Applications are now open for Government financial assistance for sports programmes and activities for the 2026–27 financial year, with federations, communities, clubs, constituencies and schools eligible to apply.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs said the funding, administered through its Sports and Active Recreation Division, is intended to support sports participation and improve health and wellbeing.

Applicants will be required to follow published procedures covering eligibility and grant processing, as well as reporting requirements for the use of approved funds.

The new grants round comes as the future use of sports funding, including revenue from the sports levy, continues to attract attention ahead of Tonga’s preparations to host the 2031 Pacific Games.

The Ministry’s Annual Management Plan for 2025–26 states that sports grants were included in the division’s budget and that the funds are generated through the sports levy as a revolving fund. The plan also identifies preparations for the 2031 Pacific Games, including sports facility upgrades and the development of a national sports strategy, as major priorities.

In its 2024–25 annual report, the Ministry said it had disbursed 32 sports grants, although around 40 per cent of grant acquittals were still expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

The opening of applications therefore provides an opportunity for schools, clubs and communities to seek support for local sports programmes while wider questions remain about how future sports levy revenue will be allocated between grassroots and national sports development, infrastructure and preparations for the 2031 Games.

The Ministry has published grant procedures, eligibility requirements and reporting templates for prospective applicants.