BC Sport Participation Program supports active and healthy lifestyles with $545,000 in funding
Mar 09, 2026
March 9, 2026, Vancouver – The Province is enhancing opportunities for children, youth, Indigenous and equity-seeking populations to lead active and healthy lifestyles.
The Province of BC and the Government of Canada provided matching investments of $272,500 for a total of $545,000 for viaSport to administer under the BC Sport Participation Program (BCSPP), last year. This funding was provided to sport organizations to improve participation, diversity and inclusion in sport programming in communities throughout BC.
“Sport has the ability to create meaningful social connections, strengthen communities, and support healthy, active lives,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “By working in partnership with the federal government, we are supporting access and creating more equal opportunities for everyone to participate in community sport programs and experience its many benefits.”
This annual federal/provincial cost-sharing grant program is focused on boosting participation, equity and inclusion in sport programming and activities for people who are typically underrepresented in community sport activities. People of all ages, backgrounds and levels of ability have more opportunities to enjoy the social and health benefits of community sport, thanks to this funding.
“Sport plays a vital role in building healthier, more connected communities,” said the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport). “When we support inclusive sport programs, we’re helping remove barriers so that more people, regardless of background, ability or income, can experience the joy and benefits of being active. The Government of Canada’s collaboration with the Province of British Columbia and partners like viaSport helps ensure that community sport continues to grow and remains accessible.”
Priority funding through BCSPP is directed towards organizations that offer specific outreach and programming directed to women and girls, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada; Individuals aged 55+; and lower-income families as well as people living in isolated rural communities where sport opportunities are fewer and large urban areas where low sport participation exists.
“It’s important that individuals from all walks of life are able to experience the benefits of sport,” says Andrew Price, CEO of viaSport British Columbia. “Improving access to inclusive and safe sport opportunities province-wide enables participants to grow, develop their skills, and strengthen their sense of community.”
The total available grant funding annually of $545,000 from BCSPP is divided into two streams: $400,000 for the Provincial Sport Development Program (PSDP), and $145,000 to the Community Sport Development Program (CSDP). The entire amount was distributed.
- The Provincial Sport Development Fund provides grants up to $30,000 to support sport projects with regional or provincial reach.
- The Community Sport Program Development Fund offers grants up to $3,000 to support local, community-based sport projects.
- Further funding supports pilots, resource development and specific projects that are targeted to under-represented populations and are aligned with government strategies and other priorities.
Learn More:
Read more about Sport Canada’s work here.
Learn about viaSport and grant intake periods, guidelines and applications, here.
View the BCSPP PSPD recipients list and the CSPD recipients list.
Ninu Gill
Director, Marketing and Communications
ViaSport British Columbia
ninug@viasport.ca
