Role of Tennis Canada in the funding ecosystem
Tennis Canada is the national, not-for-profit governing body for tennis in Canada. In addition to organizing major professional events such as the National Bank Open and supporting high-performance pathways, Tennis Canada plays a direct role as a grant-maker, channeling philanthropic and partner investment into community tennis initiatives. Through its Game. Set. Equity. platform, the organization operates the Community Tennis Grants program, which provides financial support to non-profits, community groups, clubs, schools, universities and other grassroots organizations.
The Community Tennis Grants are focused on projects that increase the participation, retention and advancement of self-identifying women and girls in tennis. Funding is available through one-year grants of up to $7,500 and, for previous recipients, two-year grants of up to $20,000 to sustain initiatives with long-term impact. Eligible costs include registration fees, court time, coaching and facilitation, education and training, marketing, equipment and childcare to reduce barriers to participation.
Typical beneficiaries and funding priorities
Eligible applicants include local tennis clubs, charities, Indigenous community centres, newcomer associations, schools, universities and other non-profit entities working at the grassroots level. Ineligible applicants include for‑profit organizations, individuals, and provincial or territorial tennis associations. Projects must direct at least 70% of the funding toward women and girls and demonstrate how physical, psychological and cultural safety will be ensured.
Examples of funded initiatives range from girls‑only tennis camps and leadership development for female coaches and officials to community programs for newcomers, Indigenous participants, women and girls with disabilities, and equity-deserving groups. Tennis Canada highlights recipients across all regions of Canada, illustrating a coast‑to‑coast impact and encouraging knowledge sharing among projects.
General evaluation and selection approach
Applications are assessed by an inclusive volunteer committee in collaboration with Tennis Canada, National Bank and Provincial and Territorial Tennis Associations. Proposals are evaluated on clarity of objectives, direct impact on women and girls, budget justification, sustainability beyond the grant period, and attention to participant safety. Selection also considers regional balance and representation of equity-deserving communities.
Recipients sign a funding agreement, commit to basic reporting on outcomes, and are invited into a community of practice, including learning opportunities such as gender equity training. Tennis Canada communicates impact stories through its channels, reinforcing transparency and showcasing how targeted grants can transform local access to tennis.