Most people know WinSport as the home of Canada Olympic Park — the venue where Calgary hosted ski jumping, bobsled, and luge events during the 1988 Winter Olympics. What many people don't know is that WinSport operates one of Calgary's most accessible community funding programs for sport and recreation organizations.
The WinSport Community Fund supports grassroots sport development in Calgary and surrounding areas. It's a smaller, less well-known program than provincial or federal grants, but that's precisely what makes it valuable. The competition is lower, the application process is simpler, and the funding decisions are made by people who understand local sport.
What the Fund Supports
WinSport's Community Fund focuses on projects and programs that increase sport participation, develop athletes, or improve the sport ecosystem in Calgary. Eligible activities include:
- Youth sport programs that introduce children to new sports or provide pathways from recreation to competition
- Coach development — training, certification, and mentorship programs for coaches
- Equipment purchases that expand access or improve safety
- Inclusive sport initiatives that remove barriers for underrepresented groups, including newcomers, Indigenous youth, girls and women, and athletes with disabilities
- Sport events that bring community members together and showcase local talent
Grants typically range from $1,000 to $25,000, though amounts vary by intake cycle and available funding. The sweet spot for most successful applications is in the $5,000 to $15,000 range.
WinSport's Community Fund is ideal for small to mid-sized sport organizations that need targeted funding for a specific program or initiative. It's not the place to seek operational funding — but for project-based needs, it's one of Calgary's best options.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility is relatively broad compared to many grant programs:
- Registered nonprofit sport organizations based in Calgary or the surrounding region
- Schools and school sport programs with a clear sport development focus
- Community associations that offer sport programming
- Provincial sport organizations delivering programs in the Calgary area
Your organization does not need to be a registered charity — nonprofit society status is sufficient. This opens the door for many smaller clubs that haven't gone through the CRA charitable registration process.
How to Apply
Step 1: Check the Intake Schedule
WinSport typically operates two to three intake periods per year. Dates vary, so check the WinSport website or sign up for their community newsletter. Missing the intake window means waiting months for the next one.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
The application form is straightforward. You'll need to describe your project, the target population, expected outcomes, a budget, and how the funding will be used. Key documents to have ready include your organization's registration documents, most recent financial statements (reviewed or audited preferred but not always required), and any letters of support from partners.
Step 3: Align With WinSport's Priorities
WinSport's mission centers on inspiring and activating the potential of sport to transform lives. Applications that align with this mission — particularly those focused on youth development, inclusion, and pathway building from grassroots to high performance — are most likely to succeed.
Step 4: Submit and Follow Up
After submitting, you may be contacted for additional information or clarification. Respond promptly. Decisions are typically communicated within six to eight weeks of the intake deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
Focus on participation growth. WinSport wants to see more people playing sport. If your project will increase the number of participants — especially from underrepresented groups — lead with that metric.
Show partnership. Applications that involve multiple organizations (for example, a sport club partnering with a school or community association) demonstrate broader community impact and are viewed favorably.
Be specific about outcomes. Don't just say your program will "benefit youth." State exactly how many youth you'll engage, what activities they'll participate in, and how you'll measure success. "60 youth aged 8-14 will complete an 8-week introductory gymnastics program, with participant satisfaction surveys administered at program completion" is concrete and measurable.
Include a realistic budget. Your budget should reflect actual costs with supporting quotes where possible. If you're requesting $10,000 from WinSport, show how that fits within the total project budget and what other funding you've secured or are pursuing.
Combining WinSport Funding With Other Grants
One of the smartest strategies for Calgary sport organizations is to stack WinSport Community Fund grants with other programs. A typical funding mix might look like this:
- WinSport Community Fund: $10,000 for equipment and program delivery
- KidSport Calgary: Registration fee subsidies for participants from low-income families
- Alberta Sport Connection: $15,000 for coach development and training
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart: $5,000 for equipment for individual participants
This stacking approach allows you to fund a comprehensive program without relying on a single source. It also demonstrates to each funder that other organizations believe in your project, which builds confidence.
WinSport's Community Fund is an excellent entry point for organizations new to grant funding. The application is manageable, the amounts are meaningful, and the process teaches you the fundamentals of grant writing that apply to larger programs.
Alpine Grants helps Calgary sport organizations identify every funding opportunity available to them — including smaller programs like WinSport that often fly under the radar. Book a 10-minute discovery call and we'll build a funding map for your organization.