At FlipGive, we've been around the block when it comes to hockey fundraising.
Community hockey can run around $1,200 a season, and travel hockey can easily run $4,000 or more, so every grant and subsidy counts. Luckily, lots of great groups and companies are working to keep the game affordable.
We've refreshed this list for the 2026-2027 season, but please confirm on the program's own site before you apply.
Financial assistance for families
These programs help individual players with registration fees and, in some cases, equipment. Most use Canada's low-income cut-offs to decide who qualifies.
Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund
Up to $500 per player toward registration with a Hockey Canada-sanctioned association, for families who meet low-income criteria. Applications opened August 1, 2026, and are first come, first served until the $1.3 million pool runs out.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Individual Child Grants
Helps kids aged 4 to 18 from low-income families join sports, including hockey. Grants are up to $300 per application, and the annual cap varies by chapter. Some local chapters no longer accept applications, so check your Jumpstart account before you apply.
KidSport
Helps kids 18 and under whose families face financial barriers. KidSport runs through local chapters, so amounts and deadlines vary, often $300 to $500 a year. Find your chapter to apply.
Grindstone Award Foundation
Grants for registration and equipment for girls under 19 whose families meet low-income criteria. Applications open each spring.
Their Opportunity
Registration subsidies for kids aged 5 to 18 from low-income families, in more than 70 communities across Canada. Kids who receive funding "pay it forward" by volunteering locally.
Some cities also offer hockey top-ups, such as KidSport Edmonton's Hockey Assist Program, so ask your local association what's available.
Grants for associations and charities
These larger grants go to organizations, not individuals. Most require registered charity or "qualified donee" status, so check eligibility before you start.
Doc Seaman Amateur Sport Grants
Funded by the Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund and run by the Calgary Foundation, these grants support amateur hockey and youth sport across Canada. They're open to qualified donees, and elite sport isn't eligible. Amounts vary, and the deadline is November 6 at 4pm.
MLSE Foundation Community Action Grant
Up to $50,000 for Ontario qualified donees that use sport to support youth. Groups outside the Greater Toronto Area get priority. It runs once a year, and the next cycle opens on November 3.
Jumpstart Community Development Grants
Funding for organizations that run sport and physical activity programs. Amounts vary, and applications open in set windows each year, so check the Jumpstart site for dates.
Corporate and sponsor programs
The big sponsor programs usually run on nomination windows in the winter and spring. The 2026 rounds have closed, but these tend to return each year, so keep an eye out.
Kruger Big Assist
Canadians nominate a minor hockey association for a $100,000 grand prize. Kruger committed $200,000 in total in 2026. Nominations for 2026 closed February 22.
OREO Stay Playful For All
Run with the NHLPA, this program gave $400,000 to youth hockey in 2026, including equipment grants of $10,000 or $25,000. Canadians nominate youth hockey organizations, and 2026 submissions closed March 27.
NHLPA Goals & Dreams
The players' charity donates hockey equipment to grassroots programs. It also chooses the OREO grant recipients.
Scotiabank Community Hockey Sponsorship
Scotiabank branches sponsor local teams, leagues and associations. Ask at your local branch about applying.
Esso Medals
A free kit for minor hockey teams with 3 medals and 18 certificates to recognize players. It usually runs October to March, while supplies last.
Provincial programs
Provincial hockey bodies offer smaller grants for grassroots initiatives run by minor hockey associations. If your province isn't listed, check your provincial hockey federation's website.
Every Kid Every Community Grant (Alberta)
The Hockey Alberta Foundation gives up to $5,000 to grassroots initiatives that help more kids play hockey.
Hockey Manitoba Grants (Manitoba)
Hockey Manitoba offers three grants for minor hockey associations and regions. Grassroots Hockey Grants and Goaltender Development Grants each give up to $1,000 per application. Sport Program Funding, through Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, gives up to $5,000 per application.
Women and Girls' Initiatives Funding (British Columbia)
BC Hockey supports minor hockey associations running events for girls' recruitment, coaching and officiating, with up to $7,000 per region. Apply at least three weeks before your event.
Tips before you apply
- Apply early. The Assist Fund and many KidSport and Jumpstart chapters are first come, first served.
- Stack where you can. Some families combine help from more than one program to cover a season.
- Ask your association. Local minor hockey associations often know about city and regional programs that aren't on national lists.
Bring in the funding all season long
Grants can make a real dent in your hockey budget, but the catch is that most come once a year, have limited spots, and close as soon as the money runs out.
That's where FlipGive fills the gap. Instead of taking your chances or waiting on an application, your team earns from the spending your families are already doing.
Simply start a free FlipGive program, share it with your families, and have supporters buy gift cards or shop online with their favourite brands. Every purchase sends a percentage back to your team.
With hundreds of brands to choose from, including Walmart, Starbucks, and Under Armour, there's something for everyone on the roster. One family can earn hundreds of dollars a year, and that adds up fast across the entire team.
Want to see the numbers for your family? Get a free estimate with our Earning Potential Calculator, then multiply the impact when everyone gets involved!
