Financial Assistance for Ontario Lacrosse Families, Powered by KidSport Ontario
Families are at the heart of every lacrosse community, yet for many across Ontario the rising costs of organized sport create barriers to participation. As part of our ongoing commitment to help clubs support their members and grow the game, Ontario Lacrosse is proud to promote our partnership with KidSport Ontario, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring all children, regardless of financial circumstances, can experience the joy and benefits of sport.
This guide explains what KidSport Ontario is, how their grants work, and how your club can share this information with families who may need support. At the bottom of the article, you’ll also find website copy you can incorporate directly on your club’s website to help families easily access these financial resources.
Why KidSport Ontario Matters
In communities across the province, 1 in 3 children aged 3 to 17 are not enrolled in organized sport, most often because of cost. KidSport Ontario plays a crucial role in reducing these financial barriers by providing grants that help cover registration and equipment expenses.
By raising awareness at the club level, we can ensure that every family knows where to turn for support and that more young athletes have access to meaningful, safe, and structured lacrosse opportunities.
Clubs don’t need to manage applications or administer funds—KidSport Ontario handles everything directly with the applicant and sends approved funding to the club. Your role is simple but important: make sure families know this support exists.
What KidSport Provides
KidSport Ontario supports children aged 18 and under who face financial barriers to participating in sports.
With 18 local chapters, the organization has a wide reach and deep community roots. Their grants—up to $250 per child per calendar year—help offset costs associated with enrolment and equipment, making community sport more accessible and inclusive.
How the Application Process Works
KidSport Ontario’s process is confidential and designed to be simple for families:
Families apply online or by paper form.
Applications require proof of need (CRA Notice of Assessment + pay stubs).
Sport and club details are provided by the family.
If approved, KidSport Ontario sends funding directly to the club.
Equipment requests can be made with a retailer quote.
Clubs are not required to verify income or oversee documentation. KidSport Ontario manages all approvals and communications directly with the applicant, and clubs receive funds only after approval.
What Your Club Can Do
Clubs play a crucial role by ensuring families know about KidSport Ontario and understand that support is available.
We encourage all Ontario Lacrosse clubs to:
Add the KidSport Ontario information (copy + paste below) to your club website
Include KidSport Ontario reminders in registration emails
Promote KidSport Ontario during Try Lacrosse or preseason clinics
Share the KidSport Ontario link on social media during registration
Train registrars to point families toward financial resources when asked
By promoting KidSport Ontario, your club helps reduce financial stress for families and removes barriers that may discourage youth participation.
Website Content Your Club Can Use
Please include the following information on your website. We recommend adding it to your Registration page or creating a dedicated Financial Assistance page alongside any club bursaries or other benevolent initiatives.
Download the KidSport logo here.
Financial Resources for Families
Ontario Lacrosse is proud to be a sport partner of KidSport Ontario. With a network of 18 local chapters, KidSport Ontario provides grants to help cover the costs of enrolment so that all kids aged 18 and under in Ontario can play a season of sport.
What is Kid Sport?
KidSport Ontario is a non-profit organization recognized by local sports organizations, schools, and community services as a resource available for under-resourced families to help get their children to participate in organized sport at the grassroots level. KidSport Ontario is a program of KidSport Canada, a registered Canadian Amateur Athletic Association (CRA # 86212 5986 RR0003).
Mission and Grant Program
1 in 3 children and youth aged 3 to 17 do not participate in any form of organized sport and cost represents the primary barrier. KidSport Ontario supports children who need financial assistance with sport registration fees and equipment costs. We believe that the power of sport participation promotes the development of children's social, mental and physical well-being. Through increasing access to quality sport programs, KidSport strengthens communities across Canada.
The children KidSport Ontario supports include new Canadians, children with disabilities, First Nations children, children from single-parent households or single-income households, and children from families living on social assistance.
Application Process
Through partnership initiatives and fundraising efforts, KidSport Ontario provides grants of up to $250 per child per calendar year to under-resourced families across Ontario. Through a confidential application process, applicants may apply to KidSport Ontario either online or with a paper application form.
Grant applications must be supported by proof of need - a recent CRA Notice of Assessment and three consecutive pay stubs for each adult in the home. The grant application requires the sport club/program information and family contact information. If the applicant is approved, the funding is sent directly to the sports club to ensure confidentiality and anonymity. Equipment requests must be accompanied by an equipment quote (unpaid receipt) from a sport retailer that will accept third-party cheques.
KidSport Ontario provides funding for children and youth to participate in a sport program that runs a minimum of 8 weeks in length and is a member of its respective provincial sport organization, ensuring kids experience a sustainable sport program, taught by qualified coaches.
Online and downloadable paper applications can be found here: https://kidsportcanada.ca/ontario/provincial-fund/. Our team is available by email at info@kidsportontario.ca or by phone at (416) 899-9106 for any questions applicants may have.
