Financial Resources
Financial Support For Families
The Pelham Raiders are dedicated to ensuring athletes and families are aware of the financial assistance programs available in our community. Several organizations offer funding support for youth sport registration, equipment, and participation costs, and we encourage families to explore the resources below to see what may be available to them.
KidSport Ontario
The Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) 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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart
Canadian Tire Jumpstart offers grants that assist with the costs of getting kids aged 4–18 involved in sport and physical activity, helping more children participate in a season of lacrosse.
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Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charity that helps kids overcome financial barriers to participating in sport and physical activity. Through its Individual Child Grants program, Jumpstart supports families so children aged 4–18 can register in safe, inclusive sport programs—regardless of financial circumstances. Jumpstart works with local community chapters across Canada to ensure kids have access to meaningful activities that promote physical health, confidence, and social development.
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Jumpstart is committed to removing financial obstacles that prevent kids from getting active. Many families face challenges that make sport participation difficult, and Jumpstart provides assistance to help cover registration fees, equipment needs, and other participation-related costs.
Funding is available for sustained programs that involve sport or physical activity and meet minimum duration requirements (at least five weeks long, or five consecutive days for camps). Grants can support children from diverse backgrounds, including newcomers to Canada and families experiencing financial or social hardship.
Jumpstart grants may provide up to $600 per child per year, with a maximum of $300 per application, depending on local chapter capacity.
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Families can apply online through a secure Jumpstart account. Applications should be submitted before the program start date, and all families must meet financial eligibility requirements based on Revenue Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Offs (LICO).
To apply, families will need:
Contact and household information
The child’s basic details (name, date of birth, etc.)
Program information (program name, dates, cost, and organization name)
A clear, current copy of their Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Statement as proof of financial need
In exceptional circumstances—such as recent immigrants or families fleeing abuse—alternative documentation may be accepted.
If approved, funding is sent directly to the sport organization to ensure privacy and smooth registration.
Apply and learn more here:
https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/individual-child-grants
Niagara Youth Need Sports
Niagara Youth Need Sports (NYNS) is a local initiative dedicated to reducing financial barriers for families in the Niagara Region. NYNS provides funding to help children access organized sports, ensuring that financial uncertainty doesn’t stand in the way of staying active and being part of a team.
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NYNS was created in honour of Brian Brolley, a passionate advocate for youth athletics in Niagara. The program continues his legacy by offering financial support so more young athletes can participate in meaningful sport programs, including lacrosse.
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NYNS aims to make sport accessible to all children by helping cover the cost of registration or equipment. Their support allows youth to build confidence, develop life skills like teamwork and discipline, and stay connected to their community through sport.
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Families who may benefit from financial assistance can apply directly through the NYNS website. All funds raised go toward supporting Niagara families in local youth sports.