TOORMINA - FIBA Oceania has launched a programme that will help its member federations apply for funding of up to $25,000AUD to construct or improve facilities.

The FIBA Oceania Facilities Program (FOFP) was developed and approved by the zone's board in 2011 and will offer financial assistance to basketball federations to build new, or improve existing, basketball facilities.

Feedback from federations indicated there is a major shortage of basketball facilities across most countries, that existing facilities constantly need upgrading, and that FIBA-approved equipment is in short supply.

The FOFP grants are available from $500 to $25,000, with FIBA Oceania contributing a maximum of 50% of the total project costs.

Due to limited funds and their much stronger economies, Australia and New Zealand will be excluded from the FOFP.

Below is more information regarding the FOFP.

Application Dates:
April 2012 - Application form available from FIBA Oceania website
1st August 2012 - Applications close
August 2012 - Projects assessed and recommendations to Board
31st August 2012 -  Successful projects announced
October 2012 - Funds released for approved projects

What can be funded?
- Construction of new basketball courts, indoors or outdoors
- Provision of new backboards, rings, scoring and timing equipment
- Provision of lights to enable night play
- Renovation/improvement of existing basketball facilities
- Provision of portable equipment to assist development programmes

What cannot be funded?
- Purchase of land
- Office equipment and administration facilities
- Car parking, roads, footpaths
- Projects linked to a commercial venture
- Projects not approved by the local council
- Basic ongoing maintenance (painting, plumbing electrical work)

As this is the first year of the grant process, the information sheet and application form are available now (rather than April) to enable federations a little more time to prepare their submission.

Executive members of the federations should read the documents very carefully to ensure they understand the regulations and assessment criteria.

Click here for the information sheet on the FOFP
Click here for the application form for the FOFP

Both forms can be found in the "Forms and Reports" section of fibaoceania.com.

FIBA