ParticipACTION 2026 Community Challenge: Fund Your Activity Initiative

Deadline: 10-Feb-2026 ParticipACTION’s 2026 Community Challenge offers grants up to $1,000 to schools and community organizations to increase physical activity among equity-denied groups. Funding supports inclusive programs, training, partnerships, equipment, and accommodations to remove barriers to participation in sport and physical activity. Overview The 2026 ParticipACTION Community Challenge provides funding to community organizations and schools to remove barriers and increase physical activity and sport participation among equity-denied groups. The initiative emphasizes accessibility, inclusion, and equitable opportunities, ensuring that all members of the community can participate fully in physical activity and sport programs. Funding Objectives The grants support initiatives that: Deliver quality and safe sport and physical activity programs Provide equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) training Foster partnerships with equity-denied groups Improve marketing and communications for inclusive participation Provide equipment, staffing, coaching, and training Cover venue rentals, transportation, nutrition, public health compliance, childcare, honoraria, prizes, and accommodations (e.g., ASL or personal assistance) Allocate up to 15% of funding for administrative expenses Funding Information Maximum Grant Amount: $1,000 Eligible Expenses: Training, partnerships, marketing, equipment, staffing, venue rentals, transportation, nutrition, public health measures, childcare, honoraria, small prizes and incentives, and accommodations to ensure participation Administrative Expenses: Maximum 15% of total funding Funding is intended to increase accessibility, equity, and inclusion in physical activity initiatives Eligible Applicants The grants are open to: Community and non-profit organizations Schools (projects should involve large portions of the student population rather than individual classes) Local sport organizations Northern and remote municipalities First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities National or provincial organizations serving local groups Target Populations: Black and other racialized communities Indigenous peoples Persons with disabilities Newcomers to Canada Older adults People experiencing low income 2SLGBTQI+ communities How to Apply Verify Eligibility: Ensure your organization or school meets eligibility criteria. Define Project Scope: Identify how your initiative will increase participation among equity-denied groups. Develop Proposal: Include objectives, expected outcomes, activities, budget, and timeline. Include Accommodations: Ensure the project provides necessary supports for accessibility and inclusion. Submit Application: Follow ParticipACTION’s official guidelines and deadlines. Evaluation Process: Applications are assessed on alignment with funding objectives, inclusivity, feasibility, and potential community impact. Common Mistakes to Avoid Targeting individual students rather than broader student populations in schools Failing to include marginalized or equity-denied groups Exceeding the 15% limit for administrative expenses Omitting accommodations or accessibility measures Submitting unclear budgets or project plans FAQ: ParticipACTION Community Challenge Grants 1. What is the maximum grant amount? $1,000 per project. 2. Who can apply? Schools, community organizations, local sport organizations, municipalities, First Nations, Inuit, Métis communities, and national or provincial organizations serving local groups. 3. Which groups are prioritized? Black and racialized people, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, newcomers, older adults, low-income individuals, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities. 4. What expenses are eligible? Training, partnerships, marketing, equipment, staffing, venue rentals, transportation, nutrition, public health compliance, childcare, honoraria, prizes, and accommodations. 5. Are administrative costs eligible? Yes, but only up to 15% of total funding. 6. Can individual classes in schools apply? No, projects should involve large portions of the student population. 7. How is impact evaluated? Based on equity, inclusivity, feasibility, and potential to increase physical activity participation. Why It Matters These grants support equitable access to physical activity and sport, helping communities remove barriers that prevent participation. By targeting equity-denied groups and supporting inclusive programs, the initiative fosters healthy, active, and connected communities across Canada. Conclusion The 2026 ParticipACTION Community Challenge provides an opportunity for schools and community organizations to increase accessibility, equity, and inclusion in physical activity programs. By leveraging funding for equipment, training, partnerships, and accommodations, projects can empower communities, enhance participation, and create lasting impact for equity-denied groups.