We recognize that it can be expensive to play hockey. We want to ensure that every child who wants to play hockey has the opportunity to play hockey. There are organizations in Ontario which assist children to play organized sports such as hockey such as those listed below.
Town of East Gwillimbury - Youth and Community Initiatives Fund
The Town of East Gwillimbury is committed to helping youth (under age 19), elite athletes and community groups of the Town to participate in various activities and community programs.
To support this commitment, the Town has established a “Youth and Community Initiatives Fund”, which is funded through the Mayor & Council Charity Golf Tournament held annually in September.
The purpose of the Youth and Community Initiatives Fund is to provide financial assistance to both individuals and community groups to help them participate in or organize various activities offered throughout the Town.
Visit the Town of Eastgwillimbury Youth and Community Initiatives Fund
East Gwillimbury Minor Hockey Association – Player Assistance Fund for Members by Members
As part of the annual registration fee, our members have the option to voluntarily add a Player Assistance Fund Donation.
The purpose of this is to allow members to donate to a fund to assist other members of our community who are in need of financial assistance with the opportunity to play hockey.
The fund is managed by the EGMHA Board. For more information or to make an application for funds, please contact the EGMHA Administrator at admin@egmha.com
Hockey Canada Assist Fund
The Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund was created in 2020 to provide financial support to Canadian youth who want to play hockey and break barriers. The fund will provide up to $500 per youth player in registration fee subsidies for financially-qualified applicants registered with a sanctioned Hockey Canada association.
Applications for the Hockey Canada Assist Fund are generally open annually from August 1 to October 15th.
Visit the Hockey Canada Assist Fund website
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program
Canadian Tire JumpStart is a community-based charitable program that helps kids in financial need participate in organized sports and recreation activities such as hockey.
- Applicants must be 5 to 18 years old
- Funding up to $300 per child is available
- A maximum of one program per child is allowed per season
- Funding is available for different members of the same family during the same season
- Funding approval is dependent on the financial situation of each child and will be determined by the JumpStart Committee
Visit the Canadian Tire Jumpstart web site
Kidsport Ontario
KidSport is a grass roots Canadian non-profit organization that provides support to under-resourced children and youth 18 years of age and under by removing financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport.
- The KidSport grant covers up to $250 per child, per calendar year, to go towards registration fees and personal sports equipment.
- Children 18 years old and under qualify for KidSport funding.
- Applications must be submitted 45 days prior to activity start date.
- The KidSport Ontario grant covers organized sports that are instructed by qualified coaches and that represent a sustainable sport experience.
Visit the Kidsport Ontario website
Grindstone Award Foundation (for female players only)
The Grindstone Award Foundation is a charity that enables young female players to participate and improve their skill development in the sport of hockey. The intent is to provide support to communities across Canada and address the needs of players who have a desire to play, but are unable to for financial reasons.
The Foundation provides grants to female players under the age of nineteen who have expressed a desire to pursue their goals in athletics. Our selection will be based on financial need and desire, not on hockey ability. It is the Foundation’s intention that all grants will be awarded objectively in accordance with this criteria.
Visit the Grindstone Award Foundation website