Air Canada Foundation Launches Big Dreams Grant Program (Canada)

The Air Canada Foundation has launched the Big Dreams Grant Program to support Canadian organizations that enhance children and youth well-being through sport and active recreation. The program offers two $100,000 grants focusing on equity, inclusion, resilience, and participation for children and youth with disabilities, aiming to inspire personal growth and confidence through sport.

Overview

The program seeks to empower Canadian organizations that use sport and physical activity to:

• Improve health, wellness, and well-being among children and youth

• Build confidence, resilience, and inclusion through sport

• Support equity-deserving communities, including racialized, Indigenous, newcomer, and underserved youth

• Enable children and youth with disabilities to participate fully and confidently in sport and active recreation

• Reflect the spirit of Team Canada, inspiring hope, ambition, and perseverance

Grant Categories

1. Healthy Futures Grant

   • Supports sport-based programs that advance wellness, inclusion, and resilience among equity-deserving youth

2. Accessible Sports and Recreation Grant

   • Dedicated to initiatives ensuring children and youth with disabilities can fully engage in physical activity

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a Canadian-registered charitable organization

• Serve children and youth, particularly from equity-deserving or underserved communities

• Programs must focus on inclusive physical activity

• Organizations can demonstrate capacity to implement impactful sport-based initiatives

Funding Details

• Two grants of $100,000 each

• Support is intended for programs that strengthen sport-based initiatives and expand youth participation and inclusion

• Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2026

• Successful applicants will be notified in spring 2026

Why It Matters

Sport and active recreation can:

• Promote physical and mental health among children and youth

• Build confidence, teamwork, and resilience

• Foster social inclusion and support equity-deserving youth

• Enable children with disabilities to participate fully and confidently, reducing barriers to engagement

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility as a Canadian charitable organization serving children and youth

2. Prepare a proposal detailing program objectives, target communities, activities, and expected outcomes

3. Submit the application by the deadline: March 15, 2026

4. Wait for notification of award in spring 2026

5. If successful, implement the program in alignment with grant objectives

Tips for Successful Applications

• Emphasize inclusive practices for diverse youth populations

• Demonstrate measurable impact on health, resilience, and participation

• Highlight programs that leverage sport for personal growth and community engagement

• Include specific plans for children and youth with disabilities if applying for the Accessible Sports and Recreation Grant

FAQs

1. Who can apply?
Canadian charitable organizations serving children and youth, particularly those from equity-deserving or underserved communities.

2. What are the grant amounts?
Two grants of $100,000 each.

3. What are the two grant streams?

• Healthy Futures Grant (equity-deserving youth)

• Accessible Sports and Recreation Grant (children and youth with disabilities)

4. What is the application deadline?
March 15, 2026

5. When will applicants be notified?
Notifications will be made in spring 2026

6. Can schools apply directly?
Applications must come from registered charitable organizations, not individual schools or educators.

7. Does the program provide in-kind support?
Yes, in addition to financial grants, the Air Canada Foundation provides in-kind support to Canadian-registered charities.

Conclusion

The Air Canada Foundation Big Dreams Grant Program 2026 is a strategic investment in children and youth across Canada, leveraging sport and active recreation to build confidence, resilience, inclusion, and opportunity. By supporting both equity-deserving youth and children with disabilities, the initiative aims to foster healthy, empowered, and inspired future generations.