Support to Sports Participation Grant Program – Applications are open

September 16, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 1:45

Are you a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member who loves sports? Are you an athlete, coach, or official? Do you want to participate in sports in your community while being supported by the CAF?
If so, applications are open for the Support to Sports Participation Grant Program , a program aimed at supporting CAF members in their athletic pursuits outside the formal CAF Sports Program.

What’s new for 2025–2026?

• Centralization of the program management - CAF Sports HQ
• New online application form
• Three (3) applications per member per fiscal year
• Grant amount based on round-trip travel distance

CAF Sports HQ offers financial support of up to $1000 to help eligible members pursue athletic, coaching, or officiating goals beyond the formal CAF Sports Program. This program funding makes sports more accessible and inclusive across the CAF community.

What can the grant cover?
Financial support is available for a wide range of expenses, including:

• Competition entry fee (athlete) / Course fee (coaches and officials)
• Local support for local community league fees and or club fees
• Transportation costs (airfare, gas, car rental) 
• Accommodations
• Meals
• Certification / Qualification / License (coaches and officials)
• Professional Development (Conference / Workshops) - (coaches and officials)

Who can apply?

• CAF members (Regular or Reserve Forces) 

When to apply

• Submit your online application at least 30 days before your event (via https://cfmws.ca/sport-fitness-rec/sports/caf-sports-grant-program).
• For events or programs in the 2025–2026 fiscal year, apply anytime between May 20, 2025, and February 28, 2026.
• For events or programs in the 2026–2027 fiscal year, applications open March 2, 2026.

Why this matters?
Sports play a vital role in building strong, resilient, and mission-ready CAF members. The Support to Sports Participation Grant Program helps more members get involved in sport—no matter where they are or who they are—by:

• Helping cover costs for members whose preferred sports aren’t offered in the formal program
• Encouraging participation from all backgrounds, including equity-deserving groups
• Reaching members in remote, OUTCAN, or underserved regions
• Promoting inclusive access to sport at every level—from local to international competition

More information
For more information on the grants and how members can apply, please visit the website Support to Sports Participation Grant or contact us at SSPG@cfmws.com.