Community Tennis Grants Open for 2026 with New Two-Year Funding Stream up to $20,000

Tennis Canada, in partnership with National Bank, has opened applications for the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grants 2026, introducing a new two-year funding stream alongside its existing one-year grants. With total investment now reaching $125,000, the program continues to support Canadian organizations working to advance equity and access for self-identifying women and girls in tennis.

This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen community-based tennis initiatives that create meaningful, long-term impact—from grassroots participation to leadership development across the sport.

About the Community Tennis Grants

Now entering its fifth cycle, the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grants support organizations that deliver tennis programs specifically focused on the participation, retention, and advancement of women and girls. Since launching in 2022, the initiative has distributed nearly $300,000 to 54 organizations across 10 provinces and two territories, reflecting growing national demand for equity-driven sport programming.

In response to this demand, Tennis Canada and National Bank have expanded the program in 2026 by introducing two distinct funding streams.

Funding Streams Available

Eligible organizations may apply under one of the following options:

• One-Year Grants:
  Funding of up to $7,500 to support short-term or pilot initiatives.

• Two-Year Grants:
  Funding of up to $20,000, available exclusively to past Community Tennis Grant recipients, aimed at initiatives with sustained, long-term impact.

At least 70% of grant funding must be directly allocated to women and girls, ensuring resources reach their intended beneficiaries.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to Canadian-based organizations that deliver tennis-related programs and meet the program’s equity criteria. Eligible applicants include:

• Community tennis clubs

• Nonprofit and community organizations

• Universities and educational institutions

• Local and regional sport organizations

To qualify, programs must focus on self-identifying women and girls and demonstrate clear outcomes related to participation, leadership, or advancement within tennis.

Priority Focus Areas

Funded initiatives may include, but are not limited to:

• Expanding opportunities for women and girls to participate in tennis programs, training, or competitions

• Creating pathways for women and girls to become coaches, umpires, and future leaders

• Supporting equity capacity-building through education and structured training

• Improving retention and participant experience in community tennis environments

For the two-year grant, priority is given to initiatives that demonstrate sustainability and long-term growth, such as:

• Scaling proven programs previously supported through the grants

• Establishing structured leadership, coaching, or officiating pathways

• Embedding equity and inclusion practices into organizational systems

Program Impact and Demand

The 2025 funding cycle attracted more than 80 applications, the highest number received to date. This record level of interest highlights the continued need for targeted investment in equity-driven tennis initiatives across Canada.

Past recipients have included a wide range of organizations working to expand access, strengthen leadership representation, and test new models for inclusive participation within their communities.

Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

• Closing Time: 4:00 p.m. EST

Organizations are encouraged to review eligibility requirements carefully before submitting their applications.

How to Apply

Complete application details, eligibility criteria, and submission instructions are available through Tennis Canada’s official platform:

Apply here:
https://www.tenniscanada.com/change-game/game-setequity/community-tennis-grants

For questions related to the application process, applicants may contact the Women and Girls Advancement team at Tennis Canada:

Email: [email protected]

About Game. Set. Equity.

Game. Set. Equity. is Tennis Canada and National Bank’s long-term commitment to advancing equity for women and girls at every level of the tennis ecosystem in Canada. The initiative supports participation, leadership, and professional pathways—from community courts to high-performance environments—and represents the first strategy of its kind in Tennis Canada’s history.

For More Opportunities Check Global Intern Desk