Support to Sports Participation Grant

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 sport.  

• Empower individual CAF members to develop and maintain their overall health, wellness and operational readiness through sport specific competitions; 
• 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 (athletes) or benefit from sport learning and educational opportunities (coaches and officials);
• 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 at least 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 competition performed in the interests of service. Any additional Temporary Duty requirements in accordance with CFTDTI / CBI 209.015 are at the discretion 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) / In person course fee (coaches and officials)
• Local support for local community league fees* 
• Transportation costs (airfare, gas, car rental) 
• Accommodations 
• Meal 
• In-person Professional Development (Courses / Workshops) - (coaches and officials not already supported by their CAF Sports region)

* Grant doesn't cover mileage, fuel cost, or meals for members participating in a local league 

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

• Equipment / Gels
• Clothing / Accessories
• Mileage, fuel costs, or meals associated with attending weekly games for local leagues*
• Support to cover participation in sporting events or activities organized by the CAF or units
• 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
• Non-competitive fitness-based activities such as Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, self-defense class or fitness membership 
• Organized military marches such as the Nijmegen March and humanitarian and charitable projects  

How will the grant be allocated / When to apply?

You should submit an application online:

• Applicants must complete and submit the online application form at least thirty (30) days in advance of their event. 
• Applications for events held in FY26-27, can be submitted at any time between March 9, 2026 – February 28, 2027, inclusively. No additional applications will be accepted after this date
• Applications for events held in FY27-28, can only be submitted as of March 8, 2027.

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

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
    • The maximum allowable amount per meals is set in accordance with the provisions of the NPP Travel Policy
  • 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

Please note we strive to reimburse members as quickly as possible; however, processing may take up to 30 days from the time your reimbursement request is submitted to our finance department. You will receive an email notification once your payment is scheduled.

Contact 

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