New Resource - Sport and Active Recreation Fee Assistance Programs

The cost of sport is a well-known barrier for many Canadian families. KidSport reports that cost keeps 1 in 3 Canadian children out of organized sport. Below are three assistance programs that help cover sport costs such as registration fees and equipment. These programs are excellent resources to help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart

The Canadian Tire Jumpstart Individual Child Funding is for youth between 4-18 years of age. The funding is allocated to cover the registration fees to sport and physical activity programs running a minimum of 5-weeks (or minimum 5-day sport camps) and equipment for sport and physical activity programs.

Ages - 4-18

What is covered? $150 per application per child. Can put in up to 2 requests per child for the same or for different activities.

How to apply - Applications are accepted online, use this link to continue the application process: https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/individual-child-grants. Applications must include proof of financial need. Accepted documents can be found using the application link above (click on Before You Apply).

Income thresholds - Families must meet specific financial criteria as per Revenue Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Offs or are receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

Questions - Lori Harasem at [email protected]

KidSport - Lethbridge & Taber

KidSport provides grants for youth 18 and under to participate in registered sport programs. The grants are to help cover sport registration. If equipment is required to play, let KidSport know and they will make a referral to a partner agency.

Ages - 18 and under

What is covered? Provides 50% of registration fees to a maximum of $200 per eligible child, per year towards sport registration fees.

How to apply - Find a sport program your child would like to join and sign up. Let the program’s administrators know you will be applying for KidSport funding. Applications must include proof of sport registration and one financial document. Additionally, Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment or Canada child benefit notice. Use this link to continue with the application process https://kidsportcanada.ca/albe...

Income thresholds - KidSport Lethbridge & Taber uses Stats Canada’s annual Low Income Cut Off guidelines to determine financial eligibility for grants.

Questions - If you are unaware of your eligibility to receive a grant, please reach out to [email protected]

City of Lethbridge Recreation and Culture Fee Assistance Program

The City of Lethbridge offers a Fee Assistance Program for all ages to help with the costs for any recreation, sports, arts, or culture registration, membership, or equipment. The program is for Lethbridge residents who face financial barriers to participate in recreational and cultural opportunities.

Ages - All ages

What is covered? $150 per application per child. Can put in up to 2 requests per child for the same or for different activities.

How to apply - Applications are accepted online at www.lethbridge.ca/feeassistance. Funding can be combined with KidSport and or Jumpstart as well as Flame’s Sports Equipment Bank.

Income thresholds - Proof of Lethbridge residency and proof of income status or proof of household income below Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off is required.

Questions - Lori Harasem at [email protected]