New Gift Available for Snuneymuxw and Penelakut Children
Helping Children and Youth Get in the Game
Recreation, sport and cultural activities give children and youth opportunities to stay active, build confidence, learn new skills and connect with others. However, registration fees, equipment and travel costs can make participation difficult for some families.
The Grassroots Recreation Scholarship Program helps reduce these barriers by providing financial support for Snunemuxw and Penelakut children and youth.
How much funding is available?
Families may apply for up to $1,500 per child per fiscal year, depending on available funding. The scholarship may support one activity or several activities during the funding period.
Suggested funding limits include:
Up to $1,000 for registration, league, camp or membership fees
Up to $500 for essential equipment
Up to $750 for activity-related travel
Up to $1,500 in combined funding per child each fiscal year
Exceptions may be considered in special circumstances.
Who can apply?
The program is open to Snuneymuxw and Penelakut children and youth who:
Are between 4 and 18 years old at the time of application
Are registered, or planning to register, in an eligible activity
Experience financial need or another barrier to participating
Can provide the required supporting document
What activities can be supported?
Funding may help children and youth participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Community recreation programs
Organized sports and leagues
Cultural and land-based activities
Camps and skills clinics
Dance, martial arts, gymnastics and swimming
Competitive sport opportunities that support a young person’s continued development
What expenses are eligible?
The scholarship may help with registration or membership fees, required uniforms, protective gear, sport-specific equipment and basic footwear.
Activity-related travel may also be considered. This can include fuel, ferry fares, mileage, accommodation, and travel to tournaments or events.
All expenses must be reasonable and directly connected to the approved activity.
The program does not cover personal entertainment, luxury equipment upgrades, professional or elite athlete expenses, or food unless it is included as part of approved travel. Expenses paid before an application is approved may not be covered unless prior authorization has been provided.
What documents are needed?
Families will need to provide documents showing the expected costs. Depending on the request, this could include:
A registration invoice or confirmation
A program brochure showing the fees
An equipment quote, receipt or online price listing
A tournament or event confirmation
A travel itinerary
A ferry reservation
An accommodation quote
An estimated mileage calculation
Providing complete information will help the application review process.
How is the funding paid?
Approved funding may be paid directly to the recreation provider or equipment vendor. In some cases, families may be reimbursed after submitting receipts. A combination of payment methods may also be used.
Recipients must provide proof that the scholarship was used for the approved activity. This may include receipts, registration confirmations, attendance verification or travel records. Missing documentation could affect eligibility for future funding.
Before you apply
Applications are reviewed based on financial need, barriers to participation, alignment with the scholarship’s purpose, completeness of the application, previous funding received and the amount of funding available.
Ready to apply?
Make sure you have your documentation ready (a PDF, screenshot, or photo of receipts of itineraries can all be used) and apply online by August 31st.
The Grassroots Recreation Scholarship Program is helping more children and youth take part in activities where they can move, learn, connect and thrive.