The Recreation Committee has compiled a list of some of the financial resources that are available to help you access recreation opportunities. In addition, be sure to ask the recreation organization if they provide any assistance.
The Recreation Committee administers 4 types of financial assistance:
Leadership Training
The Recreation Committee provides funds to assist individuals wishing to attend instructional sessions, including seminars, coaching and training clinics.
Financial assistance will be given only for Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) or its equivalent.
Financial assistance will not be considered for courses required for employment purposes (ex. the applicant being paid for refereeing after taking a Referee's clinic).
The full Financial Assistance for Leadership Training Funding Policy can be found here.
Apply online.
Provincial / National / International Competitions
The Recreation Committee provides funds to assist individuals or teams to participate in recreation type competitions at a Provincial, National or International level.
Applicants must be an amateur athlete and resident of Niagara Falls.
Participation in the competition must have resulted from a culmination of sanctioned competitions at a local, regional or provincial level. Participation in an invitational type competition, which does not require satisfying a specific level of achievement, is not eligible for funding.
The full Financial Assistance for Provincial, National, International Championships can be found here.
Apply online.
Activity Subsidy Fund
Through its fundraising activities, the Recreation Committee allocates limited subsidies to individuals requiring financial assistance to participate in community recreation activities. Funding requests are considered for a variety of recreation activities (e.g. soccer, baseball, music, dance, skating, etc.).
Subsidies are available to assist with the registration and equipment costs of recreation activities as needed. Subsidies for recreation activities in the non-profit or the private sector are eligible. Applicants must be residents of Niagara Falls.
Financial assistance may be provided if an application meets the following conditions
- completed online application
- completed online confirmation of financial needs form (verifying that the applicant is in financial need of the subsidy). The form may be completed by
- a representative of a social service agency (i.e. FACS, Community Living, Project SHARE, ODSP etc.), or by
- an official or other individual who is personally aware of the applicant’s financial situation (i.e., Faith Leader, Social Worker, Teacher, School Principal etc.).
- Please note: If the second option is selected a brief interview with Recreation & Culture Staff may be required.
- Applicants must be residents of Niagara Falls. Proof of residence may be required.
Subsidies are available to assist with the registration and basic equipment costs of recreation and culture activities. Funding, in part or full, is not guaranteed and will be considered up to a maximum of $500/person/year.
In addition to the Committee’s own fundraising activities, donations to this fund from individuals and/or groups in the community are encouraged.
The full Activity Subsidy Fund Policy can be found here: Activity Subsidy Fund
Please ensure that you have a weblink or brochure clearly showing the organization name and registration cost as well as the name and email address of your financial verifier. Apply here: online.
Municipal Fee Assistance Program
The Municipal Fee Assistance Pilot Program was developed to provide residents with additional subsidies to participate in municipal recreation programs.
Applications will be accepted year-round with subsidy approval for the current year. Applicants must reapply each calendar year. Online applications are preferred, however, hard copies will be made available upon request.
Funding Details
Qualifying Families are eligible to receive:
- Children 17 and under – 50% discount on all registered programs (1 per season).
- Families – Free Activity Pass for open swim and public skating at municipal pools and arenas for current calendar year access (A family is considered 2 adults and youth within the same household).
Further information is located here.
For any of the grant forms above, the form needs to be printed out, completed, and sent to:
City of Niagara Falls
Recreation & Culture
7150 Montrose Road, Unit 1
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2H 3N3
Attention: Beth Angle
Phone: 905-356-7521 ext 3336
Additional Community Funding
Below are programs available to assist families in accessing community recreation opportunities. These programs are delivered by partner agencies.
Jump Start
The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program focuses on helping individual children become involved in organized sports and recreational activities to help them develop a healthier lifestyle in their early years. Assist kids in financial need aged 4 to 18. Applications are accepted via their website - https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/individual-child-grants
Matthew Daniele Memorial Fund
This fund was established in memory of Matthew Daniele to keep his memory alive by assisting families in need to access sport and recreation opportunities. Generally the fund is accessed through referrals. Local organizations contact the fund on behalf of families in need. For further information call 905-374-3915 or by email.
KidSport Niagara
The KidSport™ program helps underserviced children and youth break through the social and/or economic barriers preventing or limiting their participation in organized sport and physical activity. This is accomplished through the distribution of registration fees and equipment grants. Preference is given to athletes being introduced to sport for the first time. Grants are for children 6-17 years. Contact Shari at 905-708-7364 or by email. Applications are available online.
