Run My Way Grant Program 2026/27

Before completing this application form, you should have read the Program Guidelines.

The Run My Way Grant Program forms part of Transport for NSW’s multi-year collaboration with the Office of Sport under the Safer Cities Program, Run My Way, which is aimed at increasing women, girls and gender diverse people’s active and meaningful participation in running.

The purpose of the Safer Cities Program is to improve perceptions of safety for people as they move through cities and towns, especially for women, girls and gender diverse people.

The Run My Way Program includes:

• Research into running habits and safety perceptions among women and gender diverse people
• Partnerships with running providers to conduct qualitative research and trial safety-focused interventions
• Trials of best-practice interventions identified by the research, surveys and stakeholder engagement.

The NSW Government is committed to a coordinated approach to running safety for runners, one that brings together place, community and innovation.

Run My Way grants will support running organisations and providers to develop and implement innovative initiatives focussed on improving experiences and perceptions of safety for runners in NSW, for women, girls and gender diverse people.

Purpose

The NSW Government's Run My Way Grant Program supports running clubs to deliver initiatives that improve perceptions of safety and create more welcoming, inclusive and accessible running environments for women, girls and gender-diverse people.

The Program recognises that concerns about personal safety can be a barrier to participation in running and physical activity. Funding will support running clubs to implement practical measures, programs and partnerships that help participants feel safer, more confident and connected when running in their communities.

Through these grants, the NSW Government aims to foster inclusive running environments that encourage participation, strengthen community connections and contribute to safer public spaces across NSW.

Key Objectives

The objectives of the program are to:

• Improve perceptions of safety for women, girls and gender-diverse people participating in running.
• Reduce barriers to participation by supporting initiatives that make running feel more welcoming, accessible and inclusive.
• Build the capability of running clubs to create safe, respectful and inclusive environments for participants of all backgrounds and abilities.
• Foster partnerships between running clubs, community organisations and local stakeholders to support safer and more inclusive running environments.
• Increase participation and retention of women, girls and gender-diverse people in running.
• Encourage community-led approaches to safety, including initiatives that promote social connection, visibility, confidence and collective participation in public spaces.
• Support running activities that activate public spaces and strengthen community connections.

The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

• submission of this application does not guarantee funding will be granted for any project, and the Department expressly reserves its right to accept or reject this application at its discretion;
• it must bear the costs of preparing and submitting this application and the Department does not accept any liability for such costs, whether or not this application is ultimately accepted or rejected; and
• it has read the Funding Guidelines for the Program and has fully informed itself of the relevant program requirements.

By submitting this application form, the Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

• if this project application is successful, the relevant details of the project will be made public, including details such as the names of the organisation (Applicant) and any partnering organisation (state government agency or non-government organisation), project title, project description, location, anticipated time for completion and amount awarded;
• the Department will use reasonable endeavours to ensure that any information received in or in respect of this application which is clearly marked ‘Commercial-in-confidence’ or ‘Confidential’ is treated as confidential, however, such documents will remain subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPA Act); and
• in some circumstances the Department may release information contained in this application form and other relevant information in relation to this application in response to a request lodged under the GIPA Act or otherwise as required or permitted by law.

This grant is open to running clubs including incorporated associations or other formally constituted organisations that regularly organise running activities in NSW for recreational, social, fitness, or competitive purposes. 

To be eligible for funding, your application must:

• be submitted by an eligible applicant
• be submitted through SmartyGrants
• be for a project located in NSW
• be for an eligible project
• request an eligible grant amount

To be eligible for funding, the applicant must:

• include a valid Incorporation number and/or active Australian Business Number (ABN).
• include a declaration by the applicant organisation that if successful they will provide Public Liability Insurance with a minimum $5 million cover
• be a legally recognised entity, including: 
  • an incorporated association registered in NSW or another Australian jurisdiction, or
  • a company registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ora not-for-profit organisation, including registered charities (ACNC), or a sole trader operating a running-related business with an ABN
• have an established operational presence in NSW (e.g. program delivery, members, or events)

Applicants primary purpose must include the delivery of organised running activities, such as:  

• community run clubs 
• structured group training or coaching programs 
• inclusive or social running programs 
• running events or competitions 
• athletics clubs with a distance running focus 

Note that sole traders may apply where the proposed project primarily delivers community participation outcomes in NSW and is not solely for commercial gain.

Eligible projects must be able to meet the following criteria:

• be delivered in NSW
• be completed by December 2027
• align with Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities Program by demonstrating clear contribution to improving perceptions of safety for women, girls and gender diverse runners, including in public spaces.

Funds will be prioritised for projects that:

• trial or implement innovative approaches to improving perceptions of safety, inclusion and belonging and participant experience for the above cohort.