In response to the continued interest from active girls and women and the ongoing financial need within the sport community, the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) with support from Sport Canada offers an annual grant opportunity to individuals and/or organizations that meet the WISE Fund criteria. The WISE grant has been created to help fund sport initiatives and assist members of the sport community in Canada. (Note: Due to restrictions on CAAWS’ funding from Sport Canada, the WISE Fund is not intended to support physical activity projects and recreational initiatives.)

To learn more about past WISE Fund recipients, click here.

CAAWS Announces 2012 WISE Fund Recipients

February 9, 2012 - This year’s recipients include nine organizations, two coaches and one official.

• Claire Marentette - Saskatchewan SK (Supported by Diving Canada Plongeon)
• Lisa Harlow - Saint John NB (Supported by Football Canada)
• Nicole Ban - Edmonton AB (Supported by Volleyball Canada)
• Courcelette Biathlon Club - Québec QC (Supported by Biathlon Canada)
• Girls Gone Gazelle - Dartmouth NS (Supported by Athletics Canada)
• Pacers Speed Skating Club of Ottawa - Ottawa ON (Supported by Speed Skating Canada)
• Paralympic Sports Association - Edmonton AB (Hockey Canada)
• Rebelles Espoirs Girls Hockey - Jonquière QC (Hockey Canada)
• Regina Soccer Association - Regina SK (Supported by The Canadian Soccer Association)
• Rundle Mountain Cycling Club - Canmore AB (Supported by Canadian Cycling Association)
• Smithers Junior Softball Society - Smithers BC (Supported by Softball Canada)
• Triathlon Manitoba - Winnipeg MB (Supported by Triathlon Canada)

For detailed bios of the grant recipients, please click here.

Here’s what the sport community is saying about the WISE Fund:

“This form of funding plays a key role in allowing females to expand their knowledge, skill and experience in a field which is not equitable to the opportunities experienced by males. This is very much in need and can go a long way to increase the number of females actively participating in sport”

“The support is motivating and helpful”

“Our coaches have benefited from this assistance and have made an impact in our sport (women’s water polo) which is the fastest growing sport in North America”

“The options for funding are still limited, especially for developmental level athletes, coaches and officials. This type of direct support is extremely important”

“There is a lack of funding in this area, and yet we are tasked with ensuring we increase our participants. Programs like this help offset costs that are specifically related to increasing the number of girls and women in sport”