GRANT FUNDING

The City of Lethbridge hosts two Grant Information Sessions annually. Sign up for the Lethbridge Sport Council E-Newsletter to hear when the next one is scheduled and other grant writing information sessions, hear about new funding opportunities, and to be reminded of grant deadlines.

Event Grants

Community Event Support Grant - provides funding for eligible not-for-profit organizations to run events and develop new events.

Major Community Event Hosting Grant - intended for events of significant size that would have an economic benefit and enhance the profile and visibility of the city. Ongoing deadlines.

Facility Grants

Community Capital Project Grant-

Not-for-profit organizations in the City of Lethbridge can apply for a Community Capital Projects Grant for financial support to:

• Construct, renovate or retrofit their facilities
• Purchase major equipment to improve operational efficiency or enhance programming

Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta

NOTE: This grant requires sport organizations to partner with a Canada Revenue Agency qualified donee organization (with national charitable status).

• Youth in Action Grants program – for programs and applications by youth. Deadline March 1st.

• Henry S Varley Fund For Rural Life – for programs and projects outside of Lethbridge. Deadline March 15th

• Community Priorities Fund – for projects and equipment, capital funding often used with the City’s CCPG grant. Deadline March 15th. For information on these grants, contact Caitlin Gajdostik at [email protected].

United Way Lethbridge and South Western Alberta Program funding based on their pillars. Applications are annual and open on January 31st. For more information contact Connolly Tate-Mitchell at [email protected]

NOTE: This grant requires sport organizations to partner with a Canada Revenue Agency qualified donee organization (with national charitable status).

Facility Grants

Community Facility Enhancement Program Financial assistance to purchase, build, renovate, or upgrade public-use community facilities. The applicant must contribute an amount equal to or exceeding the CFEP grant request towards the expenses of the project.

Program Grants

Alberta Gaming and Liquor Cannabis for community organizations to raise money for their cause. The groups volunteer in casinos, bingos, raffles and pull tickets to raise money.

Communities Choosewell Funding - Alberta Physical Activity and Recreation

Communities Choosewell offers an annual Healthy Community Grant (i.e., active living) and from time to time create other funding grants depending on needs. Their website also includes a list of External Funding Sources.

Community Initiatives Program (CIP) provides funding to support initiatives that enhance and enrich communities throughout Alberta. There are three distinct funding streams: Project-based, Operating, and Major Cultural and Sport Events.

Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Branch (SPAR) offer project grants to eligible recreation and physical activity sector organizations.

Provincial Sport Associations

Each provincial sport association determines what grants they manage to support their members from athletes to coaches to officials to local/regional sport organizations. Check with your provincial sport association to find out what is offered in your sport.

Enabling Accessibility Fund - provides funding for projects that make communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities.

The Federal Government announces, from time to time, announces one-time grants. Sign up to receive the Lethbridge Sport Council monthly eNewsletter or sign-up your sport organization to become an Organization Member to receive notices in your inbox.

Sport Support Program - Various Grants -The Sport Support Program supports the development of Canadian athletes and coaches. Funding is provided to eligible organizations for programming that is aligned with the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy.

• Innovation Initiative funds eligible organizations for the testing of innovative quality sport approaches in order to develop evidence-based solutions to improve sport participation.
• Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities component funds eligible organizations to deliver sport for social development projects in Indigenous communities in Canada.

Access to Action will support young people of equity-deserving populations across the country. Equity-deserving populations include Indigenous, Black, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, low-income and newcomers. Increased focus will be placed on young people who face intersecting barriers to school-based physical activity participation and have disengaged from sport and physical activity over the past two years. For more information on why Access to Action will focus on these student groups, please see Statistics Canada’s Review of Canadian Youth.

Alberta Amputee Sports and Recreation Association - https://www.aasra.ab.ca/

AASRA provides its members with financial support so they can experience life to the fullest in a sport or recreation program of their choosing.

Competitive Sports Event Funding -AASRA members in good standing of all ages are eligible for financial support to participate in competitive sporting events on a local, national, or international basis. This funding is only available to amputee members.

The Process - To obtain funding, an AASRA Funding Application form along with documentation supporting the legitimacy of the event (sanctioning organization “letter”) and cost estimates should be submitted to AASRA by mail or by email to [email protected]. The AASRA Board will discuss and determine the acceptability of the application and the maximum funding to be provided and notify the applicant.

AASRA cannot provide funding prior to the event. The AASRA member pays all costs to participate in the event keeping detailed receipts. A Reimbursement form is then submitted along with all proof of payment and participation documentation to [email protected] to be processed by the treasurer based on prior Board approval. It is the responsibility of the participating AASRA athlete to provide all supporting receipts and other documentation.

Recreational Membership Funding - Funding for recreational membership fees for members of AASRA in good standing of all ages. This funding is only available to amputee members of AASRA.

Generally, the maximum would be limited to no more than $750 per application and subject to approval of the Board of Directors.

The Process - To obtain funding an AASRA Expense Claim form along with a receipt showing payment of the fee should be submitted to AASRA by mail or by email to [email protected] (scanned copies of receipts are OK). Please specify “Recreational membership funding request” on the form.

Pre-approval may be requested prior to paying the membership fee by mail or email (same as above). If pre-approval is granted the fee must be paid by the applicant and then submitted for reimbursement using the AASRA expense claim form with receipt attached. AASRA cannot provide the money ahead of time to pay the fee.

Funding for Youth - Funding for sports organization registration fees for members under 18 years old.

Under-18 amputee members will now be eligible for funding of up to $500 per application. Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis until we reach the budgeted allotment for this program.

The Process - Members must submit an expense form along with a receipt showing payment of the fee to AASRA by mail or by email to [email protected].

Challenged Athletes Foundation - https://www.challengedathletes.org/grants/

CAF’s flagship grant program aims to remove the barriers that exist between adaptive athletes and their pursuit of sport and fitness.

Application Window - The Annual Grant Application is open during the fall (September – November). Applicants will be notified of the status of their grant via email in March.

Who Can Apply - Individuals worldwide with permanent physical disabilities are eligible to apply for the CAF Annual grant. In order to apply for a CAF grant, an individual must have a permanent physical disability that impairs mobility, affects the neuromuscular system, or impairs balance or motor control.

Grant Request Options - Applicants may request one of the following grant types:

• Sports Expenses Grant

• Equipment Grant

Wheelchair Sports Alberta - https://wheelchairsportsalberta.com/grants/

Wheelchair Sports Alberta is committed to providing as much opportunity for individuals to participate in para-sports. WSA is investing $9,500 into Alberta to aid our athletes and organizations in accomplishing their goals.

Grant Applications are due annually in August.

High Performance Grant - The High Performance Grant is offered to support WSA member high performance athletes get to the next level in their sport. Grants range from $500 to $2,500.

Children’s Ability Fund - https://www.childrensabilityfund.ca/

Grant funds are used to purchase specialized equipment for children with disabilities. Applications are accepted from children and young adults (21 and under) residing in Alberta and may be used to fund equipment such as adapted bicycles.

Bikes for Tykes - The Bikes for Tykes program provides funding for the adaptation of a bicycle for the individual needs of a child with a disability. Bikes for Tykes program has a maximum fund of $1,000.

Special adaptations include:

• Special foot plates

• Back support

• Handlebar modification

• Braking system modification

• Specialized training wheels

• Drive train modification

• Wheelchair bicycle additions

High Fives Foundation - https://highfivesfoundation.org/grant-application/

The Empowerment Fund - The High Fives Foundation offers three grant cycles in the calendar year.

1. January Cycle- Jan 1- Jan 31 - Open to those injured in outdoor adventure sports and wounded Veterans pursuing outdoor adventure sports.
2. May Cycle- May 1 - May 31 - Open to those injured in outdoor adventure sports.
3. August Cycle - Aug 1 - Aug 31 - Open to those injured in outdoor adventure sports and wounded Veterans pursuing outdoor adventure sport and those injured in inertia-based accidents who wish to pursue outdoor adventure sports.

This grant cycle only funds adaptive outdoor adventure sports equipment.

Tetra Society - https://wheelchairsportsalberta.com/grants/

Tetra volunteers are skilled at creating assistive devices that specifically promote participation in sport and leisure activities. Tetra’s services are offered at no charge, however, where possible, clients are asked to contribute towards materials and mileage costs. Over the years, they have designed and created devices that address an interest in:

• Golfing

• Fishing

• Adaptive sports such as bumper soccer, para ice hockey and boccia.

Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind - https://asrab.ab.ca/

Join ASRAB membership to have access to sport and recreation programming for persons with visual impairment year round. Membership fees are $20.00 for individuals [maximum $40.00 per family].

Engage in sport programming year-round, in activities such as blind hockey, downhill skiing, bowling, swimming, indoor rock climbing, dragon boat, soccer, and tandem cycling.

Alberta Cerebral Palsy Sports Association - https://www.acpsa.ca/

Become a member of ACPSA to receive access to all of their programs and financial support as an athlete. The Alberta Cerebral Palsy Sports Association will lend financial support to competitive athletes with Cerebral Palsy, or other related conditions from Alberta. To apply for funding, athletes must be a competitive athlete member of ACPSA.

Application Deadline is annually at the beginning of fall (September).

Support is for in-province events only (up to 3 events). Eligible to receive financial support for travel expenses (travel and accommodation expenses), registration, and additional training opportunities.

Alberta Deaf Sports Association - https://www.albertadeafsports.ca/

Become a member and participate in a variety of rotating sports, including badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, curling, golf, hockey, and many more! Members receive partial financial support covering registration fees, transportation, and accommodations for Deaf National events. As well as receive partial financial support covering transportation and accommodations for Deaf International events.

Lethbridge Sport Council - has developed a list of scholarship grants for athletes registered in post-secondary institutions.

AthletesCan - keeps an up-to-date list of funding opportunities for high performance athletes.

Athletes with a Disability

Challenged Athletes Foundation- To apply for a CAF grant (click on the heading link to read about each grant), an individual must have a permanent physical disability. CAF uses the International Paralympic Committee’s eligibility criteria as a guideline. Individuals with strictly cognitive or intellectual disabilities are not eligible to apply.

Program Grants

ATB - Sponsorship support for festivals and events including sports and wellness events.

ATCO - Canopy or portable barbecues available to borrow. Grants available to not-for-profit community service organizations, associations or societies and operate in and benefit an ATCO Gas community. Sports and recreation is a considered area of support.

Blue Cross - The Healthy Communities Grant Program is suspended for 2020 and is scheduled to be back and open to applications in June 2021.

Calgary Flames Foundation strives to improve the lives of southern Albertans through the support of health and wellness, education and grassroots sports programming.

Canada Post Community Foundation - provide grants to Canadian schools, charities and organizations in an effort to make a difference in the lives of children in our communities. Eligible projects include those that support the health and physical activity of children from vulnerable communities or with disabilities or illnesses. The application period opens each March.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Community Development Grants - helps develop or sustain sport and recreational programming. The grant can help offset the costs of registration, equipment and transportation.

NOTE: This grant requires sport organizations to partner with a Canada Revenue Agency qualified donee organization (with national charitable status)

CIBC Donations and Sponsorship Funding for non-profit organizations projects and programs that address community need and provide direct impact to the community served, and projects and programs that directly support children in need under the age of 14. Projects must also be aligned to cancer, persons with disabilities, financial literacy, or Indigenous communities.

Gender Equity on Sport - CPRA will support community-level interventions through programs, events, practices and/or policy changes that aim to increase participation and/or retention of girls and women in recreational sport across Canada.

Makadiff Sports is a privately funded provincial not-for-profit organization that provides financial support to the local grassroots community sport sector.

Paralympic Grants

• The Parasport Jumpstart Fund for all community and sport organizations with existing or developing Para sport programming for children with disabilities.

• The Paralympic Sport Development Fund will support initiatives and programs that contribute to athlete and coach development for those on a Paralympic pathway. It is designed to support developing athletes and enhance programs at entry level competition stages (Learn to Train) and provincial levels (Train to Train and Train to Compete).

ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge is an annual event that takes place each June that gets Canadians across the country moving together. Organizations can apply for grants and event toolkits to help put on great physical activity events during the challenge. Grant applications are generally accepted during January and February.

Servus Credit Union - Community investment includes Free Community Events that are open to the public free of charge, and Community Access – Servus partners with local non-profit organizations to offer free or reduced admission fees for people to enjoy community and cultural activities or attractions. Due to COVID-19, their application criteria has changed.

Facility Grants

Co-Op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. Projects can apply for between $25,000 and $150,000 in capital funding in three categories including RECREATION (must be available and accessible for community use).

Field of Dreams - program provides funding to design, refurbish and build safe spaces for children and youth to play baseball, develop life skills and learn from positive role models.

Wage Subsidy and Training Grants

Canada Alberta Job Grant - Eligible employers can get government funding to help employees access training opportunities.

Canada Summer Jobs - Canada Summer Jobs is an initiative that aims to provide flexible and holistic services to help all young Canadians develop skills and gain paid work experience.

The Magnet Student Work Placement Program - Employers hiring students can receive up to $7,500 in wage subsidies.

Venture for Canada - gives keen Canadian students and recent graduates immersive entrepreneurship training and real-world job experience at innovative startups, non-profits, and small businesses.

Sport Hosting Grants

See heading ‘City of Lethbridge Grants’ for local sport event hosting grants.

Province of Alberta CIP Major Cultural and Sport Events Grant - Annual application deadlines are April 1 and October 1. Projects must be completed within 18 months from the date of the grant agreement. Due to the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the Major Cultural and Sport Events applications are paused.

Sport Canada Hosting Program - assists sport organizations to host the Canada Games and international events in Canada.

Destination Organization MICE and Sporting Events - Investment will support organizations to attract, and plan for future MICE, and support major sport events that are sanctioned by national sport organizations or international federations. Application intake dates are April 1-30 and September 1-30. Nonprofits must work with their DMO to access investment. The Lethbridge DMO is Tourism Lethbridge.

Research Grants

The True Sport Foundation Calls for Applications to the Lyle Makosky Values and Ethics in Sport Fund - calls for applications annually in January. The fund assists the study of values and ethical challenges affecting non-professional Canadian sport to support personal experience-based, exploratory, foundational, applied and evaluative research.