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Sports

Support to Sports Participation Grant

The Support to Sports Participation Grant Program focuses on supporting local sports opportunities up to the international level and includes support to OUTCAN members.

Applications for FY25-26 can be submitted until February 28, 2026 inclusively

Through participation (athletes) and educational opportunities (coaches and officials), this program provides participants with the chance to achieve their maximum potential at the local, provincial, national or international level. The program is designed to support CAF members as athletes, coaches and officials.  

The grant seeks to relieve some of the financial pressures associated with participating in community sports and reduce barriers to encourage CAF members to participate in sports, at all levels. Financial assistance is provided by CAF Sports HQ, for applicants meeting the eligibility criteria to support them in their sport endeavors. 

Program objectives

The program aims to support and increase sports participation, foster community integration, reduce barriers and relieve some of the financial pressures associated with participation and access to community.  

  • Empower CAF sports participants to maintain an active lifestyle to contribute to their overall health, wellness and operational readiness; 
  • Promote competitive (athletes) /educational opportunities (coaches and officials);
  • Support participants through their sport journey while contributing to CAF objectives and developing core military competencies that are critical and in the interest of the military service such leadership, teamwork, discipline and resilience;
  • Provide financial support to compete in sports or benefit from sport learning and educational opportunities;
  • Supporting diverse sport offerings (traditional and non-traditional sport).  

Eligibility 

All applicants must:

  • Be a Canadian Armed Forces Regular or Reserve Forces member. 
  • Be supported and recognized ON DUTY to be eligible for the Support to Sports Participation Grant (ref DAOD 5045-1, Canadian Armed Forces Sports Program - Canada.ca)
  • Have valid FORCE Test for the duration of the event.
  • Have NO history of disciplinary or misconduct within the CAF Sports Program for which you have not been pardoned.
  • Submit the online application form 30 days prior to the event and complete the Support to Sports Participation Grant survey with photos no later than 30 days after the event.

*This program is meant to support sport participation performed in the interests of service. Any additional Temporary Duty requirements in accordance with CFTDTI / CBI 209.015 are a responsibility of the member’s CoC

What can the grant be used for?

The following is a list of examples, albeit not exhaustive, of the type of financial support that is available:

  • Competition entry fee (athlete) / Course fee (coaches and officials)
  • Local support for local community league fees 
  • Transportation costs (airfare, gas, car rental) 
  • Accommodations 
  • Meal
  • Certification / Qualification / License (coaches and officials)
  • Professional Development (Conference / Workshops) - (coaches and officials)

The following is a list, albeit not exhaustive, of the type of financial support that is NOT available:

  • Equipment 
  • Clothing / Accessories
  • Unauthorized CAF Sport events as listed in DAOD 5045-1 CAF Sports Program
  • Support to Outreach events organized by the CAF such as Canadian Army Run, Navy Bike Ride and Royal Canadian Air Force Run

How will the grant be allocated / When to apply?

You should submit an application online:

  • Applicants must complete and submit the online application form thirty (30) days in advance of their event. 
  • Applications for events held in FY25-26, can be submitted at any time between April 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026, inclusively
  • Applications for events held in FY26-27, can only be submitted as of March 2, 2026.

Financial Support

If successful, applicant may receive between $400 - $750 towards their event. For this program, the CAF Sport HQ office will allocate funds to support CAF members in local sports opportunities up to the national level and will include support to OUTCAN (Europe and United States/ROW) member.

Local Bases and Wings Sport departments, Unit and Chain of Commands are encouraged to augment financial support of sport participation to CAF members with local public funds (over and above what is provided by CAF Sports HQ). 

Grant Grant CriteriaGrant Amount

Minimum Grant

Applicants travelling 799km or less round-trip within Canada/Continental USA:

Recommend up to $400

Applicants may receive additional financial support (one or the other based on distance travelled)


Additional financial support Option 1 or: 

Applicants travelling 800km - 1999km round-trip within Canada/Continental USA:  

Recommend up to +$200 (added to minimum grant amount) or: 

Additional financial support Option 2:

Applicants travelling greater than 2000km round-trip within Canada/Continental USA 

Recommend up to +$350 (added to minimum grant amount) 

International Applicants travelling outside of Canada/Continental USA 

Under Review / Request may be approved without funding
$0 

Note: 

Formation Europe members are encouraged to reach out by email to Guy Boudrias or phone at +49(0)2451-717201 

Formation OUTCAN USA/ROW members are encouraged to reach out by email to Todd Cirka or phone at (613)-852-7059


What is the approval process for the Support to Sports Participation Grant Program?

Event 

Step 1

Step 2  

Step 3

All applications except international 

CAF member seeks approval from their Unit Command Officer (memo) before submitting their application via the online application form

Applicants submit their application via the online application form to CAF Sports National Office (uploads Unit Command Officer (memo) at time of application)) and any additional documents

CAF Sports National Office reviews application (approval to participate and financial support – if applicable)

InternationalCAF member seeks approval from their Unit Command Officer (memo) before submitting their application via the online application form

CAF member submits a Notice of Intent to Travel (NOIT) (accessible only on the National Defence network)




Applicants submit their application via the online application form to CAF Sports National Office (uploads Unit Command Officer (memo) at time of application)) and any additional documents (proof of NOIT completion)
CAF Sports National Office reviews application (approval to participate)


Receiving your funding

  • Once your Support to Sports Participation Grant has been approved you will receive an email outlining the amount of the grant as well as the next steps for when you return from your event (if funding has been approved).  
  • To receive your grant, you will need to provide the following to the CAF Sports National Office by email at SSPG@cfmws.com to process your claim: 
    • Applicable travel/expense receipts;
    • Void Cheque / Bank direct deposit form
    • Complete a short survey about the Support to Sports Participation Grant Program
    • A photo of you participating in the event

Contact 

General inquiries and suggestions about the program can be directed to SSPG@cfmws.com


References

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