How to Apply to the International Single Sport Events (ISSE) Hosting Program: Steps, Deadlines, and Contacts
The International Single Sport Events (ISSE) Hosting Program supports Canadian National Sport Organizations (NSOs) to host international single-sport events in Canada, including World Championships, World Cups, and Olympic/Paralympic qualification events. Administered by Sport Canada at Canadian Heritage, the program advances high‑performance sport and raises the international profile of Canadian sport organizations.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, but timing is critical: Tier I requests (up to $250,000) must be submitted at least six months before the event; Tier II requests (over $250,000) require at least 24 months. This step‑by‑step ISSE application guide explains eligibility, required documents, the full application process, deadlines, and what happens after you apply.
Overview of the International Single Sport Events Hosting Program
The ISSE Hosting Program is a federal contribution program under the broader Hosting Program. It funds Canadian NSOs to host international single‑sport competitions in Canada that are on the Olympic or Paralympic program. Typical events include Senior and Junior World Championships, World Cups, Continental Championships, University World Championships, and annual international events sanctioned by the relevant international federation.
Key features:
Purpose: Strengthen high‑performance sport development and enhance Canada’s international sport profile.
Applicant: Canadian summer or winter NSOs with evaluated high‑performance programs aligned with the Canadian High‑Performance Sport Strategy.
Funding model: Contribution (conditional funding under a Contribution Agreement with reporting/audit requirements).
Intake: Ongoing, with mandatory lead times relative to event start date.
Government assistance limits: Total public funding cannot exceed 100% of project costs. For federal contributions over $250,000, the Government of Canada caps its share to a maximum of 35% of total event costs and 50% of total government assistance.
As of the latest guidelines, applications must be complete at submission and routed via the appropriate NSO.
Eligibility Requirements
Your organization and project must meet program criteria to be considered. Meeting eligibility does not guarantee funding.
Eligible applicants:
Canadian National Sport Organizations (summer or winter).
NSOs with evaluated high‑performance programs that align with the Canadian High‑Performance Sport Strategy.
NSOs recognized by Sport Canada and operating as not‑for‑profit governing bodies.
Eligible projects and events:
International single‑sport events included on the Olympic or Paralympic program.
Events listed in the NSO’s Hosting Plan and integrated into high‑performance and long‑term athlete development (LTAD) competition plans for national team athletes.
Categories typically include:
Senior World Championships.
Senior World Cup events, Senior Continental Championships, World University Championships.
Junior World Championships, Junior World Cups, Junior Continental Championships.
Annual international events that fit the above sport program criteria.
Additional compliance and policy requirements commonly expected:
International federation sanctioning and recognition of the event.
Host city and venue in Canada with appropriate technical standards.
Safe sport obligations, including adherence to the Canadian Anti‑Doping Program (2021), access to independent dispute resolution (SDRCC), and participation in Abuse‑Free Sport.
Official languages obligations where services benefit both linguistic communities (communications and services in English and French).
Acknowledgement of federal funding in both official languages.
Prohibited sponsorships with tobacco and cannabis products industries.
Financial capacity and sound governance to deliver the event.
Accessibility, inclusion, anti‑racism, and workplace well‑being commitments consistent with federal policy.
Required Documents
A complete ISSE application package typically includes mandatory items and strong supporting evidence. Ensure all documents are current, consistent, and signed where required.
Mandatory documents:
Completed, signed, and dated Application Form (ISSE component).
Budget:
Tier I (up to $250,000): Detailed project budget.
Tier II (over $250,000): Detailed project budget and a Business Plan.
NSO Hosting Plan for the current quadrennial (identifying the proposed event).
High‑performance and LTAD competition plans for national team athletes (showing alignment and athlete pathway relevance).
Recommended supporting documents to strengthen your submission:
International federation (IF) sanction/endorsement letter and event technical requirements confirmation.
Event concept and operations plan: venues, schedule, field of play, equipment, medical, anti‑doping services, security.
Workplan with milestones, deliverables, and risk management plan.
Marketing, communications, and broadcasting/streaming plans (including official languages delivery).
Inclusion, accessibility, and Indigenous engagement plan (e.g., land acknowledgment, cultural programming, community partnerships).
Environmental sustainability plan, including any eligible carbon offset strategy.
Letters of support from host municipality, provincial/territorial sport body, venue owner, and key partners.
Cash‑flow forecast and financing plan identifying all funding sources (federal, provincial/territorial, municipal, private).
Proof of safe sport compliance (policy adoption, training commitments) and CADP participation.
Governance documentation and NSO board resolution approving the bid/application.
Recent financial statements to demonstrate financial viability.
Insurance strategy and certificate timeline.
Previous funded project final reports (if applicable) to confirm compliance history.
Submission format and records:
Maintain original paid invoices and records for all expenditures you intend to claim.
Keep documentation for at least five years for potential audits or evaluations.
Where invoices are unavailable, affidavits may be accepted with supplemental proof (e.g., card statements).
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to complete the ISSE application process efficiently and in compliance with Sport Canada requirements.
Step 1: Confirm organizational and event eligibility
Verify your NSO status, high‑performance program evaluation, and alignment with the Canadian High‑Performance Sport Strategy.
Confirm the sport/discipline is on the Olympic or Paralympic program.
Ensure the event appears in your NSO Hosting Plan and HP/LTAD competition plans.
Step 2: Map your submission timeline by Tier
Determine your request level:
Tier I (up to $250,000): Apply a minimum of 6 months before the event start date.
Tier II (over $250,000): Apply a minimum of 24 months before the event start date.
Work backward from the event start date to set internal preparation milestones (e.g., draft package 12–14 weeks prior to submission; board approval 8–10 weeks prior; final partner letters 4–6 weeks prior).
Step 3: Read the Application Guidelines and key policies
Review the ISSE Application Guidelines in full.
Review the Federal Policy for hosting international sport events, acknowledgment requirements, and service standards.
Note limits of government assistance, reporting obligations, and audit requirements.
Step 4: Contact Sport Canada and request the application package
Contact a Sport Canada Program Officer/Hosting Program Analyst to request the ISSE application package and confirm any program updates.
Discuss event category, budget level (Tier I vs. II), and any unique elements (e.g., legacy, Indigenous engagement, environmental measures).
Contact information (plain text):
Email (general program inbox): intlsinglesportevent-manifestationintlunisport@pch.gc.ca
Alternate email reference: PCH.intlsinglesportevent-manifestationintlunisport.PCH@canada.ca
Telephone (toll-free): 1-866-811-0055
TTY (toll-free): 1-888-997-3123
Step 5: Prepare your application form and core attachments
Complete the application form accurately and consistently with your budget and workplan.
Prepare the required Budget (and Business Plan if over $250,000).
Attach the NSO Hosting Plan (current quadrennial) and HP/LTAD competition plans.
Ensure all amounts reconcile and that in‑kind contributions are valued at fair market value and balanced by equal revenue entries.
Step 6: Compile event operations, inclusion, and compliance documents
Event management: detailed workplan, venue confirmations, IF sanctioning, equipment/technical specs, medical and anti‑doping services, security.
Inclusion and reconciliation: Indigenous engagement, cultural components, volunteer training, translation and Indigenous language support (as applicable).
Official languages: how services and communications will be offered in English and French.
Sustainability: carbon offset approach for travel-related activities where eligible.
Safe sport: CADP adherence, Abuse‑Free Sport participation, independent dispute resolution access, and mandatory training commitments.
Step 7: Secure endorsements and finalize governance approvals
Obtain letters of support from municipal/provincial partners, venue operators, and sponsors.
Ensure NSO board approval/resolution for the event and application submission.
Confirm insurance arrangements and risk management coverage.
Step 8: Quality review and internal sign‑offs
Cross‑check eligibility, completeness, and consistency across the form, budget, plans, and letters.
Confirm public funding stacking remains within limits (total government assistance ≤ 100% of costs; if federal contribution > $250,000, observe the 35% of total event costs and 50% of total government assistance caps).
Validate travel rates comply with Government of Canada travel directives.
Step 9: Submit your application by email via your NSO
Send the complete application package to the program inbox by 11:59 p.m. local time on or before your calculated deadline based on Tier.
Applications must be submitted via the appropriate NSO.
Retain proof of submission and a complete copy of the package.
Step 10: Monitor acknowledgement and respond to follow‑ups
Sport Canada typically acknowledges receipt within two weeks.
Respond promptly to any requests for clarification or additional documentation.
Maintain readiness to provide advance rulings on unusual expense eligibility if requested.
Application Timeline
Key timing rules:
Ongoing intake, but minimum lead times apply by Tier:
Tier I (up to $250,000): submit at least 6 months before the event start.
Tier II (over $250,000): submit at least 24 months before the event start.
Example timing:
For a Tier I event starting 15 December 2026, the latest submission would be mid‑June 2026.
For a Tier II event starting 1 July 2027, the latest submission would be early July 2025.
Processing and decisions:
Receipt acknowledgement within approximately two weeks.
Processing times follow Canadian Heritage service standards and depend on volume and completeness.
If approved, eligible costs may be funded as of April 1 of the approval fiscal year or from the project start date when later. Costs incurred before written approval are at your own risk.
Tips for a Successful Application
Engage early with a Program Officer to confirm category, Tier, and documentation expectations.
Align the event explicitly with high‑performance pathways and LTAD outcomes; articulate athlete development impacts and competitive depth.
Demonstrate operational readiness: venues, IF sanctioning, medical/anti‑doping, security, volunteer management.
Present a realistic, balanced budget with clear cash‑flow and secured/non‑secured revenues; document in‑kind contributions properly.
Address inclusion and accessibility: official languages service delivery, Indigenous engagement, equity for under‑represented groups, and barrier‑free venue design.
Show environmental responsibility: travel reduction strategies and eligible carbon offsets.
Provide strong partner letters from host city/venue and provincial/territorial bodies.
Ensure safe sport compliance is current and documented (CADP, Abuse‑Free Sport, SDRCC access).
Use clear milestones and a practical risk management plan with mitigation measures.
Proofread thoroughly; ensure figures reconcile across all documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing the 6‑ or 24‑month submission window for the applicable Tier.
Submitting without the event appearing in the NSO’s Hosting Plan or without HP/LTAD alignment evidence.
Incomplete packages: unsigned forms, missing Business Plan for Tier II, absent partner letters, or missing IF sanction confirmation.
Budgets that overstate federal shares or exceed stacking limits; not valuing in‑kind contributions at fair market value.
Gaps in official languages planning for public‑facing services benefiting both linguistic communities.
Insufficient safe sport documentation or outdated anti‑doping compliance.
Weak risk and medical/anti‑doping plans or absent insurance strategy.
Failure to submit outstanding final reports from previous funded projects.
Inconsistencies between narrative, budget, and workplan.
What Happens After You Apply
Eligibility screening: Sport Canada verifies applicant and project eligibility.
Evaluation: Applications are assessed on sport excellence, competitive depth, type of competition, and sport development impacts. Multiple competitions are prioritized based on your NSO Hosting Plan and annual priorities.
Decision: Funding is competitive and depends on available budgets and the quality of applications. Decisions on eligibility and amounts are final.
Contribution Agreement: If approved, you will receive a Contribution Agreement specifying terms, payment conditions, reporting, and audit requirements. It must be signed and returned within 30 days; no payments are made before the signed agreement is received and conditions are met.
Funding conditions and reporting: You may be required to submit interim reports. Contributions of $250,000 or more require a project cost audit. A final report is required at project end.
Acknowledgement and languages: You must publicly acknowledge Government of Canada support in English and French and meet official languages obligations where applicable.
Claims and reimbursements: Only eligible, project‑related costs supported by paid original invoices can be claimed. Maintain records for audit for at least five years.
Conclusion
Applying to the International Single Sport Events (ISSE) Hosting Program requires early planning, clear alignment with high‑performance objectives, and a complete, well‑documented submission. By following the steps above—confirming eligibility, engaging Sport Canada early, assembling the required documents, and submitting on time within the 6‑ or 24‑month window—your NSO can efficiently navigate the ISSE application process and strengthen its chances of success. Prepare a strong operational, inclusion, and safe sport plan, and be ready to meet reporting and acknowledgment obligations under your Contribution Agreement.
