Fundraising for your kids' sport team? Here's one thing that's easier than baking cookies.

If you’re not spruiking boxes of chocolates in the school car park or at your office, or getting sunburnt over a sausage sizzle while desperately hoping people will support your child’s sports team, how do you even know you’re a parent of a kid who plays a team sport?

Fundraising may be part of the job description of a parent, but any parent who’s done it knows that it can be a time-consuming and sometimes awkward task to keep asking family, friends, colleagues and even total strangers for their support of your kid’s activities.

And it can be a lot of work. Perhaps you’ll spend the weekend baking. Perhaps you’ll pound the pavement with your child, knocking on doors. Maybe a bulk box of chocolates will sit in the office kitchen… slowly dwindling… but increasing with “I.O.U.” notes from well-meaning workmates who want an afternoon snack but don’t have any change on them.

Whatever form it takes, fundraising for the sporting team is just one more thing on your parenting to-do list.

You know your child’s team needs the funds. There are uniforms and equipment and transport costs – all so your cherub can be their active best. It’s vital that you do everything you can to support them in a healthy lifestyle and their interests – yes, you know that.

But still - wouldn't it just be easier if someone just gave you the money....? Well, that 'someone' could very well be McDonald's.

Since 2007, Macca’s Junior Sports Grants program has aimed to increase participation in junior sports and encourage the habit of healthy lifestyle amongst West Australian children.

Now in its 10th year, the program has donated nearly $900,000 of equipment to WA community groups exactly like your child's local sporting team.

"Active lives are happier and healthier lives," is how Maccas explains on its website its decision to contribute so extensively to kids' sports.

The grant can provide funds to schools or groups within WA to provide basic needs to a school or sporting group for an activity which encourages kids to participate in sport.

All you've got to do is fill out an application explaining what you need the funds for with an itemised quote. Check the guidelines as to what they can provide - things like coaching and umpiring related activities and clubhouse amenities are off-limits.

So, if your school or club is in WA and requires equipment, uniforms or something else associated with activities that offer a childhood of healthy movement, apply for a grant and don't waste hours of your precious time baking.

You can apply here, or get further information on the grant at www.mcdonalds.com.au/juniorsportsgrants

Active lives are happier and healthier lives.  That’s the thinking behind the Macca’s Junior Sports Grants program.

Macca’s Junior Sports Grants aims to increase participation in junior sports and encourage a healthy lifestyle amongst young West Australians.

We provide grants to schools and community groups within Western Australia to provide sporting equipment which is likely to encourage kids to participate in sport.

So if your school or club is in Western Australia and requires equipment, uniforms or something else that encourages participation in sport, we are here to help.

Apply at: Macca’s Junior Sports Grants.