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Application guidelines – International Single Sport Event component

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List of Acronyms

ASC
Aboriginal Sport Circle
CSSP
Canadian Safe Sport Program
IMGAPPD
International Multisport Games for Aboriginal Peoples and Persons with a Disability
IMMG
International Major Multisport Games
ISSE
International Single Sport Events
NSO
National Sport Organization
PTASBs
Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies

Hosting Program

The Hosting Program assists sport organizations to host the Canada Games and international sport events in Canada. The Program contributes to sport excellence and enhances the international profile of sport organizations in Canada. It also delivers economic, social and cultural benefits to Canadian communities.

The Hosting Program has four delivery components:

  • International Major Multisport Games (IMMG)
  • International Single Sport Events (ISSE)
  • International Multisport Games for Aboriginal Peoples and Persons with a Disability (IMGAPPD)
  • Canada Games

Objectives of the Hosting Program

The objectives of the Hosting Program are:

  • to strengthen the sport excellence and sport development impacts of bidding and hosting the Canada Games and targeted international sport events;
  • to increase access and equity for designated under-represented groups through contributions to international bidding and hosting events; and
  • to strengthen the associated economic, social, cultural and community impacts of supported bidding and hosting projects, in keeping with the Government of Canada’s interests and priorities.

Objectives of the International Single Sport Event component

The International Single Sport Event (ISSE) component of the Sport Canada Hosting Program assists National Sport Organizations (NSOs) in hosting international single sport events in Canada, such as World Championships, Olympic or Paralympic qualification events and World Cups. The ISSE component aims to enhance high-performance sport development as well as the international profile of Canadian sport organizations.

Application deadline

There is no established deadline date to submit a funding application under the ISSE component, as applications are accepted on a continuous basis. However, you should submit your application at least between six to 24 months prior to the proposed start date. Please take this into account when planning your project, as outlined in the following table:

A completed application must be received before the application deadline.

Level of request and the deadline date to request funding
Level of Request Application Deadline
Up to $250,000 (Tier I) Minimum six months prior to the event
Over $250,000 (Tier II) Minimum 24 months prior to the event

Special Application Intake for Events Taking Place in 2026–2027

In recognition of the additional funding announced through the 2026 Spring Economic Update, applications for events taking place during the 2026–2027 fiscal year will be accepted on a continuous basis and are not subject to a specific application deadline.

Eligibility

We are responsible for determining the eligibility of each applicant, its project and project-related expenses.

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding.

Who can apply

To be eligible for funding, your organization must be a Canadian summer or winter National Sport Organization (NSO) with evaluated high performance programs aligned to the Canadian High Performance Sport Strategy.

Four-Year Hosting Strategic Plan

NSOs seeking funding will be required to submit a Four-Year Hosting Strategic Plan.

The Four-Year Hosting Strategic Plan must identify the NSO’s proposed hosting and demonstrate how its portfolio of events will contribute to both high-performance sport objectives and broader nation-building outcomes. The plan should also describe how the proposed events will advance the objectives of the Hosting Program, including fostering economic growth, creating lasting sport and community legacies, strengthening hosting infrastructure and capacity, and enhancing Canada’s ability to attract and deliver international sport events.

NSOs must submit their initial Four-Year Hosting Strategic Plan on or before January 15, 2027. Plans will be reviewed annually in collaboration with Sport Canada and updated, as required, to reflect evolving organizational priorities, hosting opportunities, and program objectives.

NSOs are encouraged to consult their Sport Canada Program Analyst for guidance on the development of their Four-Year Hosting Strategic Plan, including the associated planning guide and submission requirements.

Eligible projects

The sport discipline may be on the competition program of the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, or other recognized international sport competitions. While priority may be given to Olympic and Paralympic sport disciplines, non-Olympic and non-Paralympic disciplines are also eligible for funding consideration.

The international single sport events eligible for funding by the Government of Canada under the Hosting Program must be identified in the NSO’s Hosting Plan, and part of the NSO’s high-performance and long-term athlete development competition plans for national team athletes.

Funding requests are assessed based on the following categories:

Type of category needed to evaluate its function
Category Type of event
1 Senior World Championships
2 Senior World Cup Events, Senior Continental Championships and World University Championships
3 Junior World Championships, Junior World Cup Events and Junior Continental Championships
4 Annual International Events

Eligible expenses

Only project-related expenses, which can be of cash and in-kind value, are eligible. These may include:

  • operating costs (e.g. competition/venue expenses, promotion and communication);
  • travel expenses (e.g. travel, accommodation, per diem), which must not exceed the rates permitted for employees required to travel on government business. Although trip cancellation insurance may normally be claimed, other personal accident or medical insurance costs are not allowable;
  • capital expenditures (e.g. sport equipment, competition equipment, technology systems, venue enhancements, and other capital assets that support the delivery of the event and contribute to lasting community and sport development benefits);
  • administration expenses, which may be reimbursed up to a maximum of 15% of the funding request. Only reasonable administrative costs required to complete project objectives are eligible for funding under this category. Administration expenses may include salaries, benefits and professional fees for general administration (excluding project management), bank charges and utilities; and
  • the purchase of eligible carbon offset credits from a vendor which has received third party verification and adhere to internationally agreed standards including: Gold Standard, VER+, VERRA (formerly VCS, Verified Carbon Standard), B.C. Offset System for any travel-related activities.

Expenses related to initiatives with the goal of advancing reconciliation by addressing the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action #87-91 through the hosting of your event and its resulting impacts and legacies are also eligible.

Eligible expenses include:

  • professional development focused on Indigenous inclusion and cultural uniqueness, including volunteer training and reconciliation training;
  • Indigenous facilitators’ honoraria;
  • partnership development / relationship building with the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC), Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASBs), and local First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and organizations;
  • program content and/or policy development and delivery focused on Indigenous inclusion and cultural uniqueness, including land acknowledgement, opening and closing ceremonies, Indigenous spaces, access to Elders, educational content, etc.;
  • resource design, printing, distribution, and Indigenous language support (e.g., translation); and
  • travel, meals, accommodation, facility rental for partnership or development opportunities.

To be eligible to be claimed against any Sport Canada contribution, all expenditures must:

  • be supported by paid, original invoices; and
  • be made in the fiscal year designated by the Contribution Agreement.

In-kind contributions are considered real contributions to the cost of the proposed project but are not reimbursable. Donated goods and services may be considered in-kind contributions if they:

  • are essential to your project’s success;
  • are eligible and would otherwise have to be purchased or paid for by you;
  • can be measured at fair market value (i.e. in relation to similar goods and services); and
  • are balanced by an equal revenue in your budget (i.e., total in-kind expenses equal total in-kind revenues).

Ineligible expenses

  • prize monies;
  • sanction fees; and
  • taxes for goods or services for which you are entitled to tax credit or reimbursement.

If funding is approved, we may fund expenses incurred as of April 1 of the fiscal year in which funding is approved or from the start date of the project when the start date is after April 1. However, if you incur expenses for your project before receiving written confirmation of your funding approval, you will be doing so at your own risk.

Limit 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 ISSE component of the Hosting Program and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) cannot exceed 100% of your total project-related costs.

For federal contributions greater than $250,000, the Government of Canada will limit its contributions so that it does not exceed:

  • 35% of total event costs (including eligible and non-eligible expenditures); and
  • 50% of total government assistance.

Applying for more than 12 months

You may request funding for a project spanning more than 12 months. You must then show that there is a need for a multi-year commitment and that you have the capacity to complete the project. This is demonstrated with a realistic project timeline and budget projections as well as sound governance and continued financial viability.

Applying for multi-year support for a recurring event

NSOs may apply for multi-year funding support for recurring international sport events. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate the strategic value of the event, their capacity to deliver it over the requested funding period, and that the event has been awarded to Canada for the years for which funding is being requested.

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:

  • Pre-event Economic Impact Assessment;
  • Four-Year Hosting Strategic Plan is submitted, and
  • Business Plan (request more than $250,000)

Organizations interested in submitting an application for funding under this program should contact their Sport Canada Hosting Program Analyst or send an email to intlsinglesportevent-manifestationintlunisport@pch.gc.ca.

Application process

The email must be sent by 4:00 p.m. (ET) on the date of the published application deadline for your application to be considered.

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

Applications must be sent to Sport Canada via the appropriate NSO only.

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 reviewed for eligibility and then evaluated based on the criteria below.

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:

  • Sport excellence;
  • Sport development;
  • Impacts and legacies; and
  • Economic impact.

Your application will be evaluated by a Sport Canada Hosting Program Analyst who will compare it with other applications and prioritize it in relation to the funds available.

Funding applications for multiple competitions will be prioritized based on your organization’s Hosting Plan and annual competition priorities.

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

We reserve the right to target our funding to specific projects. 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 receive. The requirement applicable to your type of funding will be included in your funding agreement.

If your organization receives support from Sport Canada, you must:

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

Additional conditions may be included in your funding agreement.

Anti-racism and anti-hate

Canadian Heritage is committed to address systemic racism, promote diversity, and create environments where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered. We strive to challenge discriminatory beliefs and practices, cultivate understanding and empathy, and champion policies and programs that advance equality for all.

Organizations receiving funding, including any representatives whether employees, consultants, or other persons directly affiliated with the organization, must take steps to ensure they respect the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy.

Workplace well-being

The Government of Canada is strongly committed to promoting healthy 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.

Official languages requirements

Sport Canada requires recipients to ensure that the official languages requirements of the Treasury Board Guidelines on Grants and Contributions and the spirit and intent of the Official Languages Act are respected where the program funding supports activities that benefit members of both official language communities, namely by providing its communications with and services to the public in both official languages.

In cases where an activity, project or program receiving financial assistance is national in scope and includes services to the general public of both linguistic communities, federal institutions, such as Canadian Heritage (Sport Canada), must ensure that recipient organizations will:

  • make all announcements to the public concerning activities, projects and programs in both official languages;
  • actively offer services to members of the sport community and the general public in both official languages;
  • make available in both official languages to members of the sport community and the general public any documents relating to activities, projects and programs;
  • encourage members of both official language communities to actively participate in the planning and staging of activities, projects and programs; and
  • organize activities, projects and programs, when appropriate, in such a manner as to meet the needs of the two linguistic communities.

Funded organizations seeking clarification on the implementation of this policy should contact their Sport Canada Program Analyst.

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.

Impact Assessment Act

If you receive funding, your project may be subject to the provisions of the Impact Assessment Act. If your activities are to be carried out on federal lands, we will contact you for additional information prior to the start of your project.

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 the audit or the evaluation for five years. 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
Hosting Program – Sport Canada
15 Eddy St.
Gatineau, Québec
J8X 4B3

Email
intlsinglesportevent-manifestationintlunisport@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, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

Procedures

Redistribution of funds

In certain cases, Sport Canada can fund an initial recipient who then further distributes the funding to final recipients (eligible projects run by another organization): Amid other requirements, the initial recipient must:

  • inform the final recipient(s) of Sport Canada’s role in the provision of funds;
  • enter into an agreement with final recipient(s) that is similar to the recipient’s original Contribution Agreement with Sport Canada; and
  • oversee, evaluate and, as appropriate, audit the final recipient(s) and provide copies of any resulting reports to Sport Canada, as requested.

Eligible of Expenses

The eligibility of expenses is determined by Sport Canada and is presented in section called ‘Eligible expense’. Recipients are encouraged to obtain advance rulings on the eligibility of any expenditure that may be in doubt. All requests should be made in writing to the organization’s Sport Canada Program Analyst. A written response from Sport Canada should be obtained and kept on file for audit purposes.

Documentation

Contribution recipients must retain original invoices that provide details of transactions, including all in-kind contributions, in support of all payments to be claimed against contribution funds. Where an invoice or receipt cannot be obtained or has been lost, a signed affidavit may be accepted in conjunction with other documentation, such as credit card purchase records.

Where an organization is receiving contributions from more than one Sport Canada program, accounting records must be structured so that eligible expenditures are identifiable for each program contribution by block and project.

Organizations are required to maintain accounting records to the project level to meet audit financial accounting requirements. Original receipts must be available in the event of an audit.

Cancelled cheques, invoices and bank statements must be retained for six years from the end of the year to which they relate or from the conclusion of an audit, whichever occurs first.

Due Diligence

On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sport Canada’s Program Analysts are responsible for ensuring that decisions are based on complete, accurate, reliable and quality information.

In addition, in order to demonstrate that due diligence has been effectively exercised when reviewing the applicant’s funding requests, Sport Canada’s Program Analysts seek to ensure that the following key principles of due diligence are met and applied:

  • Sound Justification

In order to demonstrate sound justification, there must be:

  • confirmation of the eligibility of the applicant and project;
  • an explanation of why funding is needed; and
  • clear linkage between the applicant’s proposed hosting plan and the objectives and priorities of the program.
  • Reasonable Analysis

To demonstrate a reasonable level of analysis, there must be:

  • a rationale for the level of funding provided;
  • demonstrated evidence that the applicant is capable of performing the proposed activities; and
  • evidence/indication of the financial viability of the applicant (as appropriate).
  • Accountability

To demonstrate accountability, there must be:

  • files that satisfy basic project management requirements, such as establishing deliverables, milestones, payment schedules and reporting requirements; and
  • expected results/outcomes and identified ways of measuring them.

Glossary

Audited financial report
An audited financial report includes a statement of operations for the given period with regard to 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
A comprehensive document outlining the activities’ objectives, target audience, operational plan, marketing strategy, governance, risk management, and detailed financial projections (revenues, expenses, and funding sources) to demonstrate feasibility and sustainability.
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.
Interim reports
Interim reports are submitted during your project based on the requirements in the funding agreement. These reports indicate the results of the activities undertaken for a specific period. In addition, they include a status report on the work to be accomplished and updated revenue and expense reports.

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2026-06-30