It was recently announced that Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is again a recipient of Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) funding from the Federal Government.

This funding is dedicated to programming designed to remove barriers and increase sport participation for underrepresented populations. RCA submitted a proposal requesting funding to increase participation in rowing for the following equity-deserving populations: Black, Indigenous, Racialized, 2SLGBTQQIA+, Newcomers, Girls and Women, Seniors, Persons with a disability, Low-income populations.

Funding is available for initiative that have taken place between April 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025, as well as new programs to be delivered between Jan 1, 2026 – Sept 30, 2026.

Applications are due January 5, 2026.

Please note that the RCA holiday office closure will be from December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026 inclusive. Inquiries and requests for support should be made prior to December 19, 2025.

Program Details

The aim of the programming is to increase sport participation and retention of equity-deserving communities.

Programs must have the following:

• an organized sport active component
• delivered with minimal to no cost to the participants
• tailored to the equity-deserving group but need not be exclusionary

Programming can be for first experiences or for continuation of rowing. When developing the rowing program, member organizations are expected to do so alongside a partner group or organization that is representative of (or has a mandate to support) equity-deserving populations listed above. Member organizations must provide a letter of support/engagement from the partner group or organization when applying for funding. We encourage member organizations to initiate conversations with existing and potential partners soon Partner groups should be included in the program planning process to ensure their needs are met, and that key considerations for this equity-deserving group are identified and addressed.

Some examples of activities for your proposal include:

• Drop-in/come and try rowing experiences
• Half-day introduction to rowing events
• Mini (~3 session) or full learn to row programs
• Tailored team building and leadership sessions through rowing
• Continuation programs/memberships (on-water and/or indoor)
• Active participation involvement in related festivals/events
• Single or weeklong youth day camps (include other non-rowing activities such as building a boat)
• Winter indoor rowing programs
• Single mothers programs with childcare
• Parent and youth combination programs
• Programs with transportation included
• Programs integrated with social supports (e.g. dinner after the row)

Eligible program expenses include remuneration, administration, operations and programming.

Examples of approved expenses include:

• Coach remuneration
• Safety Equipment (e.g. approved PFDs preferred by the equity-deserving group)
• Trailering, gas, equipment maintenance
• Equipment (e.g. ergometers, beginner-friendly shells)
• Meals, snacks, BBQ events, etc.
• Enhanced onsite inclusion (e.g. signage)
• Transportation fees
• Childcare

Funding amounts will be dependent on volume of applications and level of impact. Funding amounts will likely range from ~ $5,000-20,000 per program.

Eligibility

RCA Member Clubs that have completed the RCA Annual Declaration Process and have no outstanding finance receivables owing to RCA are eligible for this funding. The following must also be in place:

• Member in Good Standing with Provincial Rowing Association
• RCA Safe Sport Policy Manual in effect by the application submission date
• A lead Administrator and Coach assigned to the program(s) with completed safe sport training modules
• Compliant with all Every Coach Certified Requirements
• Member organizations must confirm they have not, and will not, receive funds from another recipient of the CSAI funding that will overlap with the proposed program dates of the RCA CSAI grant.

Additional requirements and expectations will be detailed in grant contribution agreements between RCA and recipient clubs.

Member organizations that are recipients of grants will be required to provide interim and final program reports. 

Application Process

For programs that already exist or can start immediately.

• Funding can be used for expenses incurred from April 1, 2025- December 31, 2025.
• Complete the online form by 9 am PT Jan 5, 2026.

For programs that can take place January 1, 2026-September 30, 2026

• Funding can be used for projected expenses incurred from January 1, 2025-September 30, 2026.
• Complete the online form by 9 am PT January 5 2026.

APPLY HERE

Questions about your application can be directed to Alethia Clarke, RCA Member Services Manager (aclarke@rowingcanada.org). 

The application questions can be viewed HERE