FHC invites applications for Community Sport Grants which will be directed to Stick Together, Hockey ID and Walking Hockey Projects
Field Hockey Canada (FHC) is proud to announce funding to the sum of $800,000 over two years specifically directed towards Community Sport for All Initiative. CSAI funding is directed at removing barriers and increasing sport participation rates for under-represented groups. Its key objective is to support community sport initiatives for under-represented groups, in particular, Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+, low-income people, persons with a disability, newcomers and seniors to increase participation and retention in sport.
Field Hockey Canada is delighted to announce the opening of the application window for the Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) grants, supported by the Government of Canada.
This initiative aims to eliminate barriers to sport participation, making field hockey accessible, inclusive, and affordable for underserved communities across Canada and Field Hockey Canada is proud to have already disbursed over half a million into community projects over the past three years. In doing so we continue to execute our strategic priority to create a strong domestic hockey nation which is inclusive, safe and accessible to all from coast to coast to coast.
Community organizations, clubs, and groups are encouraged to apply for funding under three specific project areas:
1. Stick Together:
Targeted towards underserved groups, this project builds on previous years’ Stick Together successes to provide field hockey opportunities at no cost. It promotes accessible community sport, fosters social connections, and develops local leadership, employing a place-based approach to community development. Successful projects will offer low-to-zero cost programming for all ages, genders and backgrounds and engages community representatives as leaders to ensure visibility and relatability. FHC believes all clubs across Canada should be offering this type of programming to serve local communities and through this funding, can support clubs and communities activating successful Stick Together projects. Successful approaches used in the past include schools-based programs, local come and try festivals and events and placed based projects in remote communities.
2. Walking Hockey:
Designed for seniors (55+) and individuals with limited mobility, Walking Hockey promotes physical activity and social engagement through a modified, low-impact version of field hockey. This program aligns with FHC’s strategic priority to enhance opportunities for this currently underserved demographic, ensuring participation at minimal or no cost. FHC believes all clubs across Canada should be offering this type of programming to serve local communities and through this funding, can support clubs and communities activating successful Walking Hockey projects.
3. Hockey ID:
This initiative provides safe, inclusive field hockey opportunities specifically for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Hockey ID is an internationally recognized adaptation of the sport, helping participants build confidence, social skills, and adopt healthier lifestyles. FHC believes all clubs across Canada should be offering this type of programming to serve local communities and through this funding, can support clubs and communities activating successful Hockey ID projects. Community projects will identify appropriate local leadership familiar with the intellectual disability community to ensure meaningful and accessible sport experiences.
Key Application Details:
- Eligible applicants include community-level organizations, including community clubs, targeting underserved groups as defined by the Government of Canada (Indigenous peoples, Black, 2SLGBTQQIA+, Low income, Newcomers, Racialized, and Persons with Disabilities).
- Projects must demonstrate that they are safe, low-to-no cost, accessibility, with clear community engagement strategies, and identification of community leaders.
- Recipients of funding will be required to complete a contribution agreement with Field Hockey Canada and reporting. FHC will provide all administrative resources including all templates for this agreement and reporting. Regular reporting and transparent fund management are mandatory.
Important Dates:
- Application Launch: March 20th 2025
- Application Deadline: March 30th 2025
Field Hockey Canada CEO Susan Ahrens emphasizes, “We are excited and proud to offer financial support to local communities, empowering them to provide safe, inclusive and accessible field hockey experiences. This funding significantly impacts lives and communities across Canada, building a stronger, healthier, and more connected society. We urge every community to be applying for this support and actively impacting on their local community”
For more information or to submit your application, please complete the online application form linked below. Join us in making sport accessible to all Canadians.
Apply today to help build community, health and inclusion through barrier free sport
