Call for Applications: Hosting BC Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 29-Sep-2026

The Hosting BC Grant Program supports not-for-profit organizations in British Columbia that host sporting events at international, national, provincial, regional, and invitational levels. Supported by viaSport British Columbia and the Government of British Columbia, the program provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 to strengthen amateur sport, community engagement, and sport tourism. What Is the Hosting BC Grant Program? The Hosting BC Grant Program is designed to help British Columbia organizations host sport events that create lasting benefits for athletes, communities, and the provincial sport sector. The program invests approximately $500,000 annually in eligible sport events through three application intakes. Funding is intended to strengthen the quality and reach of sporting events while supporting the broader economic and community benefits associated with sport tourism and event hosting. What Types of Sport Events Are Supported? Funding is available for eligible events hosted in British Columbia across several levels of competition.

Supported categories include:

- International sport events. - National sport events. - Western-level sport events. - Provincial sport events. - Regional sport events. - Invitational sport events. The event category determines the applicable funding level. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible organizations can apply for between $1,000 and $20,000, depending on the category and nature of the sport event. The program has an overall funding envelope of approximately $500,000, distributed across three annual intakes. Applicants should ensure that their requested amount is appropriate for the event category and project requirements. What Are the Goals of the Program? The Hosting BC Grant Program aims to strengthen the amateur sport sector while creating broader community and economic benefits.

Key objectives include:

- Increasing participation and engagement in sport. - Supporting high-quality sport event hosting. - Strengthening British Columbia’s amateur sport system. - Increasing the reach and impact of sporting events. - Encouraging community involvement. - Supporting local economic development. - Promoting sport tourism. - Creating opportunities for communities to host athletes and visitors. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit organizations operating in qualifying sport or community roles.

Eligible organizations include:

- National Sport Organizations. - viaSport Designated Sport Organizations. - Local Sport Organizations affiliated with a viaSport Designated Sport Organization. - Recognized BC universities and colleges. - Indigenous community associations. - Non-Designated Sport Organizations supported by a Provincial Sport Organization or National Sport Organization. Applicants should ensure that their organizational structure and sport affiliation meet the program’s eligibility requirements. What Is a viaSport Designated Sport Organization? A viaSport Designated Sport Organization is an organization recognized within British Columbia’s sport system. Local Sport Organizations can qualify when they are affiliated with an eligible viaSport Designated Sport Organization. Organizations that are not designated may also be eligible when they have appropriate support from a Provincial or National Sport Organization. Where Must Events Take Place? Supported sport events must be hosted in British Columbia. Applicants should demonstrate how hosting the event in the province will benefit athletes, participating organizations, local communities, and the wider sport system. How Often Can Organizations Apply? The Hosting BC Grant Program accepts applications three times per year. However, each individual event is eligible to receive funding only once. Organizations should therefore plan their applications carefully and select the intake that best matches their event schedule. What Makes a Strong Sport Event Proposal? A strong proposal should clearly explain the event and demonstrate its potential benefits.

Applicants should address:

- The event’s level and category. - Expected number of athletes and participants. - Expected visitors and spectators. - Community involvement. - Economic benefits. - Sport development opportunities. - Tourism potential. - Organizational capacity. - Event planning and delivery. - How the grant will contribute to successful hosting. How to Prepare a Strong Application

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Determine whether your organization falls into one of the eligible applicant categories. If you are a local or non-designated organization, confirm the required affiliation or support from the relevant sport organization.

Step 2: Identify the Event Category

Determine whether your event is:

- International. - National. - Western. - Provincial. - Regional. - Invitational. The category affects the funding level for which you may apply.

Step 3: Explain the Event

Provide a clear description of:

- The sport. - Event format. - Location. - Dates. - Participating athletes or teams. - Expected attendance. - Hosting organization. - Competition level.

Step 4: Demonstrate Community Benefits

Explain how the event will engage the host community.

Potential benefits may include:

- Volunteer opportunities. - Community participation. - Youth engagement. - Athlete development. - Local partnerships. - Increased exposure to sport.

Step 5: Demonstrate Economic and Tourism Benefits

Explain how the event can contribute to the local economy through: - Visitor spending. - Accommodation. - Food services. - Transportation. - Local businesses. - Tourism activity. Sport tourism benefits can be an important part of the overall event impact.

Step 6: Prepare a Realistic Budget

Clearly explain how the requested grant will contribute to event hosting costs. The requested amount should be appropriate for the event category and supported by a realistic event budget.

Step 7: Apply During the Appropriate I