Run Ottawa Community Sport Fund
Supporting Communities Through Sport
The Run Ottawa Community Sport Fund provides financial support to local not-for-profit sport organizations to help them acquire essential equipment that enhances program delivery, safety, and participant opportunities.
Committed to strengthening community sport and expanding equitable access to participation, the Run Ottawa Community Sport Fund prioritizes organizations that deliver endurance sport programming, including but not limited to:
- Cross-country skiing
- Cycling
- Orienteering
- Running
- Rowing and Paddle Sports
- Swimming
- Track and Field
- Triathlon
- Other endurance sport disciplines
Funding Available
Two grants of $10,000.00 CAD are available through the Run Ottawa Community Sport Fund.
Funding Type: One-time equipment grant
Funding may support the purchase of a single piece of equipment or multiple equipment items that collectively strengthen programming and improve the participant experience.
Important Dates
Applications Open: September 1, 2026
Applications Close: September 30, 2026
Application Review Period: October 1, 2026 to October 14, 2026
Successful Applicants Notified: October 15, 2026
Funding Agreements Due: October 30, 2026
Funds Distributed: November 15, 2026
Equipment Purchase Deadline: March 15, 2027
Final Report Due: August 31, 2027
Eligible Expenses
Funding may be used for:
- New equipment purchases
- Replacement equipment purchases
- Safety and protective gear
- Equipment that improves accessibility
Ineligible Expenses
Funding may not be used for:
- Salaries, wages, or administrative costs
- Facility, construction, upgrades, or renovations
- Debt repayment or deficit reduction
- General operating expenses
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, organizations must:
- Be a registered not-for-profit community sport organization
- Operate at a local level within the Ottawa / Gatineau region (within a 100 km radius of downtown Ottawa, Ontario)
- Deliver endurance sport programming as a primary or significant component of their activities
- Have an established Board of Directors, or equivalent governing body
- Maintain documented governance practices, including regular board oversight
- Demonstrate a commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Be able to demonstrate financial stability
- Be able to provide audited financial statements for the two most recent fiscal years
- Be able to confirm there is no outstanding debt that would impair the use of grant funds
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Demonstrated focus on endurance sport
- Demonstrated need for the requested equipment
- Community impact
- Expected participant benefit and equipment utilization
- Commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion
- New or improved opportunities created through the equipment purchase
- Strength of governance practices
- Organizational financial stability
Application Review Process
Applications will be reviewed by a review committee composed of Run Ottawa staff and representatives from the Run Ottawa Board of Directors to ensure a balanced and informed assessment process.
Applicants will be notified of funding decisions within a maximum of 30 days of the application deadline.
Please note:
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Funding decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
- The review committee reserves the right to award partial funding.
Reporting Requirements
Successful applicants must:
- Purchase approved equipment within 120 days of receiving funds
- Submit a final report by August 31, 2027
- Provide proof of purchase, including receipts and invoices
- Report on outcomes, participant impact, and equipment utilization
Recognition of Support
Successful applicants are required to publicly recognize the Run Ottawa Community Sport Fund. Recognition may include:
- Signage
- Website acknowledgements
- Social media posts
- Media releases
- Event recognition opportunities
Applicants will be asked to outline their proposed recognition plan as part of the application process.
Applications open on September 1, 2026 and close on September 30, 2026.
Before applying, please ensure you have the following documents ready to upload:
- At least one quote for each piece of equipment you are requesting this grant for
- Organizational by-laws
- Audited financial statements (last two fiscal years)
- Current operating budget
Questions?
We are happy to assist organizations through the application period.
If you have questions about eligibility, application requirements, or the review process, please contact:
Suzanne Fisher