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Spotlight Grant - Canada
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Spotlight Grant

Funding for inclusive girls’ sport initiatives
Last Update: May 26, 2026
View official website
Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 15,000
Timeline
  • Closing date : October 26, 2025
Location
Canada

Overview

Canadian Women & Sport’s Spotlight Grant supports community sport and physical activity initiatives for girls from underrepresented communities. Two funding levels are available: $5,000 and $15,000 for programs that remove barriers, build leadership, and strengthen gender equity and inclusion.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Improve governance or administrative structure
  • Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 15,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 5,000 $
Timeline
  • Closing date : October 26, 2025

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Sports
  • Other Recreation and Social Clubs
  • Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
  • All the groups
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • All dimensions

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Programs that keep girls participating in sport and physical activity
  • Programs that increase girls’ leadership or representation
  • Initiatives that strengthen gender equity and inclusion
  • Cultural, land-based, play-based, and identity-reconnection programs

Documents Needed

  • Business number issued by the CRA
  • Organization contact information for two representatives
  • Financial and budget information
  • Application materials completed in the portal

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Community associations
  • Non-profits
  • Indigenous community organizations
  • Community multi-sport organizations
  • Community clubs or leagues

Who is not eligible

  • Schools
  • Municipalities
  • Provincial and national sport organizations
  • International organizations
  • Individual applicants seeking personal use funding
  • Initiatives serving communities outside Canada

Eligible expenses

  • Venue costs
  • Equipment and materials
  • Marketing and communications
  • Participant and leader training
  • Travel, registration fees, staffing compensation, and data collection

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Costs incurred before September 2025 or after March 31, 2026
  • Severance, bonuses, commission, and recruitment fees
  • Entertainment costs, prize money, and awards
  • Alcohol, cannabis, drugs, legal fees, tickets, and fines
  • Investments, fund developments, and capital assets

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed by at least two trained reviewers.
  • Shortlisted applications are reviewed again by the Canadian Women & Sport selection team.
  • Applicants are notified of the result by mid-November 2025.
  • Accepted applicants must sign a funding agreement and provide financial information.

Additional information

  • Applications are submitted through the Submittable portal only.
  • Applicants may submit multiple applications, but can receive funding only once.
  • Accommodation support is available if needed to complete the application.
  • Recipients must acknowledge Canadian Women & Sport and the Government of Canada in communications.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Spotlight Grant Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Spotlight Grant. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Spotlight Grant?

Canadian Women & Sport’s Spotlight Grant supports community sport and physical activity initiatives for girls from underrepresented communities. Two funding levels are available: $5,000 and $15,000 for programs that remove barriers, build leadership, and strengthen gender equity and inclusion.

How much funding can be received?

Spotlight Grant Funds up to $15,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Spotlight Grant program?

To be eligible for the Spotlight Grant program, you must: Community sport or physical activity organization 80% of participants from priority communities CRA business number required

What expenses are eligible under Spotlight Grant?

Programs that keep girls participating in sport and physical activity Programs that increase girls’ leadership or representation Initiatives that strengthen gender equity and inclusion Cultural, land-based, play-based, and identity-reconnection programs

Where is the Spotlight Grant available?

The Spotlight Grant program is available across Canada.

Who are the financial supporters of the Spotlight Grant?

Spotlight Grant is funded by Canadian Women & Sport