PROMOTING SPORT DEVELOPMENT & PARTICIPATION FOR CALGARIANS OF ALL AGES
Next GRANT DEADLINE is MAY 1, 2024
The goal of the Amateur Sport Grant program is to promote sport development and enhance sport participation for Calgarians of all ages. The program supports capital projects that provide significant benefit to the continuation and enrichment of sport. Eligible organizations, based in Calgary, can apply for grants for new sports facilities, expanding or improving existing facilities, or purchasing sport equipment.
The program was created to provide an Olympic legacy from the operations of the Saddledome. The continued success of the program is made possible through a joint community partnership with the Calgary Flames Hockey Club, the Saddledome Foundation, and Parks Foundation Calgary. Since the inception of the Amateur Sport Grant Program, we have awarded more than $15 million dollars to over 560 groups in Calgary.
If your project is a rink refurbishment or new rink, consider applying for the Calgary Flames Rink Award.
All organizations must first apply to Parks Foundation’s Project Support Program prior to applying to the Amateur Sport Grant program. Information on the benefits of this program and the application can be found here.
Please contact our staff to discuss eligibility for the Amateur Sport Grant, by calling 403.974.0751 or emailing us at programs@parksfdn.com.
Standard Program Guidelines
Grant applicants can now request a maximum grant of up to $75,000, and/or a maximum of 50% of the total project budget, whichever is less. Example: A $150,000 project application could receive a maximum grant of $75,000; a $50,000 project application could receive a maximum of 50% of the project budget, or $25,000. Parks Foundation will also increase the financial review of each applicant and may request additional financial documentation to ensure the financial health and sustainability of your organization.
The Amateur Sport Grant can be used for the development of new amateur sport facilities, expanding or renovating existing facilities or for purchasing sport-related equipment. Any organization, club, league, educational institution or group can apply if they:
Have an active Project Support Program project account
Have been registered as a non-profit society for 3+ years
Have objectives and programs relating to amateur sport
Have not received an Amateur Sport Grant in the past 3 years
Schools: the first grant is limited to a maximum of $20,000, the second grant is limited to a $10,000 matching grant and are not currently eligible to apply for a third grant.
Grants can only be applied to portions of a major project that are sport-related. Funds cannot be used toward jerseys. Projects must be within Calgary municipal boundaries or of benefit to Calgary athletes.
Please review our complete set of guidelines below.
The 2024 application deadlines are:
February 1st
May 1st
October 1st (intake for BOTH the Amateur Sport Grant and the Calgary Flames Playground Award)
*Note: Parks Foundation accepts and reviews applications for sport facilities, upgrades, and renovations, and equipment needs at each grant deadline.
Applications are reviewed by the Amateur Sport Grant Committee and the process may take up to twelve (12) to fourteen (14) weeks. This review could include a site visit or meeting with a committee member. After applications have been reviewed, the committee will present their recommendations to the Parks Foundation Calgary Board of Governors for final ratification.
If you have questions about the grant please contact our Program Coordinator at programs@parksfdn.com
Two copies of your application are required upon submission, one completed electronic application and one hard-copy application.
Electronic applications should be emailed to:
programs@parksfdn.com
Subject line “Amateur Sport Grant - <PROJECT NAME>”.
If your application file is too large please consider using a Google Drive or a Dropbox link.
All application submissions must include all application documents and be compiled into one merged .pdf. Please do not submit your application as multiple emails, files, or as a zip folder.
Hard copy applications can be dropped off or mailed to:
Amateur Sport Grant Program
Parks Foundation Calgary
225-13th Avenue SW
Calgary AB T2R 1N8
Download your application form here: Amateur Sport Grant Application Form
FAQ:
What is the difference between the Calgary Flames Rink Award and the Amateur Sports Grant?
The Amateur Sports Grant funds capital projects related to promoting sport development and participation for Calgarians of all ages. This grant funds sporting equipment, sports facilities, and projects that expand or improve existing facilities. This grant awards up to a maximum of $75,000 or 50% of the total project budget, whichever is less.
**NOTE: Groups can apply for the Amateur Sports Grant for rink related projects for the February and May intake, but it is recommended that groups apply for the Calgary Flames Rink Award in October to be considered for both funding opportunities.
The Calgary Flames Rink Award specifically funds community rink refurbishment projects in areas of the City that are looking to expand and grow play in their neighbourhoods. Both new rinks and rink refurbishment/lifecycle projects are eligible. This award has 1 intake a year (on October 3rd) and grants up to $60,000.
Can I apply for both the Amateur Sports Grant and the Calgary Flames Rink Award?
•Please do not apply for both the Amateur Sports Grant and the Calgary Flames Rink Award for the same project.
Organizations can apply for both the Amateur Sports Grant and the Calgary Flames Rink Award for different projects, but is reviewed on a case-by-case basis on the need for funding.
**NOTE: If an organization is unsuccessful with a Calgary Flames Rink Award application, they will automatically be considered for the Amateur Sports Grant and do not need to fill out both applications.
The Parks Foundation Calgary, the Saddledome Foundation, and the Calgary Flames Hockey Club appreciate receiving recognition of support for your organization’s initiative.
We ask that you contact the Manager of Programs to discuss recognition prior to producing any items. Where space and cost allow, we request that both the Parks Foundation Flames logo and the Saddledome Foundation logo be represented.
THANKS TO OUR PROGRAM PARTNERS
Calgary Flames Rink Award-Parks Foundation Calgary
Doc Seaman Amateur Sports Grant-Calgary Foundation
Community Initiatives Program-Government of Alberta
Community Facility Enhancement Program-Government of Alberta