Micro-Grants
Funding, mentorship, and support for youth and community organizations creating new opportunities for sport across Canada. Applications are open through October 30, 2026.
How the micro-grants work
A quick overview of what's on offer and how to apply.
Info session recordings
Missed the October 7 information sessions? Watch the recordings and download the slides.
Have an idea to get more young people moving? We'll help make it happen.
RE.sport is offering micro-grants to youth and community organizations who want to create new opportunities for sport and physical activity in their communities. Whether you're a young leader with a big idea or an organization ready to expand your programming, we're here to help — with funding, mentorship, and support along the way.
Youth-Led Initiatives
For individual youth or small youth groups (ages 12–18) living in Canada with an idea to start something new in sport or physical activity. You'll receive funding to bring your idea to life, plus guidance from our team throughout your project.
Apply — Youth-Led →Info session (Oct 7): Watch the recording & get the slides →
Community-Led Initiatives
For nonprofits, schools, sports clubs, youth councils, parent groups, and community groups across Canada launching a new sport or physical activity initiative for youth up to 18. Initiatives should be novel and aim to involve 15–20 youth participants.
Apply — Community-Led →Info session (Oct 7): Watch the recording & get the slides →
Fresh ideas, rooted in your community
We want to hear from youth and groups with fresh ideas for projects that haven't been tried before in your community, that get more young people active, and that reflect what your community actually wants and needs.
We especially welcome applications from equity-deserving groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized, newcomer, low-income, 2SLGBTQ+, rural and remote, and disabled youth and communities.
Four steps, with support the whole way
- 1
Apply
Tell us about your idea in a short application.
- 2
Get funded
Successful applicants are notified and receive their grant.
- 3
Bring it to life
Run your initiative with support from the RE.sport team along the way.
- 4
Share your story
Let us know how it went and help inspire future change.
You're not on your own. Every funded applicant gets access to the RE.sport team for guidance, check-ins, and support — as much or as little as you need.
Key dates
What the application asks
Here are the full questions for each stream so you can plan your answers before you start. Each application takes about 30 minutes. Before the questions, you'll review and sign a short research consent form.
Youth-Led application questions (up to $500)
Download the full Youth application (PDF) ↓
You can apply if you…
- are aged 12–18
- live in Canada
- are an individual or a small group of youth who want to make a change or start a new physical activity or sport initiative
You'll review a youth assent form before starting. If you're 12–14, a parent or guardian is also asked to give consent.
Information about you
- What is your full name?
- Where do you live? (City, Province)
- Email address
- Phone number
- What is one thing that's unique about you?
- How old are you?
For the following questions, you can either type out your idea or film a brief video up to 4 minutes long, but not both. Written answers are 200–250 words max.
Information about your idea
- What's the name of your initiative?
- What's your plan for this new initiative? Here are some prompts to help get you thinking (you don't have to answer all):
- Tell us about your idea.
- Describe the initiative.
- What makes it new, fun, or unique?
- How does it relate to sport or physical activity?
- What will you be doing as part of the initiative?
- What inspired this idea?
- What problem or need does your initiative address?
- Who will participate in this initiative (e.g., classmates, neighbours)? Please be specific.
- Why did you pick this initiative? Why do you think this is a good or important initiative?
The logistics
- When would this new initiative happen? How often?
- Who, if anyone, will be helping you plan and run this initiative? (parent, teacher, friend)
- Help us understand how you will use the money. (e.g., buying snacks, renting a space, paying an instructor)
Outcomes
What do you hope will happen because of this project? You can use the following questions as prompts:
- How will you know your initiative was a success?
- Will you use surveys, attendance numbers, photos, stories, or something else to show the impact?
- How will you know if the initiative made a difference?
- What will change because of this initiative?
- Will people learn something new, build skills, change a behaviour, or solve a problem because of this initiative?
Example: My initiative will be a success if I introduce my friends and peers to a new sport and they genuinely enjoy it. I'll measure this in a few ways: asking them to rate the sport from 1–10, observing how much they smiled or seemed engaged during the activity, and most importantly seeing whether they choose to play it again on their own, like at recess or at home. That last point will tell me whether the initiative made a lasting difference, not just a fun one-time experience.
Support
What type(s) of support would be most helpful throughout the funding period? (Select all that apply)
- Help plan and run your idea or project
- Tips for getting people involved and engaged
- Help tracking participation and engagement
- Help measure results or impact
- Help collect and use feedback from participants
- Sharing your results (e.g., social media, presentations, storytelling)
- Finding youth to be involved in my group/activity
- Other
Preferred format: one-on-one meetings; group workshop, class, or training sessions; written resources/toolkits; email support/check-ins; other.
Level of support needed (this can change throughout the process): minimal (occasional guidance); moderate (regular check-ins); high (ongoing support throughout the initiative).
Anything else?
Is there anything else you'd like us to know before you submit your application? If so, tell us about it!
Community-Led application questions (up to $5,000)
Download the full Community application (PDF) ↓
Eligibility
Applicants check off each statement that applies to them, or that they agree to commit to:
- You must serve a group. (If you are a passionate parent, nonprofit organization, sports club, public school, community leader, school team, private school, youth council, neighbourhood association, cultural group, parent group, or something similar, this micro-grant is for you!)
- The initiative must serve youth up to 18 years of age.
- Project deliverables and associated funds must be used/completed within 12 months of acceptance.
- Initiatives must be novel and aim to involve at least 15–20 youth. (For example, you may have 3 youth supporting in the planning of the initiative and 15 additional youth who participate in the initiative.)
Applicant information
- Name of organization
- Contact person
- Phone number
- Link to organization information or website (if applicable)
- Location (City/Town)
- Location (Province/Territory)
- What groups do you serve? Check all that apply: Black youth; Indigenous youth; racialized youth; newcomer/immigrant youth; youth in low-income families; girls and young women; 2SLGBTQ+ youth; youth with disabilities; rural/remote communities; other (please specify).
The initiative
- What is the title/name of your initiative?
- Please describe what your initiative will involve. Consider answering the following questions (200–250 words max):
- How will your initiative get youth active?
- What makes your approach unique or impactful?
- How will your initiative reduce barriers to participation (e.g., cost, transportation, accessibility) and/or increase equitable access to sport and physical activity?
- Please outline the key steps and timeline for your initiative. Example:
Activity Estimated completion date(s) Planning phase December 1 – December 31, 2026 Space secured January 25, 2027 Registration for the event closes January 31, 2027 Day of first event February 15, 2027
Outcomes
- What do you expect to happen as a result of this novel initiative, and how will you measure these outcomes? (200–250 words) For example, your response can answer the following prompts:
- Were you able to put the initiative into action the way you had planned? (e.g., deliver the activities you said you would? reach the people you intended?)
- Did the initiative actually help or improve something (e.g., what changed because of the initiative? Did it improve knowledge, skills, behaviour, did it help solve a problem)?
- Please go more in-depth about how you expect to measure each specific outcome (minimum of 3 outcomes). Example:
Outcome Measure We ran 8 community workshops as planned. Session tracking documentation. 18 youth tried a new sport (Stick Game). Attendance sign-in at every session. Youth increased their awareness of the benefits of yoga for physical fitness. Surveys; Head, Heart, Feet Activity.
Youth involvement
For these grants to truly address the unique needs of youth, we ask that youth be involved in the process of developing and/or implementing this initiative. Please describe how the youth will be contributing to planning and decision-making. How will youth voices be incorporated throughout the initiative? (200–250 words)
Budget
Please fill in a chart with costs, expanding on what you will need to run this initiative. Example:
| Budget item | Description | Amount ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Buying special equipment for the initiative. | $400 |
| Transportation | Buying bus passes for families who cannot afford transportation to the initiative. | $500 |
| Honoraria | Compensating staff who have specific expertise related to this new activity/program. | $1,000 |
| Marketing and outreach | Paying for Instagram or Facebook ads to reach more youth. | $300 |
| Facility rental | Renting a community space or hall to host the program sessions. | $1,500 |
| Putting knowledge into action | Documenting your process, creating videos, hosting a community presentation, or writing a report. | $500 |
The maximum budget request is $5,000, but there needs to be alignment between the scope of the project and the budget.
Learning and evaluation
- How will you track participation or initiative success? (50–100 words)
- How will you know that you have achieved your initiative's goals? (50–100 words)
- How will you share your experiences about creating and running an initiative using the RE.sport grant money (e.g., through a short interview, photos, or testimonials) to help improve future initiatives? (50–100 words)
Support
What type(s) of support would be most helpful throughout the funding period? (Select all that apply)
- Initiative planning and implementation support
- Youth engagement strategies
- Tracking participation and engagement
- Measuring outcomes or initiative impact
- Collecting and using participant feedback
- Sharing your results (e.g., social media, presentations, storytelling)
- Knowledge mobilization strategies (e.g., how to share learnings with your community)
- Other
Preferred format: one-on-one meetings; group workshop, class, or training sessions; written resources/toolkits; email support/check-ins; other.
Level of support needed (this can change throughout the process): minimal (occasional guidance); moderate (regular check-ins); high (ongoing support throughout the initiative).
Putting knowledge into action
You can apply for an additional $500 knowledge mobilization supplement to share your initiative's highlights, challenges and lessons learned, for example by documenting your process, creating videos, hosting a community presentation, or writing a report.
- Are you interested in the $500 knowledge mobilization supplement? (Yes / No)
- If yes, how would you use this funding to share your initiative's findings and impact? (Our team can help you brainstorm ideas during check-ins if you're unsure.) Please indicate some of your ideas and whether you require some guidance from us in this area. (200–250 words)
Anything else?
Is there anything else you'd like us to know before you submit your application? If so, tell us about it!
Frequently asked questions
What is the RE.sport Micro-Grants Program?
The RE.sport Micro-Grants Program provides funding to support community-based initiatives, research activities, educational programs, and initiatives that align with RE.sport's mission of creating positive social impact through sport, recreation, and community engagement.
Who can apply for a micro-grant?
Pretty much anyone with a neat idea for an initiative to support youth in sport, physical activity, or recreation. Eligible applicants may include:
- Students
- Researchers
- Community organizations
- Non-profit organizations
- Sport and recreation groups
- Community leaders and practitioners
Please refer to the current application guidelines for specific eligibility requirements.
How much funding is available?
- Youth micro-grants: up to $500.
- Community group/organization micro-grants: up to $5,000.
- These amounts are the maximum budget requests — there needs to be alignment between the scope of the initiative and the budget.
Can individuals apply, or do I need to be part of an organization?
Both individuals and organizations may be eligible, depending on the stream.
- Youth application: one or more youth must be the primary applicant, and all youth recipients need a joint adult applicant (e.g., coach, caregiver, teacher) who is involved in the research process, provides their own consent, and attends meetings and interviews with the research team.
- Community application: individual adults, groups, organizations, and not-for-profit leaders are able to apply.
Please review the eligibility criteria for the current funding opportunity.
What types of initiatives are supported?
Any activity that is novel in your community and aims to get youth active through sport, physical activity, and/or recreation.
Examples for youth applicants:
- ‘Sports from around the world’ day — try games from different cultures.
- Community fitness challenge — friends track steps or activity together over time.
- Amazing Race — create a scavenger hunt or obstacle course around your community.
- Write a Story — try a new activity and share a story, graphic novel, or poem about it.
Examples for community applicants:
- Multicultural sports series — partner with local cultural communities to teach their games and sports; youth volunteers help facilitate and build leadership skills.
- Youth mental health and movement program — combine low-cost activity (yoga, dance, walking groups) with mental-health check-ins and peer support, led by trained youth facilitators.
- Indigenous sports and cultural wellness series — partner with Indigenous community members and Elders for traditional games, land-based activities, and culturally grounded wellness, centring Indigenous youth voices.
Whether youth or community, be creative — our goal is to get more young people moving, so we invite all sorts of ideas.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted through an online survey on this page — apply for the youth funding or the community funding. Complete all required sections and provide supporting documentation where requested.
What expenses can be included within the micro-grant?
- Materials, supplies, and event costs
- Knowledge-sharing activities
- Participant supports
- Outreach and promotion
- Accessibility accommodations
What expenses are not eligible?
Generally, funding cannot be used for:
- Activities that do not align with specific grant activities
- Ongoing operational costs
- Debt repayment
- Expenses incurred before approval
What am I required to include in my application?
Youth applicants can answer each question in writing or by recording a video response. You'll be asked about:
- Your eligibility based on specific criteria
- Reviewing the research-study consent form with yourself and your caregiver
- General information about you
- Your plan for the initiative and why you want to do it
- A timeline of your initiative and activities
- How you'll use the money
- How you'll know if your initiative was successful
- What support you might need from us
Community applicants will be asked to complete:
- Your eligibility based on specific criteria
- Reviewing the research-study consent form
- General information about your initiative
- General information about your organization and the groups you serve
- A timeline of your initiative and activities
- A budget that aligns with the initiative's activities
- What you hope to achieve
- How youth will be involved in developing and launching your initiative
- How you'll track your initiative's impact
- What support you might need from us
- Whether you'd like to apply for an additional $500 knowledge-mobilization supplement
Can I apply for more than one grant?
No — applicants may apply for one grant only.
What is the knowledge mobilization supplement?
An additional $500 supplement for sharing your initiative's story. You can use it to document your process, create videos, host a community presentation, or run a social media campaign. Sharing the highlights, challenges, and lessons learned helps others and strengthens the field of youth sport, physical activity, and recreation.
Do I need to be a not-for-profit or community organization to apply?
No. Any adult can apply if they want to make a difference in their community — whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, spiritual leader, or community member, we want to hear your ideas and help bring them to life.
How long should my initiative be?
- Youth micro-grants: plan for an initiative lasting up to 8 months.
- Community micro-grants: plan for an initiative lasting up to 12 months.
Funds must be used within 12 months (by January 15, 2028).
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is October 30, 2026.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are assessed on:
- Alignment with program goals
- Potential community impact
- Feasibility and initiative planning
- Equity and inclusion considerations
- Budget appropriateness
- Potential for learning and knowledge sharing
When will applicants be notified if they are successful?
All applicants will be contacted after the review process. Timelines may vary with the number of applications, but everyone will be emailed a decision by November 30, 2026.
What happens if I am awarded the micro-grant? What do I do next?
- By November 30, 2026, you'll be informed of the funding decision. Before funding begins, both you and the RE.sport team sign an agreement outlining each party's responsibilities.
- You'll take part in a 1-on-1 intake session with the RE.sport team to start planning your initiative.
- By January 15, 2027, initiatives and funding begin. You continue planning and launching, with the RE.sport team supporting you throughout.
- At the end of the grant, you'll report on your initiative's outcomes and impacts.
- Finally, you'll take part in an exit interview to reflect on your experience of the micro-grant process and delivery.
Do I need to submit a final report?
Yes. Recipients provide a final report describing activities completed, outcomes achieved, lessons learned, and how funds were used. We'll provide a template and support you in completing it.
Still have questions? Contact the RE.sport team at resport.kpe@utoronto.ca. You can also watch the information session recordings to help you apply.
Applications are open
Choose the stream that applies to you and apply by October 30, 2026. New to micro-grants? Watch the information session recordings to learn more.
Information session recordings (Oct 7, 2026): Watch Community & Youth sessions and download the slides →
Questions? Contact the RE.sport team at resport.kpe@utoronto.ca.