viaSport Empowers BC Sport Communities with grants boosting Inclusion, Leadership, and Participation

April 29, 2025, VANCOUVER – Throughout British Columbia, the power of sport continues to bring people together, foster leadership, and create opportunities for communities to thrive. In 2024–2025, viaSport distributed more than $1 million in grant funding to support 77 communities and positively impact over 60,000 participants through seven key grant programs: Hosting BC, the Indigenous Youth Sport Legacy Fund, LeadForward, the Northern BC Coaching and Officiating Development Fund (NBC), Sport on the Move, and the BC Athlete Assistance Program (BC AAP).

“Sport has the power to connect, inspire, and transform lives. These grants are about more than funding—they’re about investing in people and places in our province to ensure there are opportunities within sport for British Columbians,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Through viaSport’s grant programs we’re building stronger leaders, more inclusive communities, and creating lasting memories for thousands across B.C.”

A key focus of viaSport’s grant programs is to make sport more equitable, inclusive, and accessible. Of the total grant funding, $250,000 was directed to organizations specifically dedicated to supporting efforts to remove barriers and create safer, more welcoming sport environments for everyone.

Building a strong foundation for the future of sport through leadership development also remains a top priority for the viaSport grant programs. Last year, over $100,000 was distributed to support more than 3,500 coaches, officials, and sport leaders through programs like LeadForward, the NBC fund, and the BC Coaches Legacy Program. These grants provide vital education and mentorship opportunities—especially in regions where access has previously been limited.

Whether it’s through inclusive programming or uplifting underrepresented voices in leadership, this work is reshaping sport to better reflect the communities it serves in BC. A standout example is LeadForward, which continues to play a pivotal role in this space. With increased funding, from $15,000 to $40,000 annually for the next two years, the program is now benefiting even more women-identifying coaches, officials, and organizational staff throughout BC.

Additionally, through viaSport’s Hosting BC grant Program, vital funding enables communities to welcome athletes, families, and fans from near and far as well as to bring energy and economic benefit to local businesses. Last year $500,000 was invested to support event hosting opportunities. These grants are recognition that events do more than just fill the stands; they generate jobs, volunteer opportunities, and training grounds for local coaches and officials. In many cases, they spark long-term growth, including infrastructure improvements and increased visibility of regions as future sport and tourism destinations.

Overall, the work accomplished through viaSport grant programs are helping to shape a sport environment where every participant—regardless of their location, background, or financial situation—has the opportunity to succeed. These initiatives not only enhance the quality of sport but also build stronger communities and foster lifelong active living for individuals of all ages.

The next grant intake period runs from May 1 to May 30. Available grants include the Indigenous Youth Sport Legacy Fund, LeadForward, and the Hosting BC grant. To apply or learn more about these programs, please visit viaSport’s website at https://viasport.ca/how-grants-make-sport-better/.

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Contact:

Ninu Gill
Director, Marketing and Communications
ViaSport British Columbia
ninug@viasport.ca