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.)

For more details and information, please review the submission criteria, application process, deadlines, and frequently asked questions. Apply electronically by completing the online application form. To learn more about past WISE Fund recipients, click here.

IMPORTANT: Applications will only be accepted between November 24, 2009 and December 11, 2009. Any applications received before or after these dates will not be considered.

Since 2004, CAAWS has supported 68 individuals and organizations through this Fund, dispersing over $59,000 to members of the sport community.

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”