[mkdf_dropcaps type=”normal” color=”#f55549″ background_color=””]S[/mkdf_dropcaps]
port Australia has announced the opening of applications for the 2021 Women Leaders in sport (WLIS) development grants and leadership workshops.

The WLIS development grants and leadership workshops are a part of Sport Australia’s wider WLIS program with the goal of providing women in the Australian sport industry with opportunities to gain new skills, knowledge, and qualifications to progress within leadership pathways.

Sport Australia manages the WLIS program, which is in its 20th year, having reached over 25,000 women during that time, in partnership with the Office for Women.

The individual grants this year will be up to the value of $10,000 and will work to support women working in the sport industry with professional development or to attend online leadership workshops, with organisations also invited to apply for grants up to the value of $20,000 to run workshops, seminars, or conferences for their staff.

Sport Australia acting CEO, Rob Dalton, said: “We know that having a greater balance of men and women in executive leadership positions makes sporting organisations more dynamic and well-rounded in the way they conduct their businesses.”

“Having that diversity at a leadership level has a direct impact on engagement in sport and ultimately, positively impacts the bottom line for sports.

“It is vitally important to ensure that our next generation of female sports leaders are provided with genuine development opportunities, which is what this program delivers and why it has been extended and expanded for a four-year cycle.

“Sport Australia is so pleased the Australian Government has acknowledged the importance of the WLIS program with an increased funding commitment of $3.4 million over the next four financial years, ensuring the program can expand and deliver even further development opportunities for women to reach their leadership potential in our industry,” Dalton said.

The applications for the WLIS development grants and leadership workshops are open until March 17, 2021.

To view the eligibility criteria and information on how to apply, click here.