Community Development Grants for Inclusive Youth Sport and Physical Activity (Canada)

Deadline: 06-Feb-2026

The Community Development Grant Canada supports organizations that provide sport and physical activity opportunities for children and youth facing financial, social, or physical barriers. The program emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), targeting underserved groups such as children with disabilities, BIPOC youth, girls, and families in financial need. Funding is available through Program Support for activity delivery and Operational Support for building organizational capacity to create inclusive, safe, and accessible sport environments.

Overview

The Community Development Grant strengthens Canadian communities by funding organizations that deliver sport and active recreation programs to children and youth facing barriers to participation. The program prioritizes financially disadvantaged children, children with disabilities, BIPOC youth, and girls and young women, ensuring equitable access to structured physical activity.

Key objectives of the grant include:

• Reducing financial barriers to sport and recreation

• Promoting inclusive and safe sport environments

• Strengthening organizational capacity, policies, and practices

• Advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in community programs

Funding Streams

The program offers two primary funding streams:

1. Program Support

Supports organizations in delivering consistent, high-quality sport and physical activity programs for eligible participants. Funding covers:

• Program delivery costs (equipment, facility rental, coaching fees)

• Administrative expenses directly tied to program implementation

• Initiatives that expand participation for underserved populations

2. Operational Support

Strengthens the internal capacity of organizations to foster inclusive and equitable environments. Funding covers:

• Staff and volunteer training and education on inclusion and accessibility

• Policy and procedure development to reduce systemic barriers

• Improvements to physical spaces and program structures

Who is Eligible?

Organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Be a qualified donee under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

• Deliver programs to children and youth primarily aged 4–18 (or 4–25 for programs for children with disabilities)

• Offer a minimum of five sessions totaling at least five hours, delivered across at least five separate days

• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion, and reducing barriers for underserved groups

Why It Matters

This grant addresses long-standing inequities in sport and recreation access by:

• Ensuring children and youth from marginalized backgrounds can participate in structured physical activity

• Supporting organizations to adapt programs and policies to be more inclusive

• Enhancing community wellbeing and youth development through active engagement

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm your organization is a CRA-qualified donee and meets participant criteria.

2. Define Program or Operational Need: Identify areas where support will reduce barriers or improve inclusion.

3. Prepare Application: Include program details, participant demographics, session schedule, budget, and EDI strategies.

4. Submit Application: Follow the online or portal submission guidelines.

5. Evaluation: Applications are scored by experts using an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion framework, prioritizing projects targeting underserved populations.

6. Funding Decision: Successful applicants receive support for program delivery or operational capacity-building.

7. Implement and Report: Deliver programs or initiatives and submit required outcomes reporting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to meet minimum session requirements (5 sessions, 5 hours total)

• Not targeting eligible participant groups (financially disadvantaged, children with disabilities, BIPOC, girls and young women)

• Submitting incomplete or unclear budget or EDI strategies

• Ignoring CRA-qualified donee status

• Applying for unrelated or ineligible expenses outside program delivery or operational capacity-building

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What age groups are eligible for program support?

• Children and youth ages 4–18, or 4–25 for programs serving children with disabilities.

2. What types of programs are eligible?

• Structured sport and physical activity programs that reduce barriers for underserved youth.

3. How many sessions are required?

• A minimum of five sessions totaling at least five hours, across five separate days.

4. Can operational costs unrelated to inclusion be funded?

• No, operational support must directly improve equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

5. How are applications evaluated?

• Using an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion lens, prioritizing projects that address systemic barriers to participation.

6. Who can apply?

• CRA qualified donees, including charities, non-profits, and other eligible organizations.

7. Is funding guaranteed if the organization meets all criteria?

• No, applications are competitive and scored on program quality, impact, and alignment with EDI objectives.

Conclusion

The Community Development Grant ensures children and youth facing financial, social, or physical barriers can access meaningful sport and physical activity experiences. By combining program support and organizational capacity-building, the grant fosters inclusive, equitable, and safe environments, empowering organizations to reach underserved youth and strengthen community wellbeing across Canada.

For more information, visit Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.