Grants supports children and youth in Canada who face barriers to participating in sport and play. While funding is available for programs serving a wide range of children and youth, Jumpstart prioritizes increasing participation and positive experiences for girls and young women.  

Submitted applications are reviewed in three stages: organization eligibility, program alignment, and the program's potential to achieve the intended outcomes of the grant. 

Organization eligibility: the organization applying for funding is reviewed to ensure they are eligible to receive funding. If an organization is not eligible to receive funding, the application will not be reviewed. Jumpstart reserves the right to ask applicants to provide updated organizational information at any point during the grant application, review or grant term.  

Program alignment: Jumpstart staff will evaluate whether the proposed project or program align with the grant stream project focus areas and outcomes as described in the 'Funding Stream' section above. 

Program's potential to achieve the intended outcomes of the grant: eligible projects are evaluated and scored by the grant review team based on the key priorities and outcome areas for each funding stream. 

Access:  

• Understanding participants and community context 
• Sustained, affordable access and participation 
• Fun, belonging, and well-being through sport and play 
• Program quality and participant experience 
• Organizational readiness and budget 

Youth Development:  

• Understanding participants and community context 
• Sustained, affordable access and participation 
• Life, leadership, and employment-related skill development 
• Program quality and participant experience 
• Organizational readiness and budget 
• Measurement and learning 

 To be eligible for a Community Development Grant, applicants must be legally recognized entities that are eligible to receive charitable funding in Canada, as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Eligible applicants may include:  

• Registered charities; 
• Registered non-profit organizations or societies; 
• Registered Canadian amateur athletic associations (RCAAAs); 
• Municipalities and other public bodies performing a function of government in Canada; 
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments and organizations that meet eligibility requirements; and 
• Educational institutions and other qualified donees whose activities align with the purpose of the grant.  

Visit the CRA website for more information on qualified donees and to check your organization's eligibility. 

If you are unsure whether your organization is eligible, we encourage you to review the eligibility criteria carefully before applying. If you still have questions, please contact Jumpstart at jumpstart_admin@cantire.com. 

If you are already registered with Jumpstart and would like to update your organization profile information, please complete the Organization Profile Update Form 

Intake 1 (Programs starting between January 1, 2027 and December 31, 2027)  

• Applications Open: September 23, 2026  
• Applications Close: October 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST (8:59 PM PST) 
• Funding Decisions Issued: Beginning December 11, 2026  

Intake 2 (Programs starting between September 1, 2027 and December 31, 2027)  

• Applications Open: March 10, 2027  
• Applications Close: April 7, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST (8:59 PM PST) 
• Funding Decisions Issued: Beginning July/August 2027 

Approved funding will be disbursed in two intervals: 

1. 70% upon acceptance. 
2. 30% upon completion and approval of a Community Impact and Recognition Report. 

All approved grants will be required to submit a Community Impact and Recognition Report.

Jumpstart strongly recommends that you book a call with the Relationship Manager in your area to learn more about the application process and to discuss questions specific to your program. As dedicated Jumpstart leaders, our Relationship Managers offer a wealth of knowledge for first-time applicants or returning organizations. If your organization would like to discuss other ways to work with Jumpstart, please connect with your Relationship Manager.

For general information about Jumpstart’s funding, including organization eligibility, and for questions related to your account administration, please contact Jumpstart administration at jumpstart_admin@cantire.com.