Application Guidelines – Sport Support Program – National Sport Organization, National Multisport Services Organization, and Canadian Sport Centre

Contact us for the application package.

On this page

• Objectives and expected results for the Sport Support Program
• Application deadline
• Eligibility
• Who can apply
• Eligible types of funding
• Ineligible for funding
• Eligible expenses
• Limits of government assistance
• Applying for more than 12 months
• How to apply
• Application process
• How applications are evaluated
• Evaluation criteria
• Application processing time
• Funding decisions
• How funding is provided
• Funding conditions
• Anti-racism and anti-hate
• Workplace well-being
• Public health guidance
• Official languages requirements
• Acknowledgement of financial assistance
• Access to information requests
• Disclosure of information
• Audits of recipients and evaluation of the Program
• Contact us
• Glossary

Objectives and expected results for the Sport Support Program

The Sport Support Program (SSP) provides funding to eligible organizations to support the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy [PDF document, 1.3 MB].

The objectives of the SSP are to:

• increase opportunities to participate in quality sport activities for all Canadians, including underrepresented groups;
• increase the capacity of the Canadian sport system to systematically achieve world-class results at the highest international competitions;
• contribute to the provision of technical sport leadership within the Canadian sport system; and,
• advance Canadian interests, values and ethics in sport at home and abroad.

The expected results of the SSP include:

• funded organizations provide national sport programs and services that are aligned with the SSP objectives;
• funded organizations increasingly meet critical benchmarks on governance, safety in sport and in other areas as part of Sport Canada’s enhanced monitoring and evaluation;
• program/policy collaboration is expanded and strengthened, including those supporting reconciliation efforts;
• all Canadians have opportunities to participate in an inclusive, safe and welcoming sport system;
• sport knowledge is developed and disseminated;
• Canadian athletes have improved performances at Olympic and Paralympic Games, and senior world championships; and,
• Canadians have access to quality sport programs and services.

Application deadline

Applications will be accepted until December 11, 2024.

Eligibility

Sport Canada is responsible for determining the eligibility of each applicant organization, its projects and project-related expenses.

Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding.

Who can apply

To be considered eligible for funding your organization must:

• be a federally or provincially/territorially incorporated not-for-profit organization in good standing who meets the definition of National Sport Organization (NSO), National Multisport Services Organization (MSO) or Canadian Sport Centre (CSC).

Eligible types of funding

Core funding: Funding assistance that is provided to an organization in support of its day-to-day operations. Multi-year funding will be available.

This includes funding provided to targeted NSOs and CSCs based on recommendations from Own the Podium (OTP) (Enhanced Excellence and Next Generation Initiative) which may be revised at a later date.

Priority for Core funding is given to:

• NSOs with disciplines on the next Major Games program (Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Pan American and Parapan American Games);
• MSOs which are mandated to provide a specific service or which deliver services to a specific underrepresented group; and,
• CSCs which are members of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN).

Project funding: Funding provided to organizations to cover the cost of one-time activities supporting the Canadian sport system development and that do not require ongoing funding.

Priority for Project funding is given to:

• the advancement of areas specifically outlined in Government of Canada funding priorities and communicated to the sport community (e.g., time-limited Budget announcements).

Ineligible for funding

• Sports in which athletes directly use and control motorized propulsion as a component of competition (e.g., racing of automobiles, motorcycles, power boats, aircraft, snow machines, etc.). Note that this limitation is not applicable to para sport (e.g. powerchair);
• Games of skill such as billiards, darts, board games (e.g., chess, bridge, scrabble), and electronic games or e-sports;
• The professional or commercial component of sports owned or operated outside the jurisdiction of the sport’s recognized National or International Sport Federation by private enterprises, promoters, major professional leagues, franchises or other professional associations;
• Related forms, variations or adaptations of sports, including emerging disciplines and/or events, are generally considered as disciplines within a sport and not as a distinct sport, regardless of the fact that they may be organized independently from or outside of existing NSOs (for sports not on the prioritized Major Games: Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Pan American and Parapan American Games); and,
• Organizations whose mandate is to organize competitive activities not regulated through a national sport governing body, such as (but not limited to) police games, firefighter games, military games, life-saving competitions, ski patrol competitions, cross-fit, Ninja sports, crashed ice skaters.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses are grouped into funding categories.

Only cash expenses are eligible; these may include:

Administration and operations

Costs related to the management of your organization.

Eligible expenses include:

• general administrative costs;
• general organizational, promotion and communication activities, including website;
• domestic and international meetings, including meals, accommodation, facility rental, travel and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities; and,
• office equipment purchases or rental. All purchased office equipment must remain the property of the funded organization.

You may allocate up to 15% of your total funding toward general administration and operations costs.

Travel, meal and accommodation expenses must comply with the rates permitted for travel on government business.

Official languages

Costs to ensure your organization’s capacity to comply with official language requirements and promote the use of English and French in its operations, including providing programs, services, events and communications materials in both official languages, fostering bilingual capacity, and overcoming language-based barriers.

Eligible expenses include:

• interpretation services at events, such as press conferences, conferences, congresses, general meetings, symposia, special activities and at national competitions;
• language training for coaches, officials, staff and key volunteers; and,
• translation services for websites, promotional material and activities, social media, communications and documents related to governance, programs, services and national competitions.

Salaries, fees and benefits

Management and administrative staff salaries, fees and benefits

Costs to employ or contract part-time and full-time staff. Eligible expenses include:

• contracts and honoraria;
• salaries/wages, statutory deductions and benefits; and,
• professional development opportunities.

Restrictions and conditions for management and administrative staff:

• The SSP contribution towards annual staff salaries and expenses is limited to $115,000 for a full-time equivalent annual salary. The contribution limit for part-time positions is prorated against this amount.

Coaching and technical leadership salaries and professional development

Costs to employ or contract national team coaches and technical leadership (high performance directors or the equivalent), and their professional development.

Eligible expenses include:

• contracts and honoraria;
• salaries/wages, statutory deductions and benefits;
• customized professional development opportunities for targeted high performance coaches;
• coach education opportunities for current and potential coaches of national team members including through the National Coaching Institute; and,
• professional development opportunities.

Restrictions and conditions for coaching and technical leadership:

• The SSP contribution for each coaching position is limited to $115,000 for a full-time equivalent annual salary and expenses.
• Coaches and high performance directors (or equivalent) that have been recommended by OTP are eligible for a maximum SSP contribution of $150,000 for a full-time equivalent annual salary and expenses.
• Each coach and technical leader must meet the funding requirements described in the Sport Canada funding requirements for coaching and technical leadership salaries and be named on the Coaching and Technical Leadership form and on OTP’s coaches and technical leaders list. The provision of this information will be a condition for the first payment.

Governance

Costs for governance-related initiatives, including (but not limited to) the development of a strategic plan, a risk management strategy or the identification of key performance indicators, as well as modifications to governance structures to support adherence to the five fundamental governance requirements.

Eligible expenses include:

• contracts and honoraria, including legal costs associated with policy review or development;
• domestic and international meetings on governance matters, including meals, accommodation, facility rental, travel, and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities;
• resource design, printing and distribution; and,
• development of a strategic plan.

Programs and services

Eligible expenses related to the programs and services detailed below include but are not limited to the following:

• content development and delivery of coaching, officiating and athlete development programs;
• contracts and honoraria, including legal costs associated with modifying and/or updating internal policies and procedures as needed;
• data development and management;
• facility rental, uniform purchase and equipment rental or purchase (all purchased uniforms and equipment must remain the property of the funded organizations and cannot be for personal use);
• laboratory testing;
• legal fees associated with national team selection and/or classification appeals within the organization;
• national training centre programming and services;
• partnership development/relationship building with the Aboriginal Sport Circle, Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies, the North American Indigenous Games and the Arctic Winter Games host societies, and local First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations;
• professional development, program content or policy development and delivery focused on Indigenous inclusion and cultural uniqueness;
• research and development;
• training (workshops, conferences and e-learning content design and delivery); and,
• travel for competitions, including meals, accommodation, facility rental, competition fees and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities.

High performance/national team programs

Costs related to the training and competition needs of athletes selected by the NSO for sport development or performance objectives, including for Olympic and Paralympic Games, senior world championships, and the Jeux de la Francophonie.

Leadership, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access

Costs related to initiatives that will promote inclusion and improve the opportunities, conditions, or engagement of underrepresented groups within the Canadian sport system.

Daily training environment, performance services and wellness services

Costs related to initiatives supporting an inclusive, welcoming and safe daily training environment for identified high performance athletes, training groups, and their coaches. This includes the provision of performance services by certified service providers, facility access and accessibility, athlete and coach performance science, research, innovation, wellness services and all other ancillary support to develop their potential to achieve international podium results.

Long-Term Development (LTD)

Costs related to the integration of the sport’s LTD model with Canadian Sport for Life principles and the National Coaching Certification Program LTD guide into its programs; development or revision of programs for LTD alignment; development and training of athletes, coaches, officials, sport leaders on LTD and its implementation.

National games and international games

Costs related to hosting national multisport events, Canadian post-secondary school championships or domestic leagues, as well as costs related to supporting Canadian teams for their preparation and participation in international games.

Reconciliation initiatives

Costs related to the advancement of reconciliation by addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action #87-91 within your organization.

Safety in sport

Costs related to the advancement of safety in sport, including preventing and addressing maltreatment in sport as well as addressing concussions in sport. For the purposes of these guidelines, maltreatment is defined by the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), and the prohibited behaviours described therein.

Initiatives to prevent and address maltreatment in sport should cover:

• the adoption of the UCCMS and ensuring that all other internal policies and procedures are consistent with the UCCMS;
• providing periodic UCCMS-compliant training opportunities to Program Signatory participants and other affiliated members and tracking the completion of these training activities;
• promoting the services of Canada’s safe sport program, including its independent third-party complaint mechanism; and,
• ensuring alignment on maltreatment initiatives with Provincial/Territorial and local sport organizations.

Initiatives to address concussions in sport should:

• Advance work in the areas of concussion:
  • awareness (e.g. messaging and dissemination);
  • prevention (e.g. changes to rules of the games/training methods and behaviours);
  • detection/management (e.g. measures and protocols to recognize and treat concussions); and,
  • surveillance (e.g. development of tools to track incidences of concussions).
• Ensure alignment on these areas with Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations.

Sport programs

Costs related to the development and delivery of sport programming that strengthens sport pathways for athletes, coaches, officials, and sport leaders.

Sport promotion

Costs related to outreach activities that target all Canadians and promote the benefits of sport participation and physical activity, knowledge mobilization and exchange.

Standard services

Costs related to the development and delivery of services associated with mandated system-wide standards for quality assurance (coaching, anti-doping and dispute resolution).

Ineligible expenses

Ineligible expenses under the SSP include:

• awards to athletes;
• capital costs (a tangible asset held for long-term use, such as a building or land);
• costs of sales;
• discretionary severance and separation packages;
• fundraising;
• gift cards;
• litigation or legal costs unless specified above;
• medals, trophies and banquets; and,
• personal items, including uniforms that are specific to an individual.

Limits of government assistance

To ensure the success of your project, we encourage you to have other funding sources. This may include contributions from your organization, the private sector or other levels of government.

The total financial assistance received from the SSP and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) cannot exceed 100% of your total project expenditures.

Applying for more than 12 months

You may request funding for the same activities for several fiscal years. You must show that you have the capacity to complete the planned activities on an annual basis. This is demonstrated with realistic results and budget projections as well as sound governance.

How to apply

Read these Application Guidelines in their entirety before completing your application.

You must meet all eligibility requirements and submit a complete application package to be considered for funding.

A complete application package includes the Application Form and the following required documents:

• proof of incorporation;
• independently audited or board-approved financial statements with an auditor’s letter for the past fiscal year;
• Strategic Plan (or equivalent); and,
• Operational Plan (or equivalent).

Contact us for the Application Form and package or to obtain a Project funding application package.

Of note, to receive funding, you will need to endorse the principles of the Canadian Policy against Doping in Sport and adopt the Canadian Anti-Doping Program [PDF document, 1,821 KB] (2021), and adopt the Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP).

Application process

• Complete, sign and date the Application Form.
• Attach all the required supporting documents.
• Submit your application. We encourage you to submit your application electronically to the following email address: contributionssportcanada@pch.gc.ca.
• The title of your email must be “ NSO/ MSO/ CSC (select as appropriate) - name of organization”.

The email must be sent no later than 11:59 p.m. local time on the date of the application deadline for your application to be considered.

Should you be unable to send by email, please contact us.

How applications are evaluated

We fund projects that have clear objectives and measurable results. Funding decisions are based on the number and quality of applications received. Your application will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria below by a review committee who will compare it with other applications and prioritize it in relation to the funds available.

Failure to comply with any conditions of a previously funded project will be considered in the evaluation of your new application and could result in the rejection of your new application.

Evaluation criteria

We will evaluate all eligible applications using the following criteria:

1. Impact of the organization’s activities on the Canadian sport system - the extent to which:
   • 1.1. execution of the organization's activities is likely to achieve one or more of the SSP objectives.
     • 1.1.1. for NSOs only: The organization has a National Team Program to systemically achieve world class results at the highest international competitions.
     • 1.1.2. for NSOs only: The organization has a systemic approach to develop and support participants that will positively impact the development of the Canadian sport system.
     • 1.1.3. for CSCs only: The organization provides a Daily Training Environment, Performance Services and Wellness Services that will systemically support the achievement of world class results at the highest international competitions.
     • 1.1.4. for MSOs only: The organization provides a direct service to athletes, coaches, officials or sport leaders that will positively impact the development of the Canadian sport system.
   • 1.2. the organization has reach across Canada’s sport system; and,
   • 1.3. the organization’s activities support all Canadians, including underrepresented groups, to have opportunities to participate in an inclusive, safe, and welcoming sport system.
2. Organizational capacity to undertake the activities - the extent to which:
   • 2.1. the organization has in place leadership to develop, manage, or deliver programs and service to users or participants across Canada;
   • 2.2. for recurrent Sport Canada funding recipients: the organization has established a track record of significant achievement with previous Sport Canada funding;
   • 2.3. the organization adheres to the five fundamental governance requirements:
     • A Business Plan/Strategy that provides mission/mandate, vision, values, objectives, roles and responsibilities of Board and management, performance indicators, etc.
     • A Board of Directors that includes:
       • Diversity: processes in place to support representation among board members of a broad spectrum of identities and experiences within the community that it serves or seeks to engage.
       • Athletes’ voice: a transparent and inclusive process for selecting an Athlete Representative on its Board of Directors.
       • Board orientation and training: processes in place to provide orientation and training for new and/or re-elected members on the fundamentals of good governance and board responsibilities.
       • Oversight committees: establishment and maintenance, complete with Board approved terms of reference, of oversight committees.
     • Internal Controls established for financial controls and ongoing risk management.
     • Organizational Transparency measures in place to share governance-related documents on its website, so that they are readily available and accessible to the public.
     • Discipline and appeal policies and procedures are in place that include access to independent dispute resolution through the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC).
     • Organizations must meet all five above noted requirements to receive funding, with the following deadlines for compliance (with exception of the requirement for discipline and appeal policies and procedures that must be met by NSOs, MSOs and CSCs by April 2025):
       • NSOs: April 2025
       • MSOs and CSCs: April 2026
   • 2.4. the organization possesses governance controls to ensure the organization meets the highest standards of governance and operations in all areas of activities.
3. Evaluation of the requested budget in relation to the expected outcomes - the extent to which:
   • 3.1. the application justifies the requested level of funding, with the role of federal funding effectively explained;
   • 3.2. the financial plan is viable and adequately explained; and,
   • 3.3. the organization has secured or is pursuing other sources of funding (includes in-kind contributions).

Application processing time

Please refer to the Service standards for Canadian Heritage funding programs or contact us.

We will acknowledge receipt of your application within two weeks of receiving your application in our office.

Funding decisions

Please note that decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final.

How funding is provided

We provide funding in the form of a contribution.

A contribution is a conditional payment issued for a specific purpose, as outlined in a funding agreement. The funding agreement is signed by your organization and by us and specifies the terms and conditions to receive payment. At the end of your project, you must submit a final report.

Funding conditions

To receive our funding, you must comply with the mandatory conditions described below.

You may be required to submit interim reports during your project. If you receive $250,000 or more as a contribution, you are required to submit audited financial statements or an audited financial report depending on the type of funding you received. The requirement applicable to your type of funding will be included in your funding agreement.

If your organization receives support from us, you must:

• agree not to enter into a sponsorship, promotional or other financial support arrangement with the tobacco products and cannabis products industries (as per the Federal Government Policy on Tobacco Sponsorship of National Sports Organizations [PDF document, 85 KB] and the Sport Canada Guidance on Cannabis and Sport);
• adopt governance practices that advance transparency, accountability and responsibility in the activities undertaken and resources expended;
• endorse the principles of the Canadian Policy against Doping in Sport and adopt the Canadian Anti-Doping Program [PDF document, 1,821 KB] (2021); and,
• adopt the Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP).

For more information, read about Canada’s sports policies, acts and regulations.

Additional conditions may be included in your funding agreement.

Workplace well-being

The Government of Canada is strongly committed to promoting inclusive workplaces where harassment, abuse and discrimination are not tolerated. Organizations that receive funding from Canadian Heritage must take measures to create a workplace free from harassment, abuse and discrimination.

Public health guidance

We expect that you will act in compliance with applicable statutes, laws, bylaws, regulations, orders, codes, standards, directives and guidelines governing the activities for which funding is being sought, including those related to public health and safety.

Official languages requirements

We are committed to taking positive measures to enhance the vitality of official language minority communities and to promote the use of English and French in Canadian society. If you receive funding, you agree to comply with the official languages requirements set out in your funding agreement.

Acknowledgement of financial assistance

If you receive funding, you must publicly acknowledge – in English and in French – the financial support received from the Government of Canada in all communications materials and promotional activities. Additional requirements may be included in your funding agreement.

For additional information, please refer to our Guide on the public acknowledgement of financial support.

Access to information requests

We are subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The information you submit in your application may be disclosed in accordance with these Acts.

Disclosure of information

By submitting your funding application, you authorize us to disclose any information submitted with this application within the Government of Canada or to outside entities for the following purposes:

• to reach a decision;
• to evaluate the results of the project; and,
• to support transparency, accountability and citizen engagement.

Audits of recipients and evaluation of the Program

We reserve the right to audit your accounts and records to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of your funding agreement. We also conduct periodic Program evaluations, during which you may be required to present documentation.

You must keep any records, documents, or other information that may be required to perform an audit or evaluation for five years following the end of the funding. Demonstrated failure to maintain such records may result in the repayment of amounts previously received.

Contact us

For further information, please contact us:

Department of Canadian Heritage
Sport Support Program – Sport Canada
200 Sacré-Coeur Bd
Gatineau QC J8X 4C6

Email

contributionssportcanada@pch.gc.ca.

Telephone

819-997-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)

TTY

1-888-997-3123 (for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired)

Agents are available to answer your questions Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EST).

Glossary

Audited financial report

An audited financial report includes a statement of operations for the given period regarding the project and is prepared by a certified accountant who is not part of your organization.

Audited financial statements

A complete set of financial statements including a statement of financial position; a statement of operations; and a statement of changes in financial position. Audited financial statements are completed by a certified accountant who is not part of your organization. The certified accountant performs auditing activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Business Plan/Strategic Plan

A written document that describes your organization’s current status and plans for two to five years. It identifies future opportunities and includes the financial, operational and marketing strategies to achieve your goals.

Canadian Sport Centre (CSC)

A designated member of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN) established in Canada, recognized by Sport Canada and Own the Podium and supported by national and provincial partners including the Coaching Association of Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) in partnership with different provinces or regions across Canada.

Cash flow

A presentation of all anticipated revenues and planned expenses that will occur over the length of your project. At the beginning of your project, your cash flow will only have forecasted revenues and expenses. Over time, your cash flow will be updated to reflect the actual revenues and expenses.

Final report

A final report is submitted at the end of your project based on the requirements in the funding agreement. Your final report needs to provide the results of the activities you have undertaken for the duration of your project.

Final financial report

A final financial report includes, as separate items, the budget as well as all of the revenues realized and expenditures incurred for the given period with regard to the project being funded.

Indigenous communities

Indigenous communities are First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

Interim reports

Interim reports are submitted during your project based on the requirements in the funding agreement. These reports provide the results of the activities you have undertaken for a specific period. In addition, they include a status report on the work to be accomplished and updated revenue and expense reports.

Long-Term Development (LTD)

Children, youth and adults need to do the right things at the right time to develop in their sport or activity. Long-Term Development describes the things athletes need to be doing at specific ages and stages.

National in scope

An organization that is national in scope will have programs and services that are nationwide, extending beyond a province or territory.

National Multisport Services Organization (MSO)

A national multisport services organization provides sport-related programs, services or activities to its members, stakeholders, the national sport community, or the Canadian public. It is an organization that is national in scope whose programs, services and activities may range from sport-related support to broad participation to national standardized sport programs to games’ missions.

National Sport Organization (NSO)

A national sport organization is the single national governing body recognized by the International Federation (in the case of Paralympic sports, this could include the International Paralympic Committee) for its sport including for all disciplines and events, or a member of a recognized Canadian umbrella organization that serves this purpose. It is an organization whose programs and services are nationwide extending beyond a province and territory. For NSO funding purposes, sport is defined as a regulated form of physical activity, organized in a competitive format and structure, sanctioned by the recognized governing body for the sport, at either the national or international/world level and requires the onsite presence of officials sanctioned by the sport governing body to apply the rules objectively, fairly and consistently for the purpose of determining a winner.

Own the Podium (OTP)

Own the Podium is a not-for-profit organization that enhances the high performance sport system by providing advice, delivering strategic priorities and providing funding recommendations to Sport Canada, the COC and the CPC, that align with these funding partners’ priorities.

Underrepresented groups

Certain groups of people such as girls and women, people with a disability, Francophone, Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized people, newcomers to Canada, people who identify as Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, plus (2SLGBTQI+), and people from other marginalized groups, continue to be underrepresented in the Canadian sport system as athletes, participants and leaders, and face barriers to full participation in sport.

Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS)

The Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport is the core document that sets harmonized rules to be adopted by sport organizations that receive funding from the Government of Canada to advance a respectful sport culture that delivers quality, inclusive, accessible, welcoming and safe sport experiences.