Women & Girls Fund

A fund targeting initiatives that leverage sports as a catalyst for positive societal transformation, with a particular focus on Indigenous women and girls in Ontario.

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Women and Girls Fund

About the Fund

The Women & Girls Sport Fund (WGSF) is an ISWO initiative under its Women & Girls program. This fund aims to create more opportunities for women and girls to participate in sports, recreation, and physical activities while building confidence, skills, and knowledge. It also focuses on breaking down barriers, providing resources, and reducing at-risk behaviours through education and support.

Applicants must show:

Impact

The WGSF will support each successful application and project by awarding $5,000 grant to expand wellness for their program and community. 10 grants are available each year.

Funding Partner

Funded by the Government of Canada under STREAM 1 of the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities (SSDIC) initiative, managed by Sport Canada.

Apply For Funding

Who Can Apply for ISWO Funding Programs

This fund is designed to make sports, physical activities, and Indigenous wellness practices more accessible to women and girls of all ages and abilities. ISWO encourages applications from remote and rural communities with limited sports opportunities and urban Indigenous populations with low participation rates.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • First Nation, Métis, or Inuit (FNMI) community associations located in Ontario.
  • Indigenous women and girls or youth groups
  • Indigenous not-for-profit organizations located in Ontario.
  • A First Nation, Inuit, or Métis governing body, or an Indigenous provincial/territorial organization or authority in Ontario.
  • Not-for-profit organizations, clubs, and associations in Ontario that directly influence organized sport delivery in Indigenous communities, in consultation and collaboration with those communities.

WGSF Application Process

ISWO is responsible for determining the eligibility of each applicant, their project, and project-related expenses. The WGSF is specifically designed to support the Women and Girls population within the Indigenous communities of Ontario.

Step 1:
Review fund eligibility by reading reviewing the criteria above.

Applying for funding is straightforward  to best support your initiatives.

Review Eligibility

Step 2:
Complete the online application form with accurate information.

Double-check your entries to avoid delays in processing.

Start Application

Step 3:
Wait for Confirmation and follow-up from ISWO Staff

A member of the ISWO team will get in touch with eligible applications.

Contact Us

Submit Your Funding Application

Complete the form below to apply for funding opportunities available through ISWO.

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Please provide an estimate cost of your project by activity and item. Only project-related expenses, which can be of cash and in-kind, are eligible. Please refer to the guidelines for full list of eligible expenses. This file you attach must include: Program Items (Honorarium, equipment, supplies, other, etc.), Description of Cost, Quantity, Cost Per Item, and Total Estimated Cost.
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latest updates

October 4, 2026

A Shared Vision for Play and Purpose: Ontario Soccer and ISWO unite to build a Lasting Pathway for Indigenous Youth

TORONTO, ON | SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 – While anchored by Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario’s (ISWO) five-year Spirit of the Pitch legacy initiative and Ontario Soccer’s current Strategic Plan Indigenous Futsal/Soccer initiative, the overarching goal of this landmark collaboration is the enduring, generational development of a sustainable soccer pathway for Indigenous youth and communities across the province. Marked by shared values, mutual respect, and a deep love for the beautiful game, Ontario Soccer has formally welcomed ISWO as an official Associate Member – an extraordinary honour that bridges grassroots community joy with provincial high-performance excellence. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to growing the game in a way that is inclusive, respectful, and representative of the diverse communities we serve. By continuing to broaden and diversify our membership, we strengthen soccer across Ontario and create more meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth, families, and communities to feel welcomed, supported, and connected through the sport." said Alan O'Brien, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Soccer. Guided by the spirit of Team 88 and directly advancing Call to Action #88, #89 and #90 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – which calls for sustained athlete development, national initiatives, and systemic collaboration in Indigenous sport – this alliance unites both organizations under a common banner. Together, ISWO and Ontario Soccer are committed to creating welcoming environments where children can fall in love with play, communities are empowered, and systemic barriers are dismantled. "Being welcomed into Ontario Soccer as an Associate Member is both an incredible honour and a historic turning point," said Frank Horn, President of Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario. "At its core, this partnership is driven by a shared heart for the game and for the children, youth and c
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October 4, 2026

Grants Available for Indigenous Sport and Recreation Programs in Ontario

Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) offers several grants for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, organizations, and groups across Ontario to fund sport, recreation, wellness, and leadership programs. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 and cover equipment, community programming, improving women and girls' participation, and youth leadership development in urban, rural, and remote areas. What Types of Grants Does ISWO Offer? ISWO provides a range of targeted funding programs designed to break down barriers to sport and recreation in Indigenous communities across Ontario. Each grant serves a specific need, from equipment access to youth leadership, and all prioritize culturally grounded approaches to wellness. Here's a closer look at each one. How Can Communities Get Funding for Sport Equipment? Equipment costs are one of the most common barriers to sport participation, especially in remote communities. The Power 2 Play Equipment Grant addresses this directly by providing up to $5,000 in funding for equipment, or the option to request 10 to 15 sets of Bauer hockey equipment per applicant organization. Proposals that demonstrate how culturally grounded sport and physical activity opportunities can enhance overall wellness are strongly encouraged. Timeline: Accepting applications in the summer. What Funding Is Available for Remote and Rural Indigenous Communities? The Northern & Remote Communities Recreation Fund is designed specifically for remote and rural communities. It offers up to $10,000 for new, existing, or expanded projects that address community social development needs through sport, recreation, and physical activity. Like all ISWO programs, it prioritizes culturally grounded approaches that support overall wellness. Timeline: Accepting applications in the fall. Are There Grants Specifically for Indigenous Women and Girls in Sport? Yes. The Women & Girls Spo
5
Minute Read
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October 4, 2026

Sport and Leadership Development

Sport can start as something you do, but it often becomes something that shapes who you are. For Indigenous youth, that transformation can be especially powerful. Beyond the competition, sport offers a space to grow, belong, and lead. From the Field to Everyday Life On the field of play, athletes build skills that extend far beyond the game. Youth learn how to communicate under pressure, how to work with different personalities, and how to stay focused when things get hard. Youth also learn accountability through showing up for your team, owning your mistakes, and putting in the work to get better. Leadership also shows up in the small moments: encouraging a teammate, helping someone learn a new skill, or setting the tone with a positive attitude. Over time, those habits build confidence and responsibility. That's why we say sport is more than competition. It can be a pathway from athlete to leader, with lessons youth carry into school, work, and community for the rest of their life. Building Confidence, One Day at a Time Confidence doesn't show up overnight. It's built every time a young person tries something new, keeps going, and realizes they can do hard things. That's exactly what Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) designs its sports camps to do. At an ISWO camp , youth set goals, practice, and see their progress in real time. Maybe it's learning a new skill, completing a challenging drill, or stepping into a scrimmage with courage. Those small wins add up and build a sense of believing in oneself that lasts. When things don't go according to plan, sport teaches resilience. Youth learn to bounce back, keep practicing, and try again. That lesson is just as valuable as any trophy. Leadership Starts Here Being part of a team builds confidence, too. Youth learn to communicate, support each other, and step
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October 4, 2026

A Shared Vision for Play and Purpose: Ontario Soccer and ISWO unite to build a Lasting Pathway for Indigenous Youth

TORONTO, ON | SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 – While anchored by Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario’s (ISWO) five-year Spirit of the Pitch legacy initiative and Ontario Soccer’s current Strategic Plan Indigenous Futsal/Soccer initiative, the overarching goal of this landmark collaboration is the enduring, generational development of a sustainable soccer pathway for Indigenous youth and communities across the province. Marked by shared values, mutual respect, and a deep love for the beautiful game, Ontario Soccer has formally welcomed ISWO as an official Associate Member – an extraordinary honour that bridges grassroots community joy with provincial high-performance excellence. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to growing the game in a way that is inclusive, respectful, and representative of the diverse communities we serve. By continuing to broaden and diversify our membership, we strengthen soccer across Ontario and create more meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth, families, and communities to feel welcomed, supported, and connected through the sport." said Alan O'Brien, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Soccer. Guided by the spirit of Team 88 and directly advancing Call to Action #88, #89 and #90 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – which calls for sustained athlete development, national initiatives, and systemic collaboration in Indigenous sport – this alliance unites both organizations under a common banner. Together, ISWO and Ontario Soccer are committed to creating welcoming environments where children can fall in love with play, communities are empowered, and systemic barriers are dismantled. "Being welcomed into Ontario Soccer as an Associate Member is both an incredible honour and a historic turning point," said Frank Horn, President of Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario. "At its core, this partnership is driven by a shared heart for the game and for the children, youth and c
6
Minute Read
Blog Post
October 4, 2026

Grants Available for Indigenous Sport and Recreation Programs in Ontario

Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) offers several grants for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities, organizations, and groups across Ontario to fund sport, recreation, wellness, and leadership programs. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 and cover equipment, community programming, improving women and girls' participation, and youth leadership development in urban, rural, and remote areas. What Types of Grants Does ISWO Offer? ISWO provides a range of targeted funding programs designed to break down barriers to sport and recreation in Indigenous communities across Ontario. Each grant serves a specific need, from equipment access to youth leadership, and all prioritize culturally grounded approaches to wellness. Here's a closer look at each one. How Can Communities Get Funding for Sport Equipment? Equipment costs are one of the most common barriers to sport participation, especially in remote communities. The Power 2 Play Equipment Grant addresses this directly by providing up to $5,000 in funding for equipment, or the option to request 10 to 15 sets of Bauer hockey equipment per applicant organization. Proposals that demonstrate how culturally grounded sport and physical activity opportunities can enhance overall wellness are strongly encouraged. Timeline: Accepting applications in the summer. What Funding Is Available for Remote and Rural Indigenous Communities? The Northern & Remote Communities Recreation Fund is designed specifically for remote and rural communities. It offers up to $10,000 for new, existing, or expanded projects that address community social development needs through sport, recreation, and physical activity. Like all ISWO programs, it prioritizes culturally grounded approaches that support overall wellness. Timeline: Accepting applications in the fall. Are There Grants Specifically for Indigenous Women and Girls in Sport? Yes. The Women & Girls Spo
5
Minute Read
Blog Post
October 4, 2026

Sport and Leadership Development

Sport can start as something you do, but it often becomes something that shapes who you are. For Indigenous youth, that transformation can be especially powerful. Beyond the competition, sport offers a space to grow, belong, and lead. From the Field to Everyday Life On the field of play, athletes build skills that extend far beyond the game. Youth learn how to communicate under pressure, how to work with different personalities, and how to stay focused when things get hard. Youth also learn accountability through showing up for your team, owning your mistakes, and putting in the work to get better. Leadership also shows up in the small moments: encouraging a teammate, helping someone learn a new skill, or setting the tone with a positive attitude. Over time, those habits build confidence and responsibility. That's why we say sport is more than competition. It can be a pathway from athlete to leader, with lessons youth carry into school, work, and community for the rest of their life. Building Confidence, One Day at a Time Confidence doesn't show up overnight. It's built every time a young person tries something new, keeps going, and realizes they can do hard things. That's exactly what Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) designs its sports camps to do. At an ISWO camp , youth set goals, practice, and see their progress in real time. Maybe it's learning a new skill, completing a challenging drill, or stepping into a scrimmage with courage. Those small wins add up and build a sense of believing in oneself that lasts. When things don't go according to plan, sport teaches resilience. Youth learn to bounce back, keep practicing, and try again. That lesson is just as valuable as any trophy. Leadership Starts Here Being part of a team builds confidence, too. Youth learn to communicate, support each other, and step
3
Minute Read
Blog Post