Are you looking for funding to register your child in a sport or recreational opportunity?
Your local recreation departments and local funding sources are committed to seeing all children and youth physically active.
Sometimes, a little help can go a long way.
TIPS for how to start:
1. Read the below info based on the County you live in on the South Shore.
2. If you know what program you want register for your local recreation department will be your best source of information.
3. If you want to find program options search South Shore Connect’s Active Living Guide to find a program or opportunity near you. You can search by interest, organization or community here or go to your local recreation department recreation guide.
4. Each funding pool will have their own guidelines. Sometimes you can only access one funding pool – your local recreation department will help you figure this out.
5. Don’t forget about the Healthy Living Tax Incentive for up to a $500 tax credit per child under 17 who registers in an approved organized sport, physical recreation, or physical activity program. See here for more details.
COMMUNITY GROUPS look here: If you are a community group that provides recreation and sport opportunities to the public you can also qualify for assistance though a number of grant programs.
Do you live in YARMOUTH COUNTY?
Your options include:
- KidSport™ ( children under 19)
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart (ages 4-18)
- Kids First Fund
Full details on each funding source are listed below
Do you live in SHELBURNE COUNTY?
Your options include:
- KidSport™ (children under 19)
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart (ages 4-18)
- Kids’ Fair Play FUNd
Full details on each funding source are listed below
Do you live in QUEENS COUNTY?
Your options include:
- KidSport™ (children under 19)
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart (ages 4-18)
Full details on each funding source are listed below
Do you live in LUNENBURG COUNTY?
Your options include:
- KidSport™ (children under 19)
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart (ages 4-18)
- PRO Kids (under 18; participant must live in Town of Bridgewater, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg or the Municipality of the District of Chester)
Full details on each funding source are listed below
KIDSPORT So All Kids Can Play
KidSport™ is a national children’s program that helps kids overcome the financial barriers preventing or limiting their participation in organized sport.
In operation since 1994, KidSport™ Nova Scotia has assisted over 16,100 children totaling over $3.1 Million. In 2012 KidSport™ Nova Scotia allocated over $515,000 to more than 1957 children from Sydney to Yarmouth.
- Up to $300/year/child
- Available for youth under 19.
- Funding can cover sport registration and/or equipment
Click below for more information or to apply:
Canadian Tire JUMPSTART
Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charitable program that helps financially disadvantaged kids participate in organized sport and recreation.
- Funding available for kids aged 4 to 18 from families in financial need can receive funding to help with registration fees or equipment costs. Specific local criteria applies.
- Applications are confidential.
- Approval for Canadian Tire Jumpstart program is based on a reference system. Applicants will be asked to provide a reliable reference who is willing to endorse that the applicants need is consistent with the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program guidelines.
Generally speaking, Canadian Tire Jumpstart grants may be used to cover registration and/or equipment costs for a sporting or recreational activity of the applicants choice. However, there are a number of program criteria that may vary by area or chapter. This includes maximum grant amounts, age of eligibility, what the grant can cover, application deadlines, and processing timelines.
Click below for more information, or to apply:
The growing national network of 332 local chapters plays a key role in making the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program successful. Each chapter is volunteer-based and includes representatives from Canadian Tire stores, Canadian Tire dealers and petroleum agents, a variety of non-profit organizations and charities, and community leaders.
PRO Kids
Positive Recreation Opportunities for Kids
PRO Kids is a program that provides financial assistance to children and youth who, due to financial limitations, are not able to participate in sport, recreation and cultural activities. The PRO Kids program strives to remove financial barriers to ensure every child and youth has an opportunity to participate.
- Available for youth under 18; participant must live in the Town of Bridgewater, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg or the Municipality of the District of Chester
- Grants awarded via PRO Kids can be used towards the cost of equipment and/or registration fees.
- Approval is based on a reference system. Applicants will be asked to provide a reliable reference who is willing to verify that financial assistance is necessary.
- Applications are confidential.
- Applications are processed once per season, on a first come, first serve basis. Applicants are advised to allow three weeks for processing.
Click below for more information or to apply:
Kids' Play Fair FUNd
The Kid’s Fair Play FUNd’s mission is to provide opportunities for all kids in Shelburne County to participate in Sport, Recreational, and Cultural activities.
The Kid’sFair Play FUNd is a Fund administered by the Municipality of Shelburne in cooperation with the other Municipal units in the County as well as businesses, community groups, and individuals.
Whether the need is around cost, travel, equipment, or connections – the Kid’s Fair Play FUNd can help.
- Funding amounts up to $200 child/per year, or up to $400 per family/per year may be awarded.
- Approval is based on a reference system. Applicants will be asked to provide a reliable reference who is willing to endorse that the applicant would not be able to participate without the support of the Kid’s Fair Play FUNd.
- Applications are confidential.
- Applications are received at any time throughout the year, and are reviewed 4 times annually: December 15, March 15, June 15 and September 15.
Click below for more information, or to download an application form:
Kids First Fund
The Kids First Fund is designed to assist children and families of Yarmouth County with the costs of sport and recreation programs. The objective of the program is to create opportunities for all children and youth, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds.
The Kids First Fund of Yarmouth County is supported by the Town of Yarmouth, Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, Municipality of the District of Argyle, and Province of Nova Scotia.
- Funding amounts of up to $200 child/per year, or up to $400 per family/per year may be awarded.
- Funding may be used toward the cost or registration and/or equipment.
- Approval for the Kids First Fund is based on a reference system. Applicants will be asked to provide a reliable reference who is willing to endorse that the applicant would not be able to participate without the support of the Kids First Fund.
- Applications are confidential.
- Applications are received at any time throughout the year, and are reviewed 4 times annually: August 30th, December 1st, March 15th and May 30th.
Click below for more information or to apply:
