Apply for a Sports and Recreation Grant

The Sports and Recreation Grant program helps not-for-profit and community organizations run programs that encourage participation in recreation and sports.

Applications are closed and will reopen in Spring 2026.

On this page:

  1. Check if you can apply
  2. Get your documents ready
  3. Watch a grant application video
  4. Apply
  5. Find other funding
  6. Contact us

1. Check if you can apply

You can apply for up to $5,000 per year. Funding can support either operating expenses or project costs.

Your organization is eligible if it:

  • benefits the community through sports or recreation
  • has been operating for at least 1 year
  • follows all laws, regulations, and bylaws
  • submits a complete application with all documents by the deadline

Your organization is not eligible if it:

  • acts mainly as a funding body or re-grants to others
  • uses funds to provide subsidies to individuals

For complete grant information read the Sport and Recreation Grant Policy (PDF).

2. Get your documents ready

Decide whether to apply for an operating grant, a project grant, or both. Combined funding cannot exceed $5,000. You can only submit one application per year.

When you apply, you will have to:

  • provide written answers about your organization and programs
  • upload supporting financial documents

Open each section to find what you will need.

You can apply for one or both types of grants. Combined funding cannot exceed $5,000.

Operating grants are for:

  • ongoing costs that support day-to-day working of your organization
  • expanding or replicating existing programs
  • programs that were funded as projects in a past year

Examples include rent, insurance, internet, equipment for core programs, staff wages, volunteer recruitment, and office supplies.

Project grants are for:

  • one-time projects with a specific goal and timeline
  • activities that differ from your core services
  • projects that finish within one year

Examples include community events or new recreation activities.

Be ready to provide:

  • grant type (operating, project, or both) and amount requested
  • whether your organization is developing – formed less than 3 years but operating at least 1 year – or in transition – established but shifting focus in the next 1 to 3 years
  • year established, governance structure (board or executive committee), and member list
  • description of your services, activities, demographics, and future goals
  • how you support:
    • low-income residents
    • people with disabilities
    • community safety
  • number of people served and where you serve them in Waterloo
  • number of paid staff (full-time and part-time) and volunteers
  • how your work benefits the community (citizen engagement, diversity, quality of life, economic impact, community-building, unique programming)
  • how you will evaluate success

Upload these with your application:

  • most recent year-end income statement and balance sheet
  • operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year
  • project budget, if requesting project funding
  • proof of liability insurance
  • list of other funding requests or sponsors, with approval status
  • list of partner organizations, purpose of collaboration, and start date

Provide these based on the grant type:

Operating grant

  • explain how the grant will help your organization meet its goals (up to 3,000 characters)

Project grant

  • describe the project, including a name, brief timeline and work plan (up to 4,800 characters)
  • if the project will continue, explain how you will support it after the first year (up to 750 characters)

3. Watch the grant application video

Watch our video tutorial to learn how to prepare and submit your application.

If you still have questions, email sportsandrecreation@waterloo.ca

Watch video tutorial

4. Apply when applications open

We offer 2 funding rounds each year:

  • you can only receive funding once per year
  • if your first-round application is unsuccessful, you may apply in the second round

Applications must be submitted by the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.

If you received funding in 2025, email your project report to sportsandrecreation@waterloo.ca before applying again.

Applications open Spring 2026

Find other funding

Visit our neighbourhoods website and our Arts Grant page for information on other funding opportunities.

Contact us

If you have any questions or need more information about the Sports and Recreation Grant, please email sportsandrecreation@waterloo.ca.