Alberta Sport Connection (ASC) is the province's primary sport funding body, distributing millions of dollars annually to sport organizations across Alberta. Whether you're a provincial sport organization, a local club, or a multi-sport council, ASC likely has a funding stream that applies to you. But navigating their programs — and knowing how to access them — can be confusing.
Here's a comprehensive breakdown of how ASC works, what they fund, and how to get your share.
What Is Alberta Sport Connection?
Alberta Sport Connection is a provincial agency that manages and distributes the Government of Alberta's sport funding. Their mandate is to develop and support the sport system across the province, from grassroots participation to high-performance athletics.
ASC distributes funding through several grant streams, each targeting different levels of the sport system. Total annual funding exceeds $20 million, making ASC one of the most significant funding sources for sport organizations in the province.
Key Funding Streams
1. Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) Grants
This is ASC's core funding stream. Provincial Sport Organizations — like Hockey Alberta, Alberta Soccer, Swimming Alberta, and others — receive annual operational and program grants. These grants fund:
- Coach and official development programs
- Athlete development pathways
- Provincial championship hosting
- Participation growth initiatives
- Organizational capacity and governance
How to access it: If you're a local club, you typically access ASC funding through your PSO, not by applying to ASC directly. Contact your provincial sport organization to learn what funding they can flow to member clubs.
2. Sport Development Grants
These grants fund specific projects that advance sport development in Alberta. Eligible projects include coaching certification programs, equipment purchases, new participation programs, and inclusion initiatives. Grants range from $2,000 to $50,000+ depending on scope.
How to access it: Some sport development grants are accessed through PSOs. Others may be available through multi-sport councils or direct application. Check the ASC website or contact them directly for current opportunities.
3. Active Alberta Grants
This stream funds participation-focused programs that get more Albertans active. It's broader than competitive sport — inclusive programming, recreational activities, and physical literacy programs all qualify. This stream particularly values programs that serve underrepresented populations.
4. Event Hosting Grants
If your organization is hosting a provincial, national, or international sport event in Alberta, ASC may provide financial support. Event hosting grants cover organizational costs, venue preparation, and legacy projects associated with the event.
5. Capital Grants
While CFEP is the primary capital funding program in Alberta, ASC occasionally provides capital grants for sport-specific facility improvements. These are typically smaller and more targeted than CFEP grants — think scoring equipment, training apparatus, or sport-specific facility modifications.
The most common mistake sport organizations make is assuming ASC only funds elite athletics. In reality, participation growth and community sport development receive significant ASC investment.
Who Can Access ASC Funding?
ASC funds several categories of organizations:
- Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) — the primary recipients of ASC funding
- Multi-Sport Organizations — like the Aboriginal Sport Circle Alberta or Alberta Disability Sport
- Multi-Sport Councils — regional bodies that coordinate sport at the local level
- Local sport clubs and associations — usually accessed through PSOs rather than directly
If you're a local club, the most important relationship is with your PSO. They're the ones who receive ASC funding and redistribute it to member organizations. Start there.
How to Maximize Your ASC Funding
Talk to Your PSO
Your Provincial Sport Organization receives funding from ASC and distributes portions of it to member clubs. But they can only fund what they know about. If your club has a coaching development plan, an equipment need, or a participation initiative, communicate it to your PSO. Many clubs leave money on the table simply because they never ask.
Align With Provincial Priorities
ASC's funding priorities align with the Government of Alberta's broader sport and recreation strategy. Programs that emphasize inclusion, participation growth, coaching development, and safe sport tend to be prioritized. Frame your funding requests around these themes.
Demonstrate Impact
Like all funders, ASC wants to see results. Track your participation numbers, coaching certifications, program outcomes, and community impact. Organizations that can demonstrate what ASC funding has achieved are more likely to receive continued and increased support.
Report On Time and Thoroughly
Every ASC grant comes with reporting requirements. Organizations that submit thorough, timely reports build trust with ASC and position themselves for future funding. Treat reporting as an investment in your next application, not an afterthought.
Combining ASC with Other Funding
ASC funding works well in combination with other grant sources. A typical funding stack for an Alberta sport club might include:
- ASC (through PSO) for coaching development and programming — $5,000 to $15,000
- KidSport for family registration subsidies — $3,000 to $10,000 in covered fees
- CFEP for facility improvements — up to $125,000
- Community foundation grants for outreach and inclusion — $2,000 to $10,000
- Corporate grants for equipment and events — $1,000 to $25,000
Combined, this represents tens of thousands of dollars in annual funding — most of which is available to any reasonably organized sport club that takes the time to apply.
Alpine Grants handles the entire process — from finding programs you qualify for to writing and submitting the application. Book a 10-minute discovery call to find out what funding is available for your organization.