Grants Program for Female Athletes

Applications Now Closed – Thank You for Your Interest

Seven Consulting has a long and proud history of investing in women’s sport. Since 2017, we have supported high performance female athletes and national teams, including partnerships with the Commbank Matildas (2017–2023) and the Australian Opals (2022–present). Our commitment is grounded in the belief that female athletes deserve equal access to development opportunities, visibility, and financial support.

The Seven Consulting Female Athlete Sports Grant continues this legacy by supporting emerging athletes who represent the future of Australian sporting excellence. The program helps reduce financial barriers—such as travel, coaching, equipment, and the challenges of reduced income due to demanding training schedules—so athletes can focus on performance, development, and long term success.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, Seven Consulting will award up to two athletes of $25,000 each, which will be paid in monthly instalments over the 12 months. The program champions fairness, integrity, and meaningful impact, supporting athletes competing in sports that engage communities and offer strong visibility for both the athlete and the Seven Consulting network.

Applications are now closed

Thank you for the incredible interest in the program. We were thrilled by the high‑quality applications received between 7 April and 8 May, showcasing the talent, passion, and determination of female athletes from across Australia.

Applications have been under review since early submissions, and we’re excited to share that successful grant recipients are expected to be announced by June.

Who Was Eligible to Apply

The grant was open to athletes who met all of the following criteria:

Applicant Eligibility

  • Female athlete
  • Aged 18 years and above at time of application
  • Legally allowed to live and work in Australia (citizen, permanent resident, or eligible long‑term visa holder)
  • Competing in a recognised sport affiliated with a National Sporting Organisation (NSO)
  • Competing in a team or individual sport with strong visibility or attendance
  • Demonstrated financial need

Performance Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate current or emerging elite performance, supported by:

  • A coach letter
  • Competition results
  • State or national level involvement
  • Clear disclosure of injury status and treatment plan (if applicable)

Fairness & Administration Requirements

  • Only one grant may be awarded per athlete
  • Full disclosure of other funding or sponsorships

Key Dates (2026–2027 Grant Cycles)

Application Period

  • Opens: 10:00 AM AEST — Tuesday, 7 April 2026
  • Closes: 5:00 PM AEST — Friday, 8 May 2026

Grant Activities

  • Funding cycle: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027
  • Program evaluation: July – August 2027

High‑Level Application & Assessment Process

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Questions & Support

For enquiries, applicants may click the button below or email communications@sevenconsulting.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Seven Consulting Grants Program for Female Athletes?

  • It is a financial support program designed to reduce barriers for high‑performance female athletes. In 2026, up to two athletes will each receive a once‑off grant of $25,000, which will be paid in monthly instalments over the 12-month period.

Why is Seven Consulting offering these grants?

  • Seven Consulting invests in long term athlete development and aims to support women in sport by improving access to opportunities, reducing financial pressure, and helping athletes build sustainable careers beyond their sporting careers.

How many athletes will be selected?

  • Up to two (2) athletes will be awarded a grant in 2026.

Is this a scholarship or sponsorship?

  • This is a grant, not a salary, employment arrangement, or commercial sponsorship agreement. The grant may be considered taxable income depending on individual circumstances. Seven Consulting does not provide tax advice, and applicants are encouraged to seek independent tax guidance.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be:

  • Female
  • Aged 18 years and above at time of application
  • Living legally and has a working right in Australia (citizen, permanent resident, or eligible long‑term visa holder)
  • Competing in a recognised sport (team or individual sport) affiliated with National Sporting Organisation (NSO) listed by the Australian Sports Commission
  • Currently performing at, or showing strong potential for, elite or professional level sport
  • Demonstrated financial need

Do I need to be competing professionally?

  • Not necessarily — athletes with high potential backed by credible evidence (results, coach letters, progression) may also be selected.

Are para‑athletes eligible?

  • Yes. Para‑athletes are eligible and are part of the program’s strategic considerations.

Are certain sports prioritised?

  • All recognised sports (team or individual sport) are eligible. Preference may be given to mainstream or attendance‑based sports where Seven Consulting staff and clients can attend events (such as soccer or basketball).

Can I apply if I am under 18?

  • No, you need be 18 years or older to apply.

Can I apply if I already receive funding or sponsorship?

  • Yes, but you must declare all other funding and explain why further support is needed.

When do applications open and close?

  • Applications open on 7 April 2026 at 10:00 AM AEST and close at 5:00pm AEST on 8 May 2026.

How do I apply?

  • Complete the online application form and submit written submission and supporting documents (e.g., coach letter, results, injury status information).

What documents do I need to submit?

Possible supporting documents you may submit:

  • Coach letter
  • Performance results or proof of pathway
  • Injury status declaration
  • Any supporting documents demonstrating financial need
  • Referee details

Will late applications be accepted?

  • Only if there were technical issues and Seven Consulting was contacted before the deadline.

What happens after I apply?

  • Applications are reviewed for eligibility and assessed against published criteria. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview before final decisions are made.

Can Seven Consulting request more information?

  • Yes. Applicants must respond promptly to clarification requests.

Will I receive feedback if I’m unsuccessful?

  • All applicants will be notified of the outcome. Due to the competitive nature of the program, individual feedback and appeals are not available.

How will applications be assessed?

  • Applications are assessed against non-scored and scored criteria.

Do injuries affect my application?

  • Applicants must declare any current injuries and expected return to competition timelines. This information is considered to ensure the grant supports athletes who can reasonably compete during the funding period.

Who assesses the applications?

  • An internal Grant Assessment and Selection Panel at Seven Consulting.

Is there an interview?

  • Yes. Shortlisted athletes will be interviewed (online or in-person).

Who makes the final decision?

  • The Seven Consulting Management Board. Decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

How much funding can I receive?

  • The $25,000 will be paid in monthly instalments over the 12-month period.

How are payments made?

  • Payments are deposited into the Grantee’s Australian bank account on the 15th of each month (July 2026 – June 2027).

Do I need to submit proof of how I use the grant?

  • No. Athletes are not required to submit receipts or formal proof of expenditure. However, grant funds are expected to be used in line with the purpose outlined in the application and the intent of the program.

Is the grant taxable?

  • The grant may be considered taxable income depending on individual circumstances. Seven Consulting does not provide tax advice, and applicants are encouraged to seek independent tax guidance.

Can the grant be cancelled?

Yes, funds will cease immediately if the athlete:

  • Is arrested or charged
  • Generates adverse publicity
  • Acts in a way that harms the program’s reputation
  • Violates program conditions or eligibility criteria

What can the grant money be used for?

  • Athletes are not required to submit receipts or formal proof of expenditure.  Athletes may use the grant funds in the way they feel will best support and advance their athletic career. Grant use is expected to align with the intent of the program and the information provided in the application.

What commitments do successful athletes have?

Athletes must:

  • Publicly acknowledge Seven Consulting (social media, articles, etc.)
  • Use approved logos and branding
  • Attend two Seven Consulting events (with travel support if needed)
  • Produce a 1-2 minutes video at the end of the program

Are there safeguarding requirements?

  • Yes. Athletes must sign declarations and follow safe sport practices.

Is there a survey or evaluation?

  • Yes. Athletes must complete a post‑program survey (July or August 2027).

Can I apply again in future years?

  • Athletes may only receive one grant per program period. Future program cycles and eligibility rules will be determined by Seven Consulting and may change from year to year. Therefore, while you cannot receive more than one grant in the same program period, opportunities to apply in future years will depend on program availability and updated guidelines.

Who can I contact for questions?

Kindly email communications@sevenconsulting.com. Enquiries must be sent no later than three days before applications close.