australia the opportunity to advance in their leadership journey via a range of development programs and training. In previous years courses undertaken by recipients have included these topics:
The WLIS guidelines set out the funding requirement for the WLIS Individual Grants Program. Please read these carefully prior to applying.
2025-WLIS-Individual-Grant-Guidelines.pdf
To be eligible you must meet these criteria:
*Current employee also includes consultants contracted to the ASC where this engagement is the only link to the sporting sector. ASC cannot be the supporting organisation. ^WLIS Programs refer to; Individual Grants, Athlete Accelerate, Talent Development Programs
Applicants must meet all the above eligibility requirements. The ASC may at its sole discretion, offer an applicant special consideration if an eligibility requirement set out in the guidelines cannot be met due to extenuating circumstances.
In 2025 $200,000 is available to support professional development and training for eligible women in the sporting sector. This amount will be allocated across the following three tiers:
Tier | Course Level | Total Tier Funds Available | Maximum Grant Amount (excl GST) |
Tier 1 | Advanced professional development courses | Approx. $50,000 (approx. 5 grants available) | $8,000 - $10,000 |
Tier 2 | Intermediate professional development courses | Approx. $80,000 (approx. 15 grants available) | $4,000 - $7,999 |
Tier 3 | Foundational professional development courses | Approx. $70,000 (approx. 30 grants available) | $0 - $3,999 |
Total program funds | $200,000 |
Please note: Only one application per applicant will be accepted. If more than one application is submitted, the last submitted application will be assessed.
Before you apply, please read these 2025-WLIS-Individual-Grant-Guidelines.pdfto make sure you understand all relevant requirements.
The ASC is committed to ensuring inclusivity in our grant processes. If you are unable to submit the application online, please contract wlis@ausport.gov.au or call (02) 6214 1463 to discuss other options for submission.
Only one application per applicant will be accepted. If more than one application is submitted, the last submitted application will be assessed.
Please note: Individual Grant applicants who submit video responses to address the assessment criteria, will still be required to complete the other components of the online application form and submit responses in line with the process, including the closing date for applications.
The application process will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
If the application cannot be completed in one session, you can save the application and return to it later using your login details.
You will have access to your application after submitting but you will not be able to amend an application once submitted. Should you have any issues post submission please contact the WLIS team WLIS@ausport.gov.au
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the information within the application is complete and accurate. Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code 1995.
All applications will initially be assessed against the eligibility criteria. Applications which do not meet the eligibility criteria will not progress further in the process.
Eligible applications will progress to the preliminary assessment phase where they will be assessed by an internal panel made up of ASC staff, based on responses provided in the application.
Shortlisted applications will proceed to the selection panel which will comprise representatives from a National Sporting Organisation, a National Sporting Organisation for people with a Disability, State and Territory Agencies of Sport and Recreation and the ASC.
The external panel will make their recommendations to the ASC Executive General Manager Diversity, People and Culture who will be responsible for the final decision including:
Applicants can increase their chances of success by contributing to the cost of their course and applying for a smaller grant amount.
In the event multiple applications receive the same score, additional considerations such as applicant’s current role, the nature and reach of their supporting organisation, and their potential impact on the sporting sector may be taken into account to determine the successful recipients.
All decisions about funding are at the sole and absolute discretion of the ASC. Decisions are final and there is no appeal process.
If you have any questions regarding the WLIS program, please email wlis@ausport.gov.au
If you wish to lodge a complaint regarding the program this can be done via ASC’s complaints form: https://www.ausport.gov.au/contacts/feedback-and-complaints
Under no circumstances will extensions be given.
If you need to edit your submitted application (before the closing date only), please email wlis@ausport.gov.au and request your form to be reopened. Please allow sufficient time for the team to respond to this request. Requests made on the day of closing may not be actioned.
Note: Applications cannot be changed after the closing date.
Please email Funding@ausport.gov.au
You will be notified of the outcome of your application by December 2024 via Smartygrants.
For probity reasons and to treat all applicants fairly and equally, it is not possible to give out information about the status of applications during the assessment process.
If you are successful, a letter of offer including the grant terms and conditions will be sent via Smartygrants. Grant payments will be processed within 10 days after the letter of offer and terms and conditions have been signed and returned to the ASC. Commencing December 2024.
Eligible applications will progress to the preliminary assessment phase where they will be assessed by an internal panel made up of ASC staff, based on responses provided in the application.
Shortlisted applications will proceed to the selection panel which will comprise representatives from NSO/NSODs and the ASC.
The external panel will make their recommendations to the ASC Executive General Manager, Diversity, People and Culture who will be responsible for the final decision.
Yes. Each grant application is assessed on how well it addresses the assessment criteria in comparing with other applications.
Requests for feedback should be directed to wlis@ausport.gov.au
No. The decisions are final and there is no appeal process.
Please email your enquiries to wlis@ausport.gov.au
For the purposes of its programs including the Women Leaders in Sport program, the ASC follows the Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender (published by the Attorney-General’s Department in July 2013 and updated November 2015).
These guidelines indicate "the Australian Government recognises that individuals may identify and be recognised within the community as a gender other than the sex they were assigned at birth or during infancy, or as a gender which is not exclusively male or female. This should be recognised and reflected in their personal records held by Australian Government departments and agencies."
Yes, employees of the National Institute Network are eligible to apply have a letter of support from their manager/supervisor to continue to support their career development.
Yes, employees of CombatAUS are eligible to apply.
No, applications from STASR employees will not be accepted.
No - applicants who have received an individual WLIS grant in the past 2 years are not eligible (Please note: this does not include attendance at a WLIS workshop)
No - only one application per applicant will be accepted for an individual grant and only one course can be applied for.
If more than one application is submitted, the last submitted application will be assessed.
Course level is defined by the degree of difficulty or complexity of the content of the course in a specific subject area.
No. The grant funding must be paid into your personal account.
The ASC encourages recipients to seek professional tax advice in relation to any impact that the WLIS grant may have on your personal tax situation. The ASC is unable to provide specific advice given each individuals’ tax situation is different.
You will need to discuss and seek support from the relevant recognised National Sporting Organisation.
Yes, you are eligible. The club will need to be associated with a state sporting organisation that is affiliated with a national sporting organisation recognised by the ASC (listed here).
You will need to obtain a letter of support from your Club President (if you are the club president, please obtain a letter of support from a committee member).
To be eligible for a WLIS grant you must hold a paid or volunteer role within your club.
No, Education/subject units that is part of a program leading to a degree where the applicant has the option to defer fees to HECS-HELP loans. Short/ standalone courses at universities or other institutions are eligible
No. However if you work or volunteer at a sporting organisation or club you are able to apply. The club will need to be affiliated with a National Sporting Organisation that is recognised by the ASC
You will need to obtain a letter of support from your Club President.
If your course is cancelled or postponed, you can request an extension or identify a replacement course and submit a request for change by emailing wlis@ausport.gov.au. Approval of your request is not guaranteed. The ASC will consider the request based on the length of extension and the suitability of the replacement course.
If a suitable arrangement cannot be made you will be required to repay the full amount of the grant back to the ASC.
Successful completion of your course is a condition of the grant funding. If you fail your course you will be required to repay the grant funding to the ASC.
Important: You can not endorse your own letter of support.
No. Individuals should submit their own applications as the courses should be specific to their own professional development. The grant must be paid to and managed by the individual. Not the organisation.
No - to be eligible for an organisation grant your organisation must be a National Sporting Organisation, or be a state/territory sporting organisation of, that is recognised by the ASC (listed here)
No - to be eligible for an organisation grant your organisation must be a National Sporting Organisation, or be a state/territory sporting organisation of, that is recognised by the ASC (listed here)
The support letter must be provided by the Chair or CEO or Equivalent.
It is highly recommended you contact the WLIS team to discuss your project before you apply, to set up a meeting please email wlis@ausport.gov.au
The ASC encourages all grant recipients to promote their stories and achievements via social media.
Please reference the ‘Women Leaders in Sport Program’, tag the ASC by searching 'Australian Sports Commission' on LinkedIn,, opens in a new tabFacebook,, opens in a new tabTwitter,, opens in a new tab and Instagram, opens in a new tab, and don't forget to include the hashtag #WLIS.
We advise using the Australian Sports Commission and AIS logos on any promotional materials produced. Logos and guidelines for use of Australian Government acknowledgment and crest can be accessed via our clearinghouse for sport: ASC Communications | Clearinghouse for Sport. If you have any questions regarding branding or use of logos please contact marketing@ausport.gov.au
When acknowledging the Australia Sports Commission Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) grants please include the following
‘The Australian Sports Commission manages the Women Leaders in Sport program through the support of the Office for Women.’
Please note: the below list is an example of courses previously applied for. We recommend you use this as a guide only and undertake your own research to meet your training and development needs.
Individual Courses |
|---|
Course Title | Course Provider |
1:1 Sport Specific Leadership Coaching Program | Artem Group |
A Woman's Pace | The Optimisation Hub |
Accelerated Leadership Program | UNSW AGSM |
Advanced Certificate in MYOB | The Career Academy |
Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management | Australian Institute of Management |
Advanced Organisational Design | Australian Human Resource Institute |
Advanced Silver / FIG 2 Academy (WAG) | Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, ACT |
Agile Project Management | Australian Institute of Management |
AHRI Short Courses | Australian Human Resources Institute |
AIM WA Mini MBA | Australian Institute of Management Western Australia |
Alpine level 4 course & exam | APSI-The Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors |
Applied Generative AI for Digital Transformation | MIT Professional Education |
ASCA Level 2 S&C Coach Accreditation Course | ASCA (Australian Strength & Conditioning Association) |
Boardroom Effectiveness for Women | Australian Institute of Company Directors |
Boards and risk - risk governance and prevention in a chaotic world | IMD Business School |
Business Analysis | Swinburne Edge |
Certificate In Applied Sports Nutrition | Sports Nutrition Australia |
Certificate in Governance Practice | Governance Institute of Australia |
Certificate IV Elite Athlete Wellbeing Management | Wellbeing Science Institute |
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment | Swinburne University |
Certificate of Community Development | Australian Online Courses |
CEW Executive Leaders Program | Chief Executive Women |
CEW Leaders Program | Chief Executive Women |
Change Management Certification Program | PROSCI |
Change management for projects: Core skills | Sydney University |
Chief Executive Women’s Leaders Program | Chief Executive Women Pty Ltd |
Company Directors Course | Australian Institute of Company Directors |
Compass Leadership Course | Dattner Group |
Confident communication for leaders-one on one mentoring | Carol Fox |
Creative Digital Communications | University of Melbourne |
Crisis Communications | Media Potential |
Dare to Lead | The Leadership Sphere |
Dealing with Difficult Behaviors | Australian Institue of Management |
Developing a Growth Mindsets | Australian Online Courses |
Digital marketing Bootcamp | Monash University |
Diploma of Governance | Institute of Community Directors Australia |
Diploma of Leadership and Management | Monarch Institute |
Diploma of Sport and Recreation Management | TAFE |
Elite Athlete Wellbeing Specialist | Wellbeing Science Institute |
Emerging Indigenous Executive Leaders Program | Australian Graduate School of Management |
Emerging Leader Program | UNSW Business School AGSM |
Emerging Leaders | Odyssey Training |
Enterprise Risk Management | Risk Management Institute of Australia |
Everything DiSC Certification - Full Package | Integro Learning Company |
Executive Coaching | Bendelta |
Executive Leadership & Advanced Governance Coaching | Dr Deidre Anderson |
Executive Ready | Women & Leadership Australia |
Fast Thinking - Confident Speaking | Australian Institute of Management |
FGC Individual Executive Coaching | Foresight's Global Coaching |
FIG 2 Academy WAG | FIG / GA |
Finance for Non-Financial Managers | Melbourne Business School |
Foundations in Creative Leadership and Advanced Design Thinking | IDEO U |
Foundations of content design | Weave Web Communications |
Foundations of Directorship | Australian Institute of Company Directors |
Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors | Australian Institute of Company Directors |
Graduate Certificate of Applied Corporate Governance and Risk Management | Governance Institute of Australia |
Individual Coaching Program | Other Side of the Table |
Individual Leadership Coaching and Mentoring | Leading Teams |
Influential Women | National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA Corporate) |
Leadership 360 | Alison Crabb Institution |
Leadership Development Program | Melbourne Business School |
Leading Change | AGSM |
Leading Edge | Women & Leadership Australia |
Leading from the Chair | INSEAD |
Leading Sport | Artem Group |
Leading Well Mentorship | Leading Well Coaching professionals |
Leading with Emotional Intelligence | UNSW AGSM |
Leading with Emotional Intelligence | Australian Institute of Management (AIM) |
Level 2 Course | AFL Victoria |
Manage Business Effectively (Online) | Australian Institute of Management Education and Training (AIM) |
Mastering Design Thinking | MIT Sloan School of Management |
Media and Presentation Training | Media Potential |
Mentoring Skills for Leaders Course | Sydney University Centre for Continuing Education |
New Leader | Australian Institute of Management Education and Training |
New Leader Development Program | Melbourne Business Scool |
Organisational Design | Australian HR Institute |
Performance Psychology for Coaches | The University of QLD |
Project Management Course: Core Skills | University of Sydney |
Project Management Fundamentals | Australian Institute of Management |
Public Speaking Bootcamp | NIDA Corporate Training |
Python Programming Course: Level 1A | Sydney University |
Resilient Leadership | Melbourne Business School |
Screnwriting for Film | AFTRS |
Strategic Leadership | Australian Institute of Management |
The Conscious Negotiator Program | Other Side of the Table |
The Masterplan | Colleen Callander & Shannah Kennedy |
Thriving Professional Women - Shine | Michelle Bihary |
Transformational Leadership PACE | The Optimisation Hub |
Women and Leadership Australia's Leading Edge Program | Women and Leadership Australia |
Women's Artistic Gymnastics Federation International Gymnastics Level 2 Academy Program | Gymnastics Australia & FIG |
WordPress Advanced Course | Dynamic Web Training |
An endorsed letter of support from your manager, direct report, or colleague within the organisation you are employed at or volunteer with, must accompany the individual grant application (uploaded at time of application).
Please limit the supporting letter to one page and include the following information:
Please note that you cannot be the endorser of your own application.