Holden Tips $5 Million Into 10-Year ‘Home Ground Advantage’ Sports Program

Holden has today announced a ‘Home Ground Advantage’ sports program that will offer $5 million in grants for grassroots sporting clubs over the next 10 years.

Launched with the NRL at an event in Sydney today, the new program will see Holden donate $500,000 each year for the next decade to clubs around Australia, across all sporting codes.

Holden’s George Svigos said today that the program recognises the importance of sport as “an enabler”, helping young people to form new friendships and discover a sense of purpose.

“Kids today face a number of challenges and distractions; in fact a recent study found that adolescents who drop out of organised sport are 10 to 20 percent more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health problem in the following three years,” he said.

“We hope that Home Ground Advantage builds on the relationship Australians have with Holden by providing much needed support to sporting communities’ across Australia.”

The yearly program will be split into ‘Winter’ and ‘Summer’ rounds, with both offering $250,000 in grants.

Most grants will be made up of amounts up to $10,000, although each round will see one project awarded a grant of up to $100,000.

Holden says clubs will be able to apply for a grant for “projects or equipment that make life easier for members and supporters”, such as hot showers, lockers, benches, better facilities, uniforms, and purchasing new equipment.

Funding will be not available to cover ongoing expenses, debts or already completed projects.

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