Building Capacity for the Sport Sector & Helping More Calgarians Get in the Game
The Play for All Program provides funding to Calgary-based community sport organizations that are creating welcoming, affordable, and inclusive opportunities for people to participate in sport and physical activity, while addressing key capacity needs across Calgary’s sport system.
Whether it’s introducing new participants to sport, reducing barriers to access, supporting coach development, or delivering innovative, solution-driven programs, the Play for All Program is designed to help local organizations grow participation and strengthen community sport associations and groups across Calgary.
The program supports Calgary non-profit sport organizations, recreation groups, and community-based sport providers that are delivering programs focused on participation, inclusion, and community wellbeing.
Priority is given to programs that:
Funding can help organizations cover costs such as:
Eligible organizations may apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support community sport programming and initiatives. Funding is available throughout the year through scheduled application intakes. Partial funding may be provided.
In addition to financial support, Sport Calgary may provide promotional assistance to help funded programs reach more participants through social media, newsletters, community connections, and marketing support.
The Play for All Program is a funding initiative from Sport Calgary that provides short-term financial support to community sport organizations delivering inclusive, accessible, and low-barrier sport and recreation opportunities in Calgary.
Eligible applicants include Calgary-based not-for-profit sport organizations, recreation groups, community sport clubs, and community association’s sport programs that are in good standing with the Province of Alberta and/or The City of Calgary.
Yes. Organizations must be members of Sport Calgary for at least six months prior to applying.
Organizations may receive up to $10,000 through the Play for All Program.
Organizations are eligible to receive funding once every two years from the date funds are distributed.
Priority will be given to:
Programs/projects presenting innovative solutions in the sport sector
Eligible expenses may include:
Police Information Checks and Vulnerable Sector Checks
Ineligible expenses include:
Applications submitted directly by facilities
No. Applicants must be registered not-for-profit organizations or have charitable status.
Yes. All funded programs and activities must occur within Calgary city limits.
Organizations must comply with Safe Sport Basic Standards, including:
Some programs or events may require organizations to carry Commercial General Liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $2,000,000 per occurrence. Requirements will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Applications must include:
Applications are due by:
Applications received after a deadline will be considered during the next review cycle.
No. Programs must be delivered within the approved funding period.
Yes. Sport Calgary may provide in-kind promotional support, including:
Successful applicants will receive funding details and reporting requirements.
Organizations must track spending and retain receipts or proof of expenses.
Yes. Funding recipients must submit a final report within 30 days of program completion. The report will include participation data, outcomes, and financial information.
Yes. Funding may need to be repaid if:
Funds are not used for the approved purpose
Not necessarily. Funding is limited, and not all eligible applications can be approved. Early applications are encouraged.
Applications are reviewed by the Support Program Committee using the criteria outlined in the program guidelines.
Yes. Organizations may reapply after discussing the application with Sport Calgary and once written notification has been received, unless the application or group is deemed ineligible.
Your group/organization will be notified within two months following the application deadline.
Applications are due by August 1st, 2026, and November 1st, 2026.
Together, we can build a stronger sport sector and healthier, more inclusive sport community in Calgary.
