Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
Applications are open for the ParticipACTION Community Challenge 2026, a nationwide initiative that encourages communities across Canada to increase physical activity and sport participation throughout the month of June. The Challenge brings together organizations, schools, municipalities, community groups, and residents to promote active living while competing for funding that supports local sport, recreation, and wellness initiatives.
Communities that demonstrate exceptional participation and engagement have the opportunity to earn recognition and funding, including the title of Canada’s Most Active Community and a grand prize of $100,000.
Overview
The ParticipACTION Community Challenge is a national movement designed to inspire Canadians of all ages and abilities to become more active.
Throughout June, participating communities organize and promote physical activity programs, recreation opportunities, sport initiatives, and community events that encourage residents to move more and lead healthier lifestyles.
The Challenge recognizes communities that successfully mobilize residents, remove barriers to participation, and create inclusive opportunities for physical activity and sport.
Funding Opportunities
The Challenge provides financial support to help communities strengthen local physical activity and recreation programs.
Available awards include:
- Canada’s Most Active Community: $100,000 grand prize
- Provincial and Territorial Winners: Regional prizes ranging from $5,000 to $10,000
Prize funding can be used to support community-based sport, recreation, and physical activity initiatives that create lasting impact.
Program Objectives
The ParticipACTION Community Challenge aims to:
- Increase physical activity participation across Canada
- Encourage healthy and active lifestyles
- Promote community engagement through movement and sport
- Support local recreation and sport initiatives
- Improve accessibility to physical activity opportunities
- Foster social connection and community wellbeing
- Reduce barriers to participation
- Encourage lifelong healthy habits
- Create inclusive opportunities for diverse populations
- Strengthen local active living programs
The initiative seeks to build healthier and more connected communities through collective participation.
Priority Areas
The Challenge focuses on:
- Physical activity promotion
- Community sport participation
- Active recreation
- Health and wellness
- Inclusion and accessibility
- Active transportation
- Community engagement
- Recreation programming
- Equity in sport and physical activity
- Healthy lifestyle promotion
Activities can range from organized sports and fitness classes to community walks, cycling events, and family-friendly recreation programs.
Why the Challenge Matters
Physical inactivity remains a significant public health concern and can contribute to chronic disease, social isolation, and reduced wellbeing.
The ParticipACTION Community Challenge helps communities:
- Encourage healthier lifestyles
- Improve physical and mental wellbeing
- Strengthen social connections
- Increase access to recreation opportunities
- Build stronger and more inclusive communities
- Promote lifelong participation in physical activity
By creating opportunities for residents to move more, communities can improve overall quality of life and community wellbeing.
Who Can Participate?
A wide variety of groups are encouraged to participate in the Challenge.
Eligible participants include:
- Community organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Schools
- Local governments
- Sport organizations
- Recreation organizations
- Community associations
- Active community groups
- Indigenous communities
- Northern and remote communities
Participation is designed to be accessible to organizations and groups of various sizes and capacities.
Active Groups Eligibility
Active groups may consist of:
- Two or more individuals
- Walking groups
- Running clubs
- Cycling groups
- Recreational sport teams
- Fitness groups
- Family activity groups
- Neighbourhood exercise groups
- Community wellness groups
These groups can contribute to their community’s participation and activity levels throughout the Challenge period.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible organizations include:
- Community and non-profit organizations
- Community associations
- Schools and educational institutions
- Local sport organizations
- Northern municipalities
- Remote municipalities
- First Nations communities
- Inuit communities
- Métis communities
- National organizations delivering local programming
- Provincial organizations delivering direct community programming
Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to promoting physical activity and community engagement.
Equity and Inclusion Focus
The Challenge places strong emphasis on reaching communities that may face barriers to participation.
Organizations working with the following groups are particularly encouraged to participate:
- Indigenous peoples
- Racialized communities
- Newcomers and immigrants
- Older adults
- People experiencing low income
- Persons with disabilities
- 2SLGBTQI+ communities
- Underserved populations
Projects that improve accessibility and inclusion are strongly aligned with the goals of the Challenge.
Ineligible Applicants
The following are generally not eligible:
- For-profit organizations
- Municipalities that do not meet northern or remote community eligibility requirements
- National organizations that do not provide direct local programming
- Provincial organizations that do not directly serve community groups
Applicants should carefully review eligibility requirements before registering.
Eligible Activities
Communities may organize a variety of activities, including:
- Community walks and runs
- Cycling programs
- Recreational sports events
- Fitness classes
- Outdoor recreation activities
- Family activity programs
- School-based physical activity initiatives
- Community wellness events
- Inclusive recreation programs
- Active living campaigns
Activities should encourage participation among diverse community members and support increased movement throughout June.
Assessment Considerations
Communities are evaluated based on their demonstrated commitment to promoting physical activity and engaging residents.
Strong participation may include:
- High levels of community involvement
- Diverse programming opportunities
- Inclusive and accessible activities
- Collaboration among local partners
- Engagement of underrepresented populations
- Creative approaches to promoting active living
Successful communities typically demonstrate broad community participation and strong local support.
How to Participate
Step 1: Register for the Challenge
Eligible organizations and groups should complete the registration process and confirm their participation in the Community Challenge.
Step 2: Plan Activities for June
Develop activities that encourage residents to become more active.
Consider:
- Community events
- Sports programs
- Recreation opportunities
- Inclusive fitness initiatives
- Family-friendly activities
Step 3: Engage Community Partners
Work with:
- Schools
- Community organizations
- Recreation providers
- Sport clubs
- Health organizations
- Indigenous communities
- Local leaders
Partnerships can significantly increase participation and impact.
Step 4: Promote Participation
Encourage residents to take part through:
- Community outreach
- Social media campaigns
- Local events
- School engagement
- Workplace initiatives
The goal is to inspire as many people as possible to get active.
Step 5: Track Activities and Participation
Document participation levels and community engagement throughout the Challenge period.
Accurate reporting can help demonstrate community impact and support evaluation.
Step 6: Celebrate Community Success
Recognize participants, volunteers, partners, and organizations that contribute to creating a more active community.
Tips for Applicants
- Start planning activities well before June.
- Build partnerships across sectors.
- Focus on inclusion and accessibility.
- Engage participants of all ages and abilities.
- Offer a variety of physical activity options.
- Involve underserved and equity-denied populations.
- Promote activities through multiple communication channels.
- Track participation data and outcomes.
- Highlight community stories and successes.
- Create activities that can continue beyond the Challenge period.
Benefits of Participating
Communities that participate can:
- Increase resident engagement
- Improve community health outcomes
- Strengthen partnerships
- Raise awareness of local programs
- Enhance access to recreation opportunities
- Build social connections
- Support long-term active living initiatives
- Compete for significant funding opportunities
The Challenge provides both immediate and long-term benefits for participating communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the ParticipACTION Community Challenge?
- It is a national initiative that encourages Canadians to participate in physical activity and sport throughout June while competing for community funding.
- What is the grand prize?
- Canada’s Most Active Community receives $100,000.
- Are there regional awards?
- Yes. Provincial and territorial winners receive prizes ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
- Who can participate?
- Community organizations, schools, local governments, sport organizations, active groups, Indigenous communities, and eligible non-profit organizations.
- Can small community groups participate?
- Yes. Active groups consisting of two or more individuals are eligible to participate.
- Does the Challenge support inclusion and accessibility?
- Yes. Inclusion, accessibility, and engagement of equity-denied populations are core priorities of the initiative.
- What types of activities are encouraged?
- Activities may include walking, cycling, sports, fitness programs, recreation events, wellness activities, and other initiatives that promote active living.
Conclusion
The ParticipACTION Community Challenge 2026 presented by Novo Nordisk provides communities across Canada with an opportunity to promote active lifestyles, strengthen social connections, and increase participation in sport and recreation. With a $100,000 grand prize and regional funding opportunities available, the initiative rewards communities that successfully engage residents in physical activity while fostering inclusion, accessibility, and long-term wellbeing. Eligible organizations, schools, municipalities, and community groups are encouraged to participate and showcase their commitment to building healthier and more active communities.
For more information, visit ParticipACTION.