Open
Hosting Program - Canada Games
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Supports non-profit organizations hosting major national sporting events
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Hosting Program – Canada Games provides financial support to non-profit organizations incorporated specifically to organize the Canada Games, covering eligible operating and capital expenses such as event staging, infrastructure improvements, and legacy planning. The program aims to assist with the delivery of Canada’s largest domestic multisport event; however, the maximum funding amount is determined by a federal-provincial/territorial framework and is not specified.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce the ecological footprint
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Organization and delivery of the Canada Games multisport event.
- Construction or upgrading of permanent sport event venues for the Games.
- Implementation of legacy initiatives outlined in the Games legacy plan.
- Management of travel logistics for participants (excluding the host province/territory).
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an incorporated non-profit organization formed specifically to organize the Canada Games.
- The organization must be incorporated under federal or provincial/territorial law.
- Eligibility is determined through a federal-provincial/territorial hosting rotation and a formal bid process.
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations incorporated under federal law specifically created to organize the Canada Games
- Non-profit organizations incorporated under provincial or territorial law specifically created to organize the Canada Games
Who is not eligible
- For-profit businesses of any type.
- Non-incorporated organizations or informal groups.
- Organizations not created specifically to organize the Canada Games.
Eligible expenses
- Office rental for the duration of the event organization.
- Salaries and honoraria for staff and officials.
- Ceremonies and pageantry related costs.
- Volunteer uniforms and training expenses.
- Insurance for event operations.
- Translation services to support event delivery.
- Purchase of equipment necessary for hosting the event.
- Doping control and medical services during the Games.
- Engagement initiatives for official language minority communities.
- Construction or upgrades of permanent structures and venues, including accessibility, sustainability improvements, increased spectator capacity, and enhancements like lighting or air quality control.
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations incorporated under federal or provincial/territorial law in Canada, in provinces and territories participating in the Canada Games federal-provincial/territorial hosting rotation.
How to apply
1
Confirm your organization’s eligibility
- Ensure your organization is incorporated as a non-profit under federal or provincial/territorial law
- Verify that your organization exists specifically to organize the Canada Games
2
Participate in the bid process
- Contact the Canada Games Council or your provincial/territorial government to participate in the bid process
- Ensure your organization is included in the federal-provincial/territorial hosting rotation
3
Gather required application documents
- Prepare all required documentation for hosting the Canada Games
- Review eligible expenses including operating and capital costs
- Include project and legacy plan details in your preparation
4
Submit your application to Sport Canada
- Contact Sport Canada to express your intent to apply
- Submit your application and supporting documents as directed by Sport Canada
5
Await application results
- Wait for feedback or notification regarding the application decision
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Additional information
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
- The Canada Games alternate every two years between winter and summer editions.
- An agreement with provincial/territorial governments covers travel costs for participants, except those from the host province/territory.
- The program does not provide deficit guarantees or deficit funding.
Contacts
PCH.sportcanada-sportcanada.PCH@canada.ca
1-866-811-0055
