Request for Applications: Youth in Recreation Grants (Canada)

Deadline: 14-Sep-2026

The Youth in Recreation Grants support organizations in Waterloo Region that provide inclusive, safe, and accessible in-person recreation opportunities for children and youth up to 18 years old. In 2026, approximately $100,000 is available, with eligible organizations able to request up to $10,000 to expand access to healthy recreation and improve young people’s physical, mental, and social wellbeing. What Are the Youth in Recreation Grants? The Youth in Recreation Grants are provided through the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund, managed by the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. The program is designed to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people by increasing their access to diverse recreational activities. Funding supports organizations that deliver in-person community recreation programs that are: Inclusive. Accessible. Safe. Healthy. Community-based. Open to diverse groups of children and youth. The program places particular importance on reaching young people who may otherwise face barriers to participating in recreation. What Is the Purpose of the Program? The grants aim to ensure that children and youth in Waterloo Region have opportunities to participate in activities that support their overall development. Priority is given to programs that expand participation and provide recreation opportunities to young people who might not otherwise have access. How Much Funding Is Available? Approximately $100,000 in total funding is available for the 2026 grant cycle. Eligible organizations can apply for up to $10,000 per grant. Funding must be used for eligible expenses incurred between: December 1, 2026 and December 31, 2027. Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget and project timeline fall within this eligible funding period. What Types of Recreation Activities Are Supported? The program supports broad participation in healthy and safe community recreation. Eligible activities should provide meaningful opportunities for children and youth to participate in person and develop skills, relationships, health, creativity, or confidence. Projects may be particularly relevant when they: Introduce new recreation opportunities. Expand access to existing healthy recreation programs. Remove barriers to participation. Serve children and youth who have limited access to recreational activities. Encourage participation from diverse communities. Promote physical and social development. Provide opportunities for leadership and volunteerism. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants are organizations based in Waterloo Region that deliver in-person recreational activities for children and youth. The program is intended for organizations whose activities directly benefit young people up to 18 years of age. Applicants should demonstrate that their organization has the capacity to deliver the proposed recreation program safely, inclusively, and effectively. What Makes a Project a Strong Fit? A strong project should demonstrate more than simply providing an activity for young people. The proposal should explain how the recreation program will contribute to outcomes such as: Better physical health. Improved mental wellbeing. Stronger social connections. Increased confidence and empowerment. Greater creativity. Healthy relationships. Leadership development. Volunteer opportunities. Increased participation in community life. Projects that address barriers to recreation access are particularly aligned with the program’s priorities. Accessibility and Inclusion Inclusion is a central feature of the Youth in Recreation Grants. Applicants should consider whether their activities are accessible to young people from different backgrounds and circumstances. Projects may be especially valuable when they increase participation among children and youth who experience financial, social, physical, geographic, or other barriers to recreation. Applicants should clearly explain how their project will create broad and equitable participation. Why This Grant Matters Access to recreation can play an important role in children’s and young people’s physical, mental, and social development. However, some young people may not have the same opportunities to participate in organized recreation. The Youth in Recreation Grants help organizations address these gaps by supporting programs that: Increase access to recreation. Promote healthy lifestyles. Build social connections. Encourage leadership. Support creativity. Strengthen community participation. Create safe environments for young people. The program therefore combines youth recreation funding with broader health, wellbeing, inclusion, and community development objectives. How to Apply

Step 1: Develop an Eligible Recreation Program

Identify an in-person recreation activity that directly benefits children or youth up to 18 years old.

Step 2: Identify the Community Need

Explain why the activity is needed and identify any barriers preventing young people from accessing similar opportunities.

Step 3: Define the Youth Outcomes

Clearly describe the expected benefits, such as improved health, social skills, confidence, creativity, leadership, or community participation.

Step 4: Build an Inclusive Participation Plan

Explain how the program will encourage participation from diverse young people and improve accessibility.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Request up to $10,000 and ensure proposed expenses fall within the eligible funding period of December 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027.

Step 6: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Make sure the organization is based in Waterloo Region and delivers eligible in-person recreation activities.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Provide the required program, organizational, budget, and outcome information through the applicable application process. Applicants should ensure that grant expenses are directly connected to the eligible recreation project rather than general organizational