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Sport and Active Recreation Fee Assistance

The cost of sport is a well-known barrier, but there are programs that help cover sport costs such as registration fees and equipment.

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.

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.

AgesWhat is covered?How to applyIncome thresholds
18 and underProvides 50% of registration fees to a maximum of $250 per eligible child, per year towards sport registration fees.Inform the program administrators of the sport you plan to apply for funding from Kidsport. Applications must include proof of sport registration and one financial document. Additionally, CRA Notice of Assessment or Canada child benefit notice.
Use this link to access the application process https://kidsportcanada.ca/albe...		KidSport Lethbridge & Taber uses Stats Canada’s annual Low Income Cut Off guidelines to determine financial eligibility for grants.
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.

AgesWhat is covered?How to applyIncome thresholds
All agesFunding is available for one program/activity to a max of $150 per person from Jan 1 - Jun 30, and one program/activity to a maximum of $150 per person from July 1 - Dec 31, while funds are availableApplications are accepted online at https://www.lethbridge.ca/comm...
Funding can be combined with KidSport and or Jumpstart as well as Calgary Flames Sport Equipment Bank.		Proof of Lethbridge residency and proof of income status or proof of household income below Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off is required.
For questions, contact contact [email protected] or call 311

*See below for information about the bus pass subsidy

Canadian Tire Jumpstart

Important update: change to Jumpstart’s funding approach in Lethbridge as they evolve how they meet the needs of Canadian youth.

Starting January 2026, Jumpstart will no longer offer Individual Child Grants in Lethbridge & area. Instead, they are shifting their focus to Community Development Grants and other initiatives—such as Equip and Play to Lead—that prioritize affordable, inclusive sport programming, ensure participant safety, and provide qualified coaches and leaders.

Jumpstart is partnering with local organizations to create sustainable opportunities that deliver long-term impact and help more children and youth access sport and play than ever before. Through their new strategic plan, PLAY:30, Jumpstart is committed to enabling lifelong success for children and youth by removing financial, physical, and systemic barriers to sport and play.

Their research shows that Community Development Grants generate nearly three times the social value compared to Individual Child Grants. This shift allows Jumpstart to:

  • Reach more kids, especially girls and equity-deserving groups
  • Support organizations in building capacity and sustainability
  • Deliver programs that foster youth skill development, health, and well-being

We understand this transition may be disappointing for families who relied on Individual Child Grants. However, we believe this approach will create more opportunities and long-term benefits for children and youth across Canada. Families will continue to benefit from programs supported through Community Development Grants and other Jumpstart initiatives. For individual funding support, apply at KidSport and the City of Lethbridge Fee Assistance program.

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Visit the Sport Directory to discover what programs are available in Lethbridge

Lethbridge Sport and Active Recreation Fee Assistance Programs

Bus pass subsidy

The Fee Assistance Program offers funding for individuals and families facing financial barriers by providing 2/3 of the funding required for Lethbridge Transit bus passes.

How it works: With the purchase of 1 months bus pass, applicants will receive an additional 2 months for free, as well as covering the 5.00 activation fee for a new card.

Income Qualification:

  • Qualification for the Fee Assistance Program is based on gross adult household income and must meet Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) thresholds. Adults living in shared housing, with roommate(s), or with dependents will be based on individual household income.

  • If one person in the household is currently on Employment Insurance (EI), and the other adult is working, the combined gross income will be used for the application process. If the combined income is higher than the LICO threshold*, the household does not qualify for subsidy.

Application Assistance

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Needing help with your application?

Additional Grants