RCAF - Royal Canadian Air Force

04/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/17/2026 06:24

Applications open for Support to Sports Participation Grants 2026-2027

April 17, 2026 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time - 2:00

Capt Bolduc, recipient of the Support to Sports Participation Grant, while competing at the Madeira Island Ultra Trail 115 in Madeira, Portugal.



Applications are now open for the Support to Sports Participation Grants for the 2026-2027 fiscal year for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.

The Support to Sports Participation Grant Program focuses on supporting local sports competitions up to the international level and also includes support for OUTCAN members.

The grants seek to relieve some of the financial pressures associated with competing in sports and reduce barriers to encourage CAF members to participate. Financial assistance is provided by CAF Sports HQ for applicants meeting the eligibility criteria to support them in their sports endeavours.

Applicants may receive up to $1,000 towards the cost of attending their event.

What can the grant be used for?

The following is a list of examples, albeit not exhaustive, of the types of financial support available:

  • Competition entry fee (athlete) / In-person course fee (coaches and officials)
  • Local support for local community league fees
  • Transportation costs (airfare, gas, car rental)
  • Accommodations
  • Meals
  • In-person professional development (courses / workshops) For coaches and officials not already supported by their CAF Sports Region.

Who can apply?

The program is open to:

  • Regular Force members
  • Reserve Force members

The program is designed to support individual CAF members as athletes, coaches, and officials.

When can members apply?

Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before an event using the online application form.

  • Events in the 2026-2027 fiscal year: Applications are accepted from March 9, 2026 to February 28, 2027.
  • Events in the 2027-2028 fiscal year: Applications may be submitted starting March 8, 2027.

Program Updates for 2026-2027

The Support to Sports Participation Grant Program is currently in the third year of its three-year pilot, supporting ongoing evaluation and improvements.

Key reminders and updates for this fiscal year include:

  • Program administration application review and reimbursements are handled by CAF Sports HQ.
  • Applications are submitted through an online form (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website).
  • Each CAF member may submit up to three (3) applications per fiscal year.
  • Grant amounts are based on round-trip distance traveled.
  • The grant does not cover:
    • meal or transportation costs for participation in local leagues
    • non-competitive, fitness-based activities (e.g., yoga, Pilates, Zumba, self-defence, gym memberships)
    • participation in sporting events or activities organized by the CAF or units

More information?

For more information on the grants and how members can apply, please visit Support to Sports Participation Grant (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) or contact us: [email protected].

RCAF - Royal Canadian Air Force published this content on April 17, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 17, 2026 at 12:24 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]