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.
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 | What is covered? | How to apply | Income thresholds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-18 | $300 per application per child. Can put in up to 2 requests per child for the same or for different activities. | Applications are accepted online, use this link to continue the application process: https://jumpstart.canadiantire... Applications must include proof of financial need. Accepted documents can be found using the application link above (click on Before | Families must meet specific financial criteria as per Revenue Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Offs or are receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Questions? Contact [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 | What is covered? | How to apply | Income thresholds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 and under | Provides 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.
| Ages | What is covered? | How to apply | Income thresholds |
|---|---|---|---|
| All ages | Funding 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 available | Applications 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 |
Calgary Flames Sports Bank
The Calgary Flames Sports Bank provides equipment to kids from low-income families. Therefore, families must provide adequate documentation. Equipment available is based on items that they currently have in stock. Please call ahead to book an appointment and to check the availability of appropriate gear. Walk in requests for equipment will not be fulfilled.
| Ages | What is covered? | How to apply | Income thresholds |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Ages | Lightly used gear based on availability, sport and size. Equipment measuring legend available on their website | They suggest that you apply for KidSport using the fillable application form and noting your equipment needs. Once you’ve received an approval letter from KidSport please fill out the Parent/Guardian Application for Equipment Form and submit by email to [email protected] | KidSport uses Stats Canada’s annual Low Income Cut Off guidelines to determine financial eligibility for grants. Once you submit your documentation, The Calgary Flames Sports Bank will contact you to book an appointment. *Documentation must be approved before an appointment will be made. |