‘First Down’ Grants to Build Diverse Participation

For Immediate Release 

August 30, 2021

‘First Down’ Grants to Build Diverse Participation

Girls, New Canadians, and Indigenous Groups Get Support

 

Hamilton, Ontario - Per Football Canada:

 

“$50,000 in community grants are available nationwide to foster grassroots development through Football Canada’s First Down program. 

 

First Down engages participants by teaching fundamental movement skills to foster a love of the sport of football and physical activity.

 

“Football Canada is excited to help grow the football community across the country. The program's goal is to bring the sport we love to new participants that may not have had an opportunity to play before now,” said Football Canada’s executive director Shannon Donovan.

 

Successful grant applicants can use the funds to either implement an entire First Down program or put on a half-day festival. Applications can focus on programming for girls, new Canadians, or Indigenous participants as the grant focuses on diversifying engagement. 

 

Twenty grants of $1,000 each are available for half-day festival events, or 12 grants of $2,500 each are available for complete First Down programs. Recipients must use the funding between September 2021 and March 31, 2022. Applicants must be members of their Provincial Football Association or Associate Members of Football Canada. Applications are being accepted now, with no closing deadline. Interested and eligible groups can access the grant application form through the Football Canada website at the following link: 

 

http://programs.footballcanada.com/wpcontent/uploads/sites/8/2017/08/Registration-Form_FD_EN_Fillable-.pdf.”

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 

Aaron Geisler

Executive Director

ageisler ontariofootball.ca

519-719-2322

 

ABOUT FOOTBALL ONTARIO: Football Ontario is the sanctioned provincial governing body for football in Ontario, through its focus on transparency, growth, alignment and excellence, is engaged in providing football opportunities for all of Ontario. Football Ontario is driven by a commitment to deliver football programming, opportunities and resources for its members and the provincial football stakeholders. Please visit: ontariofootball.ca