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.
Lethbridge Sport Bank
Lethbridge Sport Bank
Lethbridge Sport Bank
The Lethbridge Sport Bank provides safe, quality, gently used and new sport equipment to children, youth, and adults who may otherwise be unable to afford the gear needed to participate in sport and active recreation. The Sport Bank is available to individuals and families across southwestern Alberta experiencing financial barriers to purchasing sport equipment.
How to apply - Go to the website, sportbank.ca, you’ll navigate to the ‘Equipment’ page. Review the criteria listed there before proceeding. Then you’ll choose the ‘Parent/Guardian Application’ button. Fill in the form
What happens after I apply? Once we receive your application, our staff will review it. If we have the equipment you will need, we will send you an email with instructions to book an outfitting appointment at the Sport Bank. If we do not have the equipment you need, we will reach out with next steps.
How long does the application process take? Generally, once we receive your application, we will reply within 1-2 business days to book your outfitting appointment. Your outfitting appointment should take place within 2 weeks of being booked.
How do I book my outfitting appointment? You will receive a link via email, where you will be able to see what time slots are available, and select one that works best for you.
What should I bring to my appointment? You will need to bring your proof of qualification to the appointment.
KidSport - Lethbridge & Taber
KidSport - Lethbridge & Taber
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.
What is Covered - Provides 50% of registration fees to a maximum of $250 per eligible child, per year towards sport registration fees.
How to apply - 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...
Income thresholds - 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
City of Lethbridge Recreation and Culture Fee Assistance Program
City of Lethbridge Recreation and Culture Fee Assistance Program
The City of Lethbridge Fee Assistance Program supports Lethbridge residents who face financial barriers. Through an application process, participants can access public transit and recreation and culture programs and activities at a subsidized cost.
What is covered - 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/community-services-supports/community-social-development-csd/fee-assistance-program/
Funding can be combined with other assistance programs.How to apply - 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.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.
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.
Questions - Contact contact [email protected] or call 311
Canadian Tire Jumpstart
Canadian Tire Jumpstart
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.
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.
Application Assistance
Need computer access? Visit
- MyCityCare - [email protected] | (403) 942-1378 | 1401 28 St N, Lethbridge, AB
- Lethbridge Public Library Main or Crossings Branch
Needing help with your application?
- Visit Lethbridge Sport Council (401 Laval Blvd West)
- Email [email protected]
Additional Grants
- Every kid can play program: https://www.alberta.ca/every-kid-can-play-program
- Their opportunity: : https://www.theiropportunity.com/apply