Grant and Funding Programs Offered by InMotion Network

InMotion Network is a provincial non-profit organization dedicated to reducing barriers to sport, recreation and physical activity for girls and women in Alberta. Working with community groups and other non-profit organizations, it administers contribution-style funding programs that support both participation opportunities and leadership development in sport and physical activity. Its programs are largely financed through AGLC gaming proceeds and public-sector partners such as the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada.

Through its Community and Organizational Support pillar, InMotion Network provides financial assistance to Alberta non-profit and charitable organizations whose projects align with its mission and vision. Key funding streams include participation programs such as Go Girl, Girls in Motion and Women in Motion, as well as the Take the Lead leadership program. These initiatives help organizations design inclusive, community-driven programs that address financial, cultural, gender-based and accessibility barriers to participation and leadership.

The Participation and Leadership contribution programs offer defined maximum amounts and annual limits. Organizations can typically request up to $2,500 for Go Girl, Girls in Motion or Women in Motion projects and up to $3,000 for Take the Lead leadership projects (with a $1,000 cap for individual leadership applicants). Organizations may apply once per intake, to a maximum of $5,000 per year from InMotion Network. Two intakes per year are offered for both participation and leadership opportunities, with clearly posted deadlines.

Eligible applicants must be Alberta-based non-profit organizations or registered charities in good standing. The funding is designed to complement, not duplicate, the organizations’ own AGLC proceeds where applicable. InMotion Network prioritizes programs that serve communities facing multiple, intersecting forms of oppression, including low-income participants, Indigenous and newcomer communities, people with disabilities and other equity-deserving groups.

Funding commonly supports direct program delivery costs such as honoraria and coaching fees, facility rental and access, project-related transportation, first aid support, and (for Take the Lead) education and coaching course fees. Depending on the project scope, materials and equipment that remain with the organization, marketing and promotion, equipment rentals, refreshments and specific volunteer costs may also be considered. Ineligible costs include capital purchases, administrative salaries, personal or promotional items, volunteer appreciation gifts and travel outside Alberta.

Applications are adjudicated using transparent criteria. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate how their project addresses participation or leadership barriers, leverages community partnerships, aligns the budget with expected outcomes, and creates sustainable future opportunities. Separate adjudication templates exist for program and leadership applications, supporting consistent review by InMotion Network and its partners.

InMotion Network’s funding supports a wide range of grassroots initiatives: multi-sport events for girls, inclusive programs for neurodivergent youth, newcomer and Indigenous girls’ sport initiatives, as well as leadership and technical training for women coaches, officials and sport administrators. Success stories on the site highlight how funded projects have provided free or low-cost access to equipment, coaching, training seminars, conferences and community-based physical activity programs across many regions of Alberta.

Beyond financial support, InMotion Network also offers learning resources, online modules on equity and leadership, resource databases, and links to other local, provincial and national organizations working to advance safe, welcoming and equitable sport environments. Together, these funding programs and educational tools strengthen the capacity of Alberta’s sport and recreation system to include girls and women in all their diversity as participants and leaders.