Funding

Sport Nova Scotia offers a wide range of funding options for Athletes, coaches, officials, PSOs, and CSOs.

Applicants are encouraged to read the eligibility information noted here and ensure they meet the criteria before beginning an application.

ATHLETES

Support4Sport Athlete Assistance

 

The purpose of the Nova Scotia Athlete Assistance Program (NSAAP) is to provide direct financial assistance to Nova Scotia athletes who have achieved significant results at the national and/or international level in their pursuit of excellence. The NSAAP recognizes the significant financial commitment associated with the pursuit of excellence and is pleased to support Nova Scotia athletes in their quest to be the best. A significant portion of the NSAAP is supported through the Support4Sport Program of the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation.

In be considered, ATHLETES must:

  • be members in good standing with their Provincial Sport Organization (PSO). PSOs must be members of Sport Nova Scotia
  • fall within the Nova Scotia Athlete Assistance Program Tier Guide

    Note: Masters program athletes are not eligible for Tier 1 to Tier 5 funding. Masters athletes may be eligible for Tier 6 (PSO Card) funding at the discretion of their respective PSO.

Athletes can apply at any time. Applications must be completed and submitted by the applicant and endorsed by the PSO by the 15th of the month to be reviewed by the Support4Sport Committee the end of the month. Please allow for a reasonable timeline for the PSO to endorse the application. Any applications received after the 15th of the month will be automatically moved and reviewed the next month.

 

KidSport

Applicants are encouraged to read the eligibility information noted here and ensure they meet the criteria before beginning an application. If eligible, please review and complete an application and all requested supplementary information by the 15th of each month.

 

KidSport is a national children’s program that helps kids overcome the financial barriers preventing or limiting their participation in organized sport. KidSport Nova Scotia provides funding of up to $500/year/child for sport registration and/or equipment. In operation since 1994, KidSport Nova Scotia has assisted over 31,000 children totaling over $7.7 Million.

 

Coaching
Support4Sport – Individual Coach Initiative

Funding is available to individual coaches for certification or training initiatives.  Coaches will be supported based on the quality of their initiative and their ability to assist Nova Scotia athletes and coaches at all levels. Only coaches with a Competition Intro certification will be considered. Generally, funding will not be available for traveling to events with athletes.  Coaches must be in good standing with their PSOs.

In order to be considered COACHES must:

  • be in good standing with their Provincial Sport Organization (PSO), and have their application endorsed by their PSO;
  • be requesting funding for certification or an initiative that can assist Nova Scotia athletes and coaches at all levels ; and
  • be requesting funding for a Sport Specific Competition Development certification or higher NCCP training event. This does not include NCCP Multisport Competition Development Theory Modules.
  • be requesting funding for a non NCCP professional development event to maintain a Competition Development Certified or higher NCCP Status.

*Please note certifications and initiatives within the province are typically in-eligible for funding at the individual level because they are generally eligible for support at the provincial or community sport organization level. It should also be noted that the Support4Sport committee will not fully fund an initiative without any PSO/CSO/NSO contribution.

Coaches can apply at any time. Applications must be completed and submitted by the applicant and endorsed by the PSO by the 15th of the month to be reviewed by the Support4Sport Committee the end of the month. Please allow for a reasonable timeline for the PSO to endorse the application. Any applications received after the 15th of the month will be automatically moved and reviewed the next month.

 

Support4Sport High Performance Coach Assistance

 

Nova Scotia coaches who work with Sport Canada carded athletes or athletes who have competed at a World Senior or World Junior Championships are eligible to apply. Coaches are eligible for funding up to $2,500 once per year. Coaches currently supported through coaching expense grants provided by the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic are not eligible.

 

To be considered, COACHES must:

  • Be in good standing with the Provincial Sport Organization (PSO). Please note, endorsement of the application by the PSO is merely a confirmation that the applicant is a member in good standing)
  • Be coaching Sport Canada Carded athletes or athletes who have competed at a World Senior or Junior Championships; and
  • Not currently be supported by coaching support grants provided by the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic or be a full-time Support4Sport coach.

Coaches can apply at any time. Applications must be completed and submitted by the applicant and endorsed by the PSO by the 15th of the month to be reviewed by the Support4Sport Committee the end of the month. Please allow for a reasonable timeline for the PSO to endorse the application. Any applications received after the 15th of the month will be automatically moved and reviewed the next month.

 

Support4Sport- Coach Employment Professional Development

Please be advised that funding through this program is only available to Support4Sport coaches hired by Provincial Sport Organizations who serve in a Provincial Coach / Technical Director role.

If you are not a Support4Sport coach you may be eligible for Individual Coach funding . Please consult criteria before applying.

 

Funding is available to Support4Sport supported coaches to further their professional development. In some instances these professional development opportunities may take place in the form of seminars or group educational events, which will be open to other coaches who would like to take part.

Professional development opportunities will be determined by the goals and priorities set by each coach and may vary by individual. Each full-time coach supported by the Support4Sport program is eligible to receive a maximum of $1,500 for a professional development/educational opportunity. Some additional opportunities may be designed and delivered if the budget allows. Efforts will be made to develop opportunities that can be accessed by coaches in addition to those supported by the Support4Sport program.

 

Coaches can apply at any time. Applications must be completed and submitted by the applicant and endorsed by the PSO by the 15th of the month to be reviewed by the Support4Sport Committee the end of the month. Please allow for a reasonable timeline for the PSO to endorse the application. Any applications received after the 15th of the month will be automatically moved and reviewed the next month.

 

COMMUNITY SPORT ORGANIZATIONS ​
Parasport Funding

The Parasport funding is for PSO's, members in good standing of PSO's and any organization registered with NS Joint Stocks involved with Parasport.
 
There is no minimum, or maximum, amount to apply for.  Funds are used to reduce barriers for quality parasport programs, such as purchasing adapted equipment, covering rental costs, leadership training, etc...
 
There is no deadline to apply.
 
If your application is successful, then terms and conditions are signed, and then the organization will be given 100% of the funds approved.
 

To apply email parasport@sportnovascotia.ca (Attention Parasport Coordinator), to discuss the project and goals. Then the fillable .pdf will be emailed to the applying organization.

Parasport Program Loan

The Sport Nova Scotia Parasport Program Loan is designed to provide Community Sport Organizations, Non-Profit groups, and Municipal Recreation Departments involved with Parasport programs access to equipment and resources to offer introductory adaptive sport opportunities in their community.

 

Successful applicants may borrow a full set of equipment, program guides for how to facilitate weekly introductory programming in the selected sport, and leadership training in 1 of 6 available parasport’s for the selected 6-week period.

 

To apply email parasport@sportnovascotia.ca (Program Loan in Title) to receive full infomation and an application form.

Sport Fund

Sport Fund focuses on community sport support. The goal of the fund is to support quality, sustainable programming, either by providing funds to help organizations create new programs, or to expand and/or enhance current programs to provide more opportunities for Nova Scotians to take part in sport.
 
Over the past few years, our Sport Fund process has seen significant enhancements by moving from a provincial to a regional application process.  During this time, we have been exploring additional ways to improve the process for greater community impact and are happy to release a new application process.
 
For all details, including the updated process and application questions, please see our Sport Fund Applicant Guide. Please connect with your Regional Sport Consultant (all contact information is in the Applicant Reference Guide) to determine eligibility and next steps.
 

Sport Fund - Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Sport Fund - Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Sport Fund-EDI) is designed to support para-activities and traditionally underrepresented communities in their efforts to increase participation in community-based sport programming.

Sport Fund-EDI Population Target Communities

  • African Nova Scotian Community
  • Indigenous Community
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Newcomers
  • 2SLBGTQ+
  • Women & Girls
  • Financially Disadvantaged Nova Scotians

Applicant Criteria

  1. Local sport clubs and community sport organizations who are members in good standing of a Provincial Sport Organization (PSO).
  2. Community organizations and facilities who provide sport opportunities and have active status - under the Joint Stocks Societies Act of Nova Scotia.
  3. Municipalities, Villages and First Nation communities.

What We Fund?

Sport Fund-EDI supports projects that are intended to support traditionally underrepresented communities in quality sport opportunities.

These projects can include, but are not limited to:

  • Participation Fees and Supports considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Equipment
  • Leadership Education, and Capacity Development (e.g. NCCP/CAC certification, Anti-Racism training certification, Viasport Youth For All certification, Jays Care certification, “or similar recognized training that will allow for direct participation in program delivery”
  • Operational Costs
  • Transportation (e.g. agreed to amount for gas cards or bus transportation
  • Marketing and Recruitment Support (Print and digital flyers, brochures, booklets, social media content, newsletters and emails).
  • Minor capital improvements to facilities will also be considered to support access that directly facilitates programs. Additional information on these requests may be required. (e.g., ramps, signage, doors)

Application Process

  1. Applicant organizations review the application guidelines. When ready, applicants contact their Regional Sport Consultant (RSC) to discuss their initiative and arrange for a consultation to determine eligibility and for assistance in the application process.
  2. The RSC's will work with applicants to support the intention of the application and help build community partnerships where needed.
  3. Once eligibility and initiative alignment are confirmed, your RSC will share the application form.
  4. RSC will be provided with final draft of application for review before submission.
  5. Applications for funding that involve partnerships with a targeted population must include a letter of endorsement from that group specifying the elements of the partnership, location, duration of program, anticipated number of participants involved, and program schedule.
  6. Once the RSC deems that the application is strong and all questions are answered, completed applications and supporting documents can be submitted to: funding@sportnovascotia.ca
  7. Organizations can apply for 100% of the cost of the project.
  8. 100% of the approved amount will be provided after the funding contract is approved and signed off.
  9. Out of season funding applications may be approved in principle with funding to be released at a date closer to the start of the season.
  10. Funding limits are determined based on project asks.
  11. Funding timeline will be based on individual projects
  12. A "Terms and Conditions" document will need to be signed to receive the funding. This document outlines the commitments of the organization.
  13. A final report is required within 30 days of the conclusion of the project.
  14. Sport Nova Scotia reserves the right to conduct a formal evaluation of the project.

For more information and access to the funding application process, please contact the Regional Sport Consultant for your area.

Sport Fund EDI Community Sport Event Program

 Sport Nova Scotia’s Sport Fund focuses on community sport support. Traditionally, Sport Fund has focused on strengthening quality, sustainable programs. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) supports have increasingly been identified as a priority for the continued growth, development and betterment of sport. The Sport Fund EDI Community Sport Event Program is designed to help strengthen, sustain, grow, or improve unique community sport events across Nova Scotia. 

This Sport Fund EDI Community Sport Event Program focuses on communities that have a cultural tie to sport, where the community’s identity is intersected with a specific sport activity and provides a space for all community members to come and participate together. 

Applicant Criteria 

  1. Applicant organization must be: a. Member Organization of a PSO (Provincial Sport Organization) OR 
  2. Non-profit society or cooperative registered with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stock Companies 
  3. Applicant organization must also be working directly with a community sport event found in the list of “Targeted Communities” 

Sport Fund – EDI Community Sport Event “Targeted Communities” 

  • African Nova Scotian Community 
  • Indigenous Community 
  • Persons with Disabilities 
  • Newcomers 
  • 2SLGBTQ+ 
  • Women & Girls 
  • Diverse Cultural and Racialized Groups 
  • Financially Disadvantage Nova Scotians 

Event Eligibility 

Below you will find a list of criteria to keep in mind regarding what types of events can be covered under the Sport Fund EDI Community Sport Event Program. 

  • Events can include competitions, tournaments, jamborees, and other types of sport festivals which take place over one or multiple days. 
  • Event must take place between April1 and March 31 of the upcoming fiscal year. 
  • The Sport Fund EDI Community Sport Event Program is designed to assist with a project of component with the event. It will not fund 100% of any initiative. 
  • Applicant can apply for one community event per year. Applications for multiple events will not be considered. 
  • Not all applications will be successful as this is a competitive funding program with applications assessed by a panel. 
  • Successful applicants may not receive the full amount of funds requested. 

Ineligible Events and Costs 

Below you will find a list of criteria to keep in mind regarding what types of events and costs will not be considered under the Sport Fund EDI Community Sport Event Program. Please take a close look at this list before filling out an application. 

  • Applications cannot be submitted for an event that has already taken place. 
  • Conventions, conferences, workshops, or other meeting related gatherings. 
  • Fundraisers. 
  • General operating costs of an organization or facility (e.g. insurance, heating, salaries etc). 
  • Equipment renewals (considered operational in nature). 
  • Registration or organizational (community, regional, district, or provincial membership fees). 
  • Capital expenditures (e.g. docks, field repairs, court resurfacing, storage facilities etc) or building construction/renovations. 
  • Event staff salaries/wages, or additional staff wages 

MAXIMUM REQUEST IS $10,000 

Application Process 

1. Applicant organizations review the application guidelines. When ready, applicants contact their Regional Sport Consultant (RSC) to discuss their initiative, arrange for a consultation to determine eligibility, and for assistance in the application process. (see full list below) 

2. The RSC will work with the applicant to support the intention of the application and help build community partnerships where needed. 

3. Once eligibility is confirmed, the RSC will share the application form. 

4. Applications for funding that involve partnerships with a targeted population must include a letter of endorsement from that groups specifying the elements of the partnership, location, duration of partnership, anticipated number of participants involved and event schedule. 

5. Once the RSC believes the application is strong and all questions have been answered, completed applications and support documents can be submitted to funding@sportnovascotia.ca 

6. Applicant organization will be updated on the status of their application within 2-4 weeks of the intake periods. 

7. Funding is released upon receipt of signed “Terms and Conditions” document. This document outlines the commitments of the organization. 

8. Initiatives must be completed and reported upon within a 12-month period from the awarded funding date. 

For more information and access to the funding application process, please contact the Regional Sport Consultant for your area. 

Region 

Consultant 

Email 

Central 

Janessa MacPherson 

jmacpherson@sportnovascotia.ca 

Fundy 

Chelsey Leahy

cleahy@sportnovascotia.ca

Highland 

Chelsey Leahy 

cleahy@sportnovascotia.ca 

Cape Breton 

David Ogbuah 

dogbuah@sportnovascotia.ca 

South Shore 

Nicole Ramey 

nramey@sportnovascotia.ca 

Valley 

Angela Morrison 

amorrison@sportnovascotia.ca 

Officials
Support4Sport – Individual Official Initiative

Funding is available to individual officials for certification or training initiatives. Officials are supported based on the quality of their initiative and their ability to assist the Nova Scotia sport system at all levels.


In order to be considered, OFFICIALS must:

  • be in good standing with their Provincial Sport Organization (PSO);
  • have their application endorsed by their PSO;
  • be requesting funding for certification or training initiative that can assist Nova Scotia sport system at all levels; and
  • have a minimum of a Level ll certification

*Please note certifications and initiatives within the province are typically in-eligible for funding at the individual level because they are generally eligible for support at the provincial or community sport organization level. It should also be noted that Support4Sport will not fully fund an initiative without any PSO/CSO/NSO contribution.

 

Officials can apply at any time. Applications must be completed and submitted by the applicant and endorsed by the PSO by the 15th of the month to be reviewed by the Support4Sport Committee the end of the month. Please allow for a reasonable timeline for the PSO to endorse the application. Any applications received after the 15th of the month will be automatically moved and reviewed the next month.

 

PROVINCIAL SPORT ORGANIZATIONS
Parasport Funding

The goal of Parasport Funding is to reduce barriers for quality, sustainable Parasport programming across Nova Scotia from grassroots to competitive levels, either by providing funds to help organizations create new programs, or to expand and/or enhance current programs to provide more opportunities for Nova Scotians to take part in sport. There is no minimum, or maximum, amount to apply for.  

 

To be eligible for Parasport Funding, applicants must be one of the following;

  • Provincial Sport Organization (PSO)
  • Members in good standing of PSO's
  • Municipalities, Villages and/or First Nation communities
  • Any organization registered with NS Joint Stocks involved with Parasport

 

Projects can include, but are not limited to:

  • Purchasing Adaptive Equipment
  • Leadership Education, and Capacity Development (e.g., Coach/ Volunteer training)
  • Operational Costs
  • Transportation
  • Marketing and Recruitment Support
  • Minor capital improvements to facilities will also be considered to support access that directly facilitates programs. Additional information on these requests may be required. (e.g., ramps, signage, doors)

 

Application Process

  1. Applicant organizations review the application guidelines. When ready, applicants contact the Parasport Coordinator to discuss their initiative and arrange for a consultation to determine eligibility and for assistance in the application process. The Parasport Coordinator will work with applicants to support the intention of the application and help build community partnerships where needed.
  2. Once eligibility and initiative alignment are confirmed, the Parasport Coordinator will share the application form.
  3. Once the first draft of the application is complete, organizations will share with the Parasport Coordinator for review.  Once the Parasport Coordinator deems that the application is strong and all questions are answered, completed applications and supporting documents can be submitted to: funding@sportnovascotia.ca
  4. Approved applications will receive a "Terms and Conditions" document, and will need to be signed to receive the funding. This document outlines the commitments of the organization.
  5. A final report is required within 30 days of the conclusion of the project.  Sport Nova Scotia reserves the right to conduct a formal evaluation of the project.

 

To start the process and to discuss the project and goals, please email the Parasport Coordinator;

Zachary Dickson

parasport@sportnovascotia.ca

Support4Sport- Canada Games Centre Legacy Access Fund

The Canada Games Centre Legacy Access Fund (CGCLAF) was made possible by a contribution from the Support4Sport program.  It is designed to assist PSO provincial team and Canada Games team athletes in securing training time at the Canada Games Centre and to ensure that the facility becomes a home base for Nova Scotia’s high performance programs.

The program will provide 50% of the cost of facility rentals for gym, track or pool usage as well as for access to the testing and training programs offered by the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic, up to a maximum of $5,000.00 to any single Provincial Sport Organization per year.  

PSOs receiving funding for this program must also complete a user agreement with the Canada Games Centre.

To be considered:

  •  Provincial teams must submit an outline of the team training program and budget.
  • Canada Games sports must be receiving funding through the Support4Sport Canada Games Funding Program.

PSOs can apply at any time. Applications must be completed and submitted by the 15th of the month to be reviewed by the Support4Sport Committee the end of the month. Any applications received after the 15th of the month will be automatically moved and reviewed the next month

 

Support4Sport - Provincial Sport Organization Projects

The goal of Project Funding is to support PSO initiatives that demonstrate a likelihood of helping PSOs reach their identified goals in each pillar of the Sport Development Tool to strengthen the Nova Scotia sport delivery system. Project Funding is a pool of shared funding amongst the four pillars (Organizational Effectiveness, Coaching & Officiating, Participation and Excellence). Pillar Leads will work in consultation with the PSO and CCTH Sport Consultants to prioritize projects. All projects must be linked to PSO priorities or plans and be completed with monitoring by the Pillar Lead and Consultant. All projects will be evaluated and the learnings will be captured.

 

To be considered:

  • PSOs must have completed the Sport Development Tool.
  • PSOs must meet the annual Nova Scotia eligibility requirements.
  • Projects must be connected to a Sport Development Tool annual outcome or approved plan (ex. NSPPI).
  • Single PSO, PSO led partnerships and multi-year projects will be considered. Note: Multi-year funding will be conditional upon a PSO meeting the project outcomes of the current year. 
  • Additional revenue sources considered an asset.

PSOs can apply at any time. While applications must be completed and submitted by the 15th of the month, PSOs must initiate the application process at least one month in advance of the application deadline.

To begin an application, please contact the relevant Pillar Lead:

Janice Cougle - Participation - jcougle@sportnovascotia.ca
Blaise Landry - Organizational Effectiveness - blandry@sportnovascotia.ca
Evan MacInnis - Excellence - evan@cscatlantic.ca
Natasha Burgess-Johnson - Coaching & Officiating - natasha@cscatlantic.ca