ABA Club Grassroots Development Fund
The ABA Club Grassroots Development Fund supports Auckland Badminton Association (ABA) Affiliated Clubs in launching initiatives that drive growth, focus on underrepresented groups, and promote a more inclusive badminton community. This guide provides potential applicants with essential details on how the fund works, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and examples to inspire program ideas.
The fund is aligned with ABA’s strategic plan, primarily under Sport Capability.
OUR VISION | Every Opportunity is created for participation in Badminton. |
OUR PURPOSE | To Strengthen and Grow Badminton in our community |
Sport Capability | Facility | Stakeholder Partnerships | Organisational Excellence |
Strengthen the badminton delivery system to improve quality for players, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators at all levels. | Provide ABA facilities that are fit for purpose and identify new facilities that support the expansion of badminton in Auckland for all programmes and competitions. | Identify, develop and maintain key partnerships that support ABA plans and outcomes. | Provide effective Governance and Leadership of ABA that enables us to deliver an excellent service to all stakeholders. |
Fund Overview
The ABA Club Grassroots Development Fund provides financial assistance to clubs that aim to launch new programs promoting badminton participation. This initiative aligns with ABA’s broader mission to strengthen and grow the sport across Auckland, particularly for groups that may be underrepresented. The fund supports the following target groups:
- Māori and Pasifika (all ages)
- Female players (all ages)
- Junior players
- Para-Badminton athletes
- Players over 60 years old
- Minority and other emerging groups in need of support
Eligible Funding Uses
Funding can cover many costs directly associated with launching and running new programs. Eligible expenses include:
- Coaching: All coaching must be organised through ABA Coaches to ensure quality and consistency.
- Equipment: Rackets, shuttlecocks, and other required equipment must be purchased through the ABA Proshop.
- Venue Hire: Costs for renting courts or other spaces to hold sessions for the new program.
- Marketing and Advertising: Funds can be allocated to local marketing efforts to attract participants from the targeted communities.
- Other Costs: Any additional costs that align with the project’s objectives, subject to ABA’s approval.
Note: This fund is solely for new initiatives and cannot be used to support existing programs.
Application Process and Timeline
- Monthly Applications: Applications are due by the 20th of each month from November 2024 through September 2025. Each application will be reviewed, and decisions will be communicated by the 20th of the following month.
- Grant Amount: Clubs can receive grants of up to $3,000 per year for each new initiative. ABA allocates grants at its discretion to ensure fair distribution of funds.
- Application Support: ABA offers feedback and guidance to help clubs develop proposals and refine their programs upon request.
Funding Conditions and Reporting Requirements
- New Initiatives Only: Only proposals for brand-new programs or pilots will be considered for funding.
- ABA Equipment and Coaches: Clubs must purchase equipment through ABA and use ABA-approved coaches to ensure consistent quality.
- End-of-Project Accountability Report: Fund recipients must complete an ABA-provided Accountability Report after the project concludes. This report will cover:
- Participant demographics (age, gender, ethnicity)
- Key learnings and outcomes from the program
- Areas for improvement for future initiatives
- Potential for re-running the program
Strategic Benefits of the Fund
By offering financial support for new club initiatives, the ABA Club Grassroots Development Fund aims to help clubs and the wider community:
- Increase Participation: Attract new players, particularly from targeted underrepresented groups, to badminton.
- Support Club Growth: Enable clubs that are ready for expansion to introduce new, sustainable programs that align with ABA’s growth goals.
- Strengthen ABA-Club Relationships: Work closely with clubs to provide resources and guidance, fostering stronger, mutually beneficial relationships.
- Promote Long-Term Sustainability: Establish diverse, inclusive programs contributing to badminton’s growth and sustainability in Auckland.
Examples of Eligible Programs
Below are examples of projects that could be eligible for funding, highlighting how clubs can engage target groups and promote badminton:
Example 1: Para-Badminton Daytime Program
- Objective: Increase Para-Badminton participation.
- Program Design: A 6-week daytime program for Para-Badminton players, hosted midweek during off-peak hours.
- Execution: ABA coaches deliver sessions with free rackets to each participant to encourage continued play.
- Funded Items: Coaching, equipment, venue hire, marketing efforts.
Example 2: Junior After-School Badminton Program
- Objective: Grow junior badminton membership and increase after-school engagement.
- Program Design: A 9-week program in Term 1, offering structured sessions and free rackets to juniors.
- Execution: ABA assists with program design, promotional strategy, and supplies for junior players.
- Funded Items: Coaches, shuttles, rackets, venue hire.
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