Application Guidelines – National Sport Organization
Sport Support Program
On this page
- Objectives and expected results for the Sport Support Program
- Objectives and expected results for the National Sport Organization component
- Application deadline
- Eligibility
- Who can apply
- Eligible projects
- 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) supports the development of Canadian athletes and coaches. Funding is provided to eligible organizations for programming that supports 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 under-represented 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.
Objectives and expected results for the National Sport Organization component
The National Sport Organization (NSO) component of the SSP funds eligible NSOs for activities that support the development of the Canadian sport system.
The expected results include:
- funded organizations provide national sport programs and services that are aligned with the Sport Support Program 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, including equity-deserving people, have opportunities to participate in a healthy, safe and welcoming sport system;
- 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 for 2024-2025 Reference-Level funding will be accepted until February 20, 2024.
Applications for 2024-2025 Enhanced Excellence and Next Generation Initiative will be accepted until March 18, 2024 for eligible summer sports and June 26, 2024 for eligible winter sports.
When an application deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday, it is extended to the following working day.
Project funding applications are accepted on an on-going basis.
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 Program funding (Reference-level) and Project funding, your organization must be:
- a national sport governing body that has been deemed eligible through the Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF);
Any NSO eligible under the SFAF with a sport on the 2024 or 2026 Olympic and/or Paralympic program is eligible to apply for Enhanced Excellence funding.
Any NSO eligible under the SFAF with a sport on the 2028 or 2030 Olympic and/or Paralympic program is eligible to apply for Next Generation Initiative funding.
Any NSO not eligible under the SFAF, is eligible to apply for Enhanced Excellence, Next Generation Initiative and/or Project funding if it meets the following requirements:
- be a federally or provincially incorporated not-for-profit organization, with a sport mandate;
- have independently audited and board-approved financial statements for the past fiscal year; and
- be undertaking a national initiative, a pilot leading to a national initiative, or a component of a national program.
Eligible projects
Reference-level funding is an amount determined through the SFAF assessment process to support the delivery of your core operation/business and is communicated in a notification letter from Sport Canada.
Enhanced excellence funding is an amount recommended to the Government of Canada by Own the Podium (OTP) and is communicated in a notification letter from this organization to further support the delivery of your high-performance program.
Next Generation Initiative funding is an amount recommended to the Government of Canada by Own the Podium (OTP) and is communicated in a notification letter to further support the delivery of the Next Generation initiative. This funding must be matched by the private sector and clearly identified on the notification letter.
Project funding is to further support sport system development in the following areas:
- Development and delivery of a non-SFAF assessed national team program, to perform at a significant international event in a sport that is on or anticipated to be added to the Olympic or Paralympic Games program;
- Furthering Canadian leadership and influence within international sport federations;
- Jeux de la Francophonie (when applicable); and
- The advancement of areas specifically outlined in Budget announcements or other Sport Canada priorities.
NSOs eligible under the Sport Funding and Accountability Framework can apply for Reference-level funding, Enhanced excellence funding, Next Generation Initiative funding, and Project funding, if appropriate.
Eligible non-SFAF organizations may apply only for Project funding, and only when determined eligible for specific projects. Some non-SFAF organizations may be invited to apply for Enhanced Excellence and/or Next Generation Initiative funding if they receive a recommendation from OTP.
Eligible expenses
Certain contribution blocks are identified as ‘Protected’ which means the funding can be used only towards these eligible expenses. Any unspent ‘Protected’ funds cannot be used to cover other expenses and must be returned to the Receiver General.
Ineligible expenses for all include:
- Litigation costs and/or legal costs unless specified below;
- capital costs: a tangible asset held for long-term use, such as building or land;
- costs of sales;
- fundraising;
- medals, trophies and banquets;
- awards to athletes; and
- personal items.
Only cash expenses are eligible; these may include the eligible expenses listed below.
Reference-level funding
General administration
General administrative costs related to the management of your organization.
Eligible expenses include:
- general administrative costs;
- legal costs associated with contract/agreement review;
- general organizational, promotion and communication activities, including web site;
- domestic and international meetings, including meals, accommodation, facility rental, travel and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities; and
- Office equipment purchase and/or rental. All purchased office equipment must remain the property of the funded organization.
You may allocate up to 10% of your total Sport Canada funding toward general administration costs. This applies to both able-bodied programs and athletes with a disability programs. Requests for exceptions must be presented and approved in advance by the Sport Canada officials.
Governance
Costs of the development of a strategic plan, a risk management strategy or the identification of key performance indicators.
Eligible expenses include:
- contracts and honoraria, including legal costs associated with policy review and/or development;
- meetings (domestic), including meals, accommodation, facility rental, travel, and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities;
- resource design, printing and distribution; and
- costs related to the development of a strategic plan and changes to the governance structure to align with the Canadian Sport Governance Code.
Salaries, fees and benefits
Costs of employing or contracting part-time and full-time management and administrative staff.
Eligible expenses include:
- contracts and honoraria;
- pro-rated salaries/wages, statutory deductions and benefits; and
- staff professional development.
The SSP contribution towards annual staff salaries and expenses is limited to $90,000 per eligible full-time position. The contribution limit for part-time positions is prorated against this amount. Requests for exceptions must be presented and approved in advance by Sport Canada officials.
Coaching and technical leadership salaries and professional development
Costs related to employing or contracting national team coaches and technical leadership (high-performance directors or the equivalent), and their professional development. You are encouraged to consider shared coaching responsibilities whereby high-performance coaches work with both able-bodied athletes and athletes with a disability (AWAD).
Eligible expenses include:
- national team coach base salaries (including statutory deductions and benefits), contracts and/or honoraria;
- high-performance director base salaries (including statutory deductions and benefits), contracts and/or honoraria; and
- professional development for national team coaches and technical leaders.
Restrictions and conditions:
- The SSP contribution for each coaching position is limited to $90,000 per year;
- Coaches and high-performance directors (or equivalent) that have been recommended by Own the Podium are eligible for a maximum SSP contribution of $120,000 in annual salary support. Each coach must meet the funding requirements listed below and be named on the Coaching and Technical Leadership form and on OTP’s Schedule A;
- The Coaching and Technical Leadership form must include all coaches and technical leaders receiving funding support from the SSP;
- To be eligible for funding support, national-level coaches must have signed the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) Informed Consent Form;
- To be eligible for funding support, national-level coaches must be certified within the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Competition – Development context, or higher;
- Exemptions are for coaches in sports for which the NCCP Competition – Development context has not yet been developed. In these cases, the coach must normally have the highest NCCP context offered by the sport and the coach’s training program must be approved in advance by Sport Canada officialsP; and
- Coaches who do not meet the certification or exemption requirements may still be nominated for funding, but are subject to conditional approval by the SSP. Conditional approvals are granted for one year only and it must be demonstrated that the coach is making progress towards becoming NCCP Competition – Development Certified in order to be granted conditional approval in a subsequent year. In this case, you are required to demonstrate that the coach has completed the NCCP Safe Sport Training Module and the NCCP Make Ethical Decisions training, and has at least one of the following:
- registration for NCCP Competition – Development training with a progression plan (copy of learning plan);
- designation of Chartered Professional Coach from the Coaching Association of Canada;
- commensurate education (Master’s degree in coaching) at a Canadian university (copy of transcripts and diploma);
- commensurate education (equivalent to a Master’s degree in Canada) at a foreign university (copy of transcripts and diploma);
- commensurate education (equivalent to a Master’s degree in Canada) at a sport institute or equivalent (copy of course/program description and diploma);
- demonstrated performances coaching an athlete or team to international success (top 8 and/or top half) at senior world championships, Olympic Games or Paralympic Games (performance record with a list of web links to official competition results); or
- commensurate combination of education and experience (copy of diploma and performance record).
High Performance/National Team Program
Training and competition needs of athletes selected by the NSO for sport development or performance objectives, including Olympic and Paralympic Games, senior world championships, and the Jeux de la Francophonie. This would typically correspond to the “Train to Train”, “Train to Compete” and “Train to Win” stages of the Long Term Development (LTD).
Eligible expenses include:
- anti-doping services;
- legal fees associated with national team selection and/or classification appeals within the organization;
- training and/or competitions, including meals, accommodation, facility rental, competition fees, travel, and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities;
- uniform purchase and equipment rental/purchase. Note that all purchased uniforms and equipment for high performance/national team program must remain the property of the funded organization;
- honoraria (medical, paramedical or national team support personnel);
- national training centre programming and services; and
- sport science and medical/paramedical services.
Operations and programming
Coach, official, volunteer or staff professional development and education
Development and training of coaches for initiatives aimed at developing and implementing quality technical programs for athletes corresponding to the “Learn to Train” through to the “Train to Win” stages of the LTD; development and training of officials for initiatives aimed at developing and implementing quality programs at the national level (for organizations with Paralympic programs, this includes classifiers); and development and training of staff and volunteers to acquire skills and competencies required for their positions.
Eligible expenses include:
- coaching/officiating content development and delivery;
- facilitators’ honoraria; and
- meals, accommodation, travel, and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities;
- facility rental for program delivery or development opportunities; and
- uniform purchase and equipment rental/purchase for program delivery or development opportunities. Any purchased uniforms and equipment for coach, official, volunteer or staff professional development must remain the property of the funded organization.
Long-Term Development (LTD) implementation
Initiatives integrating the sport’s LTD model with Canadian Sport for Life principles into its programs; development or revision of programs (including competitions) for LTD alignment; and development and training of coaches, officials, volunteers or staff on LTD and its implementation.
Eligible expenses include:
- coaching/officiating/athlete development program content development and revision;
- facilitators’ honoraria;
- resource material specifically designed to communicate LTD implementation or LTD-aligned programs;
- meals, accommodation, travel, and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities; and
- facility rental, uniform purchase and equipment rental/purchase for program delivery or development opportunities. All purchased uniforms and equipment for sport program development and implementation must remain the property of the funded organization.
National competitions
Hosting national championships and related regional qualifying competitions.
Eligible expenses include:
- facility rental, uniform purchase and equipment rental/purchase. All purchased uniforms and equipment for national competitions must remain the property of the funded organization;
- officials’ travel, and accommodations for national competitions;
- participants’ travel, for national competitions; and
- carbon offsets for any travel-related activities.
Program development
Initiatives supporting or delivering sport programs that facilitate athlete development pathways from sport initiation up to national team programs (typically corresponding to “First Involvement” through “Train to Train” LTD stages).
Eligible expenses include:
- athlete development program content development and delivery;
- database design, development and maintenance;
- facilitators’ honoraria;
- resource design, printing and distribution;
- meals, accommodation, travel, and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities;
- facility rental for program delivery or development opportunities; and
- equipment rental/purchase. All purchased equipment for program development must remain the property of the funded organizations.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives
Initiatives that will promote inclusion and increase opportunities for sport participation for equity-deserving people, including athletes, coaches, officials, technical leaders, volunteers, and/or administrators.
Eligible expenses include:
- program content and/or policy development and delivery focused on equity, diversity and inclusion;
- facilitators’ honoraria;
- resource design, printing and distribution; and
- meals, accommodation, travel,
- carbon offsets for any travel-related activities; and facility rental for program delivery or development opportunities; and
- equipment rental/purchase. All purchased equipment for equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives must remain the property of the funded organizations.
Reconciliation initiatives
Initiatives with the goal of advancing reconciliation by addressing the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action #87-91 within your organization.
Eligible expenses include:
- professional development focused on Indigenous inclusion and cultural uniqueness;
- facilitators’ honoraria;
- partnership development / relationship building with the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC), Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASBs), North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and Arctic Winter Games (AWG) host societies, 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;
- resource design, printing and distribution;
- meals, accommodation, travel, and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities;
- facility rental for program delivery or development opportunities; and
- equipment rental/purchase. All purchased equipment for reconciliation initiatives must remain the property of the funded organizations.
Safety in Sport
Initiatives that will advance Safety in Sport, including measures to eliminate maltreatment in sport and addressing concussions in sport.
For measures to eliminate maltreatmentFootnote 1 in sport, initiatives should cover:
- Delivery of mandatory training on the prevention of maltreatment for athletes, coaches, officials, athlete support personnel, employees, contractual workers, administrators and volunteers, or other individuals affiliated with the organization;
- Ensure and promote access for individuals affiliated with the organization to the Abuse-Free Sport program, including the services of the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner; and
- Ensure alignment on these areas with Provincial/Territorial and local sport organizations.
To address concussions in sport, initiatives 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.
Eligible Expenses include:
- meetings (domestic), including meals, accommodation, facility rental, travel, Delivery of mandatory training on the prevention of maltreatment for athletes, coaches, officials, athlete support personnel, employees, contractual workers, administrators and volunteers, or other individuals affiliated with the NSO.
- contracts and honoraria, including legal costs associated with modifying and/or updating internal policies and procedures as needed to ensure continued alignment with most recent version of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS);
- resource design, printing and distribution;
- facility rental for delivery of safety in sport initiatives; and
- equipment and tools purchase/rental. All purchased equipment for safety in sport initiatives must remain the property of the funded organization.
Official languages (protected)
Support to ensure the organization’s capacity to communicate with the public, deliver programs, services, and events in both official languages, foster the participation of both official language communities, and overcome language-based barriers. Organizations are encouraged to allocate funding to translation services, interpretation services, training and education.
Eligible expenses include:
- interpretation services for press conferences, conferences, congresses, general meetings, symposia, special activities and national competitions;
- language training and education for coaches, officials, staff and key volunteers; and
- translation services for web content, promotional material and activities, social media, communications and documents related to programs, services and national competitions.
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 language requirements set out in your funding agreement.
Enhanced excellence funding (protected)
Enhanced excellence funding is based on recommendations made by OTP for targeted Olympic and Paralympic sports. In all instances, funding requests must meet the same eligibility requirements, conditions and restrictions listed above under “Reference-level funding” and must be specific to the delivery of high-performance sport.
Applications for Enhanced Excellent Funding will be accepted in a separate process from reference-level applications. Eligible organizations will be notified by Sport Canada officials of the application process.
Next Generation Initiative funding (protected)
Next Generation Initiative funding is based on recommendations made by OTP for Olympic and Paralympic sports. In all instances, funding requests must meet the same eligibility requirements, conditions and restrictions listed above under “Reference-level funding” and must be specific to the delivery of programs for the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Applications for Next Generation Initiative Funding will be accepted in a separate process from reference-level applications. Eligible organizations will be notified by Sport Canada officials of the application process.
Project funding (protected)
Applications for project funding will be accepted on an on-going basis.
If funding is approved, we may fund expenses incurred prior to receiving your application / the application deadline if they are project-related. 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.
Non-SFAF assessed national team program
Provides support for the development and delivery of a non-SFAF assessed national team program, to perform at a significant international event in a sport that is on or anticipated to be added to the Olympic or Paralympic Games program.
Funding requests must meet the same eligibility requirements, conditions and restrictions listed above under “Reference-level funding” for the following contribution blocks:
- general administration;
- salaries, fees and benefits;
- coaching salaries and professional development;
- high performance/national team program; and
- operations and programming.
International sport initiatives
Provides support to enable Canadians to attain positions of influence in international sport federations. While it is recognized that organizations all have roles within their international federations, this funding is not intended to support ongoing participation in international positions. The NSO must demonstrate an organizational strategy for international representation and is expected to identify specific issues and interests that the representative will be seeking to address in the identified position.
Eligible expenses include:
- general administration;
- honoraria or salaries; and
- travel (See note 1), and carbon offsets for any travel-related activities, meals and accommodation for delivery of the initiative.
Funds allocated to this project may not be used for hosting or participating in conferences, forums or seminars.
Jeux de la Francophonie (when applicable)
Provides support to enable Canadians to prepare and participate at the Jeux de la Francophonie. This funding is only available during the year leading up to and the year of the Jeux de la Francophonie.
Funding requests must meet the same eligibility requirements, conditions and restrictions listed above under “Reference-level funding” for the following contribution block:
- high performance/national team program.
Budget announcements and other Sport Canada priorities
Provides support when there are new initiatives announced in the Budget or initiatives that align with Sport Canada’s priorities.
Funding requests must meet the same eligibility requirements, conditions and restrictions listed above under “Reference-level funding” for the following contribution blocks:
- general administration;
- salaries, fees and benefits;
- coaching salaries and professional development;
- high performance/national team program; and
- operations and programming.
Note 1: travel expenses, which must not exceed the rates permitted for travel on government business.
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 Sport Support Program and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) cannot exceed 100% of total project-related costs.
Applying for more than 12 months
You may request funding for the same activities for a number of 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 funding application.
Contact us to obtain a Program funding application package.
You must meet all eligibility requirements under the Sport Funding and Accountability Framework and submit a complete application package to be considered for Program funding. A complete application package includes the General Application Form and the following supporting documents:
- Draft Revenues and Expenses Budget; and
- Draft Operational Plan (or equivalent).
Contact us to obtain a Project funding application package, which includes the following documents:
- Project funding General Application Form.
Application process
- Complete, sign and date the respective General Application Form;
- Attach all the required supporting documents; and
- Submit your application electronically to the following email address: contributionssportcanada@pch.gc.ca
Email submissions
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.
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 for each Component application deadline. 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:
Because the evaluation for SFAF-eligible organizations is done in advance, there will be no further evaluation of “Reference-level” funding applications.
Because Own the Podium’s evaluation and recommendation is done in advance, there will be no further evaluation of “Enhanced excellence” and “Next Generation Initiative” funding applications.
Project funding requests will be evaluated by a Review Committee which will compare and prioritize it with other applications in relation to the funds available. The Committee will assess the conformity of expenses based on the definition for each project, ensure these projects are not part of the organization day to day operation and allocate the available funds amongst recipients who requested funds.
Application processing time
Please refer to the Service standards for Canadian Heritage funding programs or contact the program.
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 to your organization 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
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 contribution agreement.
If your organization receives support from us, you 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).
If your organization receives support from us, you must:
- endorse the principles of the Canadian Policy against Doping in Sport and adopt the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (2021).
- have discipline and appeal procedures in place that include access to an independent dispute resolution through the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC).
- be a Program signatory of the Abuse-Free Sport, including the services of Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) to provide individuals affiliated with the NSOFootnote 2 with access to an independent third party to address allegations of maltreatment.
- ensure that individuals affiliated with the NSO complete appropriate mandatory training on preventing and addressing maltreatment.
For more information, read about sports policies, acts and regulations.
Travel, meal and accommodation expenses must comply with the rates permitted for travel on government business.
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.
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 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 application or 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 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
Sport Support Program – Sport Canada
15 Eddy Street
Gatineau, Quebec
J8X 4B3
- sportcanada@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 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 auditing standards.
- 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 have only forecasted revenues and expenses. Over time, your cash flow will be updated to reflect the actual revenues and expenses.
- Under-represented groups and equity-deserving people
- 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 under-represented in the Canadian sport system as athletes/participants and as leaders, and face barriers to full participation in sport.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 – whether they want to be hockey players, dancers, figure skaters or gymnasts. Long-Term Development describes the things athletes need to be doing at specific ages and stages.
- National Sport Organization (NSO)
- The single national sport governing body for all aspects of the sport in Canada, including its disciplines and events.
- Own the Podium (OTP)
- Own the Podium is a not-for-profit organization that prioritizes and determines investment strategies for NSOs in an effort to deliver more Olympic and Paralympic medals for Canada. Own the Podium’s largest contributor of funding is the Government of Canada with additional funding provided by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Canadian Olympic Foundation, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC).
- Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF)
-
The Sport Funding and Accountability Framework is the tool used by Canadian Heritage to identify which organizations are eligible to receive funding contributions under the Sport Support Program (SSP). Prior to being considered for funding through the SSP, organizations must proceed through the eligibility step of the SFAF process.
Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria proceed to the next stage of the SFAF, the assessment stage, during which various components are rated and weighted to determine an organization’s final assessment score, which determines their funding reference level.
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