I·SPARC’s Spring Intake of Equipment Grant Applications NOW OPEN!

I·SPARC’s Spring Intake of Equipment Grant Applications NOW OPEN!

Victoria, BC (March 24, 2017) – I·SPARC (The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council) is now accepting applications for its Spring edition of the Equipment Grant Program.

The Equipment Grant Program offers First Nations, Métis Chartered Communities, Aboriginal Friendship Centres and some other not-for-profit organizations serving Indigenous communities across British Columbia the opportunity to apply for funds to purchase sport, recreation and/or physical activity equipment. The equipment must be used to promote healthy active lifestyles by reducing barriers and increasing access to sport, recreation and physical activity programs.

The release of the Equipment Grant Program is delivered through I·SPARC’s Regional Selection Committees, inclusive of the Northwest, Northeast, Interior, Fraser, Vancouver Coastal and Vancouver Island regions. Regional Selection Committees will be responsible for evaluating the applications submitted by communities/organizations from all regions and awarding the grants.

Please read the information below before proceeding to the application form:

ELIGIBILITY
All First Nations, Metis Chartered Communities and Friendship Centres are eligible to apply. In addition, some community not-for-profit organizations that deliver Indigenous sport, recreation and/or physical activity programs will be eligible to apply. Due to limited funds, not all applications will be selected.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
All applications (including official purchase quotes or statements from a retailer, supplier or distributor) must be received on or before 4 pm (PST), Wednesday, April 19th, 2017.  Note: Successful applicants will be notified in late April/early May.

FINAL REPORT
All grant recipients will be required to complete and submit a final report. The report form will be provided by I·SPARC.

EXAMPLES OF GENERALLY APPROVED EQUIPMENT:
(these are examples only, not an exhaustive list)

• Volleyball & Basketball equipment
• Soccer, Tetherball equipment
• Hockey, Lacrosse and Floor Hockey equipment
• Baseball/Softball and Badminton equipment
• Skis and Snowshoes
• Canoes and Kayaks
• Yoga Mats and blocks
• Archery and Curling equipment
• Nordic Walking Poles and Jump Ropes
• Steeplecourse, Ultimate Discs, Disc Golf equipment, Golf clubs

The maximum amount available for recipients shall be up to $1,500. The funds must be used to purchase approved sport, recreation, or physical activity equipment. Applications that demonstrate the following will rank highest within the application evaluation process:

– A large number of Indigenous people benefiting from use of the equipment
– Easy access, safe storage and shared use of equipment

Large single-user equipment (treadmills etc.), electronics, team jerseys or uniforms and sport apparel are not eligible for the equipment grant program.