Apply for Community Engagement and Development Program in Canada

The Community Engagement & Development Program – Framework in Action Summer Fun Grant supports community-led sport, culture, and recreation initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for children and youth. Eligible communities can receive up to $1,000 for summer programming and an additional $200 for eligible training activities that strengthen youth leadership, inclusion, and recreation capacity.

About the Community Engagement & Development Program

The Framework in Action Grant Program supports local communities in developing sport, culture, and recreation activities that improve the lives of children and youth.

The programme focuses on building stronger communities through:

• Youth participation.
• Recreation opportunities.
• Leadership development.
• Skill building.
• Inclusive community engagement.
• Active and healthy lifestyles.

The Summer Fun Grant is a specific funding opportunity under this programme that helps communities deliver engaging summer activities for children and young people.

Purpose of the Summer Fun Grant

The Summer Fun Grant aims to support community-led summer programs that provide:

• Safe recreation opportunities.
• Inclusive activities.
• Sport and physical activities.
• Cultural experiences.
• Youth leadership opportunities.
• Hands-on learning experiences.

The programme encourages young people to participate actively, develop new skills, and contribute positively to their communities.

Key Focus Areas

The programme aligns with the Framework for Recreation in Canada and focuses on five major areas.

Active Living

The programme promotes healthy and active lifestyles through:

• Physical recreation activities.
• Participation in sport.
• Development of physical literacy.
• Encouraging play.
• Reducing sedentary behaviour.
• Supporting lifelong involvement in recreation.

Activities should encourage children and youth to remain physically active and engaged.

Inclusion and Access

The grant promotes equal access to recreation opportunities for all community members.

Projects should support participation regardless of:

• Socioeconomic background.
• Age.
• Culture.
• Race.
• Indigenous identity.
• Gender.
• Ability.
• Sexual orientation.
• Geographic location.

The programme encourages communities to remove barriers that prevent children and youth from participating.

Connecting People and Nature

Projects may encourage connections with natural environments through:

• Outdoor recreation.
• Use of parks and natural spaces.
• Environmental awareness activities.
• Community education.
• Responsible use of natural resources.

The programme supports recreation activities that strengthen relationships between people and nature.

Supportive Environments

The grant supports communities in creating positive recreation environments through:

• Accessible spaces and facilities.
• Multi-purpose use of existing community resources.
• Infrastructure improvement.
• Active transportation.
• Community partnerships.
• Recreation education.
• Assessment and planning tools.

Projects should create environments where children and youth can participate safely and confidently.

Recreation Capacity Development

The programme strengthens local recreation systems by supporting:

• Youth leadership.
• Volunteer development.
• Community partnerships.
• Career development.
• Recreation education.
• Capacity building.
• Knowledge sharing.

The goal is to help communities develop stronger long-term recreation opportunities.

Funding Available

The grant provides:

• Up to $1,000 for Summer Fun Program delivery.
• Up to $200 additional funding for eligible training activities.

Total possible support:

• Up to $1,200 per approved applicant

Communities can apply:

• Once per fiscal year.

Eligible Activities

Funding can support:

Summer Recreation Programs

Examples include:

• Sports activities.
• Cultural activities.
• Outdoor recreation.
• Youth skill-building activities.
• Community engagement programs.
• Inclusive recreation opportunities.

Youth Leadership Training

Training activities may support:

• Leadership skills.
• Safe play practices.
• Inclusion approaches.
• Youth engagement techniques.
• Recreation programme delivery skills.
• Community capacity building.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Municipal Recreation Authorities.
• First Nation Recreation Authorities.
• Community Recreation Boards.
• Recreation Departments.
• Recreation Directors.
• Non-profit volunteer community groups.
• Schools located within the District boundaries.

Applicants must demonstrate their ability to deliver community-led sport, culture, or recreation activities.

Program Delivery Requirements

Funded summer programmes must:

• Be community-led.
• Provide recreation opportunities for children and youth.
• Take place between June 1 and August 30.
• Promote inclusion and participation.
• Provide meaningful learning and engagement opportunities.

Eligible training must:

• Be completed before summer programming begins.
• Support youth leadership development.
• Directly connect to summer programme delivery.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop a Summer Program Idea

Applicants should identify:

• The community need.
• Target participants.
• Planned recreation activities.
• Expected benefits for children and youth.

Step 2: Design Inclusive Activities

Projects should explain how they will:

• Encourage participation.
• Reduce barriers.
• Include diverse youth.
• Create safe recreation experiences.

Step 3: Plan Youth Leadership Opportunities

Applicants should include opportunities for youth to:

• Develop leadership skills.
• Assist with programme delivery.
• Learn practical skills.
• Contribute to community activities.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Applicants should clearly explain:

• Programme costs.
• Training costs.
• How grant funding will be used.
• Other community resources available.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Eligible organisations should submit their application according to the programme requirements and deadlines provided by the funding body.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Summer Fun Grant helps communities create stronger environments for children and youth by supporting:

• Healthy lifestyles.
• Social connections.
• Youth confidence.
• Leadership development.
• Inclusive recreation.
• Community participation.

The programme recognizes that sport, culture, and recreation are important tools for improving wellbeing and strengthening communities.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly describe the community need.
• Explain how youth will benefit.
• Include inclusive programming approaches.
• Show how activities encourage participation.
• Demonstrate youth leadership opportunities.
• Provide a realistic budget.
• Explain how the programme builds long-term community capacity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Planning activities without youth involvement.
• Failing to explain inclusion strategies.
• Submitting programmes unrelated to recreation, sport, or culture.
• Requesting costs unrelated to programme delivery.
• Ignoring accessibility needs.
• Missing the required summer delivery period.
• Applying without demonstrating community benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Community Engagement & Development Program – Framework in Action Grant?

It is a funding programme that supports community-led sport, culture, and recreation initiatives designed to improve opportunities for children and youth.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Approved applicants can receive up to $1,000 for Summer Fun programming and up to $200 for eligible training activities.

Who can apply for the Summer Fun Grant?

Eligible applicants include municipal and First Nation recreation authorities, recreation departments, community groups, non-profit organisations, and schools located within the eligible district boundaries.

When must summer programs be delivered?

Funded programmes must take place between June 1 and August 30.

What type of activities are supported?

Supported activities include sport, culture, recreation, youth leadership, skill development, and inclusive community programmes.

Can funding support youth training?

Yes. Additional funding of up to $200 may support eligible training activities connected to summer programme delivery.

What is the main goal of the programme?

The goal is to strengthen community capacity while creating meaningful, inclusive, and active recreation opportunities for children and youth.

Conclusion

The Community Engagement & Development Program – Framework in Action Summer Fun Grant provides financial support for communities to create inclusive sport, culture, and recreation opportunities for young people. By supporting active living, youth leadership, accessibility, and community capacity building, the programme helps create healthier, more connected, and more resilient communities.