Athlete Applications

As an athlete, you won't be doing this alone. You'll receive education, mentoring and hands-on support from Aussie Athlete Fund Founder Natalie Cook OAM OLY, fellow elite athletes who have lived this journey, and industry experts — bringing our three pillars of education, connection and financial support to life. We also recognise the vital role families play — parents and support networks are welcome and encouraged to be part of the journey too.

Apply

Applications open annually in February.
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Find out more about the $1 Million Challenge

FAQs

Access to our Fundraising Education Platform (powered by etrainu)
Access to the Athlete Portal — resources to help you find sponsors and business partners
Mentoring and coaching from Natalie Cook OAM OLY and experienced athletes
Guest speakers and real-world industry insights
Monthly support calls and incentives
Opportunities to connect with purpose-driven businesses and build partnerships that extend beyond sponsorship
Invitations to exclusive Aussie Athlete Fund events and events Aussie Athlete Fund are invited too
Opportunities to share your story through podcasts, events and media platforms
Financial incentives, awards and the opportunity to progress into Elevate — our fundraising masterclass
100% of funds raised go directly to your Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) fundraising page and are fully tax-deductible

Fundraising is a skill — and one that will support you well beyond this Challenge.

Applications are open to Australian sportspersons of all ages who meet the following criteria:

Australian citizen
Competing in a sport recognised by the Australian Sports Commission
Competing at a national or emerging elite level
Willing to actively participate in the program

If you fall outside of these categories, you can still be given access to the Fundraising Education Platform (powered by etrainu)

Submit an application
If selected, complete an agreement and induction call
Create your Australian Sports Foundation fundraising page (with AAF support)
Be paired with a business partner where possible
Participate in education sessions, monthly calls and fundraising activities
Work toward raising $10,000 within the Challenge timeframe

Athletes are encouraged — but not required — to help identify potential business partners. The Aussie Athlete Fund works alongside you to make this happen.

February — Applications open
March — Applications close
April — Selections, pairings, agreements and pre-induction calls completed
1 May — Challenge officially begins; induction call and athlete–business pairings announced
May – October — Challenge in full swing: monthly calls, fundraising training and events
September - Elevate applications and Award submissions open and close
31 October — Challenge officially concludes
October – December — Award winners and Elevate athletes announced; Aussie Athlete Fund Awards Night
November/December — Elevate program commences
December – March — Elevate program runs
31 March (following year) — Elevate program concludes

Elevate is an extension of the $1 Million Challenge — 32 athletes are selected from the 100 Challenge participants to join a fundraising and professional development masterclass, with the potential for additional financial support. (See the $1 Million Challenge page for full details.)

The end of the Challenge doesn't have to mean the end of the partnership. Athletes and businesses are encouraged to continue working together should they wish.

The $1 Million Challenge is an annual program — athletes are required to reapply each year to stay active in the program and continue receiving all opportunities, education and support that AAF has to offer.

At the conclusion of the Challenge:

Elevate: Up to 32 athletes are selected to join Elevate — a fundraising and professional development masterclass running October/November through March, with the potential for additional financial support
Awards: Up to six athletes are recognised across the following categories, each receiving additional financial support:
- Rising Star Award
- All-Rounder Award
- Biggest Fundraiser
- Standout Event Award
- Media Excellence Award
- Creative Content Award

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Athlete Applications