In 2009, the then and still current President of the Alice Springs Athletics Club, Murray Stewart - identified the need to form an organisation to assist families with the immense costs associated with sending of their children to compete in Territory, National or International Sporting Events. Murray invited sporting friends, Mary Meldrum, Warren Collitts and John Boil to an informal meeting at the Memorial Club to discuss the formation of what is now known as the Desert Sports Foundation. The Foundation then became incorporated, with an official driving its operations by late May, 2010. Since its establishment, over $500,000 has been provided to local families to support their child(s)’ involvement in sports outside of Alice Springs. In 2021, the Desert Sports Foundation (DSF) in connection with the Australian Sports Foundation became a tax deductible fund, whereby donations to the value of and over $2 can be tax deductible. To donate – access the link: https://asf.org.au/projects/desert-sports-foundations-inc

• The Desert Sports Foundation’s primary aim is to provide financial assistance to junior athletes, 17 years and under, to contribute toward the cost associated with competing in Territory, National and International events away from Alice Springs.
  
  
• Through its' many fundraising activities and events, The Desert Sports Foundation - hopes to add to the social cohesion and dynamic lifestyle of all Central Australians
  
  
• Through their League of champions, The Desert Sports Foundation also honours those who, for their tireless work to develop the wonderful sporting culture that all Central Australians now enjoy.

Applications are available on the website, or be contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Currently, Desert Sports Foundation (DSF) grants periods are in March and October each year; however we reserve the right to amend any grant period and to alter guidelines as appropriate.

Chairperson - Sonya Haywood
Deputy Chair - Susan Heckenberg
Administrator - Susan Heckenberg
Treasurer - Brooke Klarenbeek
Grants Officer - Sonya Haywood
Events Office - Kylie Backhouse
Bingo Officer - Michele Thompson
Membership Liaison Officer - VACANT
Social Media Officer - Sarah Bonney
General Committee - Tesmo Kuriachan
General Committee - Ria Mitchell
Public Officer - Brooke Klarenbeek

* Positions as of March 2 2024.