What is Jumpstart?

Jumpstart is a national charity supported by Canadian Tire that helps children overcome financial barriers to join organized sports and recreation.

Since its launch in 2005, Jumpstart has provided grants for things like registration fees and equipment, making sport possible for many children who might otherwise miss out.

In Calgary, Jumpstart gives children real opportunities to participate in recreation programs — helping them feel part of the community, build confidence, and enjoy better physical and mental health.

Who Benefits from Jumpstart Programs

Jumpstart primarily supports children and youth aged 4 to 18 from families facing financial need. The program aims to ensure every child has a fair chance to play sport and join recreation programs.

Jumpstart also includes provisions for specific groups, such as military families (serving Regular Force members, veterans, and reservists), recognizing the unique challenges these families may face.

Overall goal: no child should be left out of sport or recreation due to cost.

Mission and Impact in Local Communities

Jumpstart’s mission is to remove financial barriers so children can access sport and recreation, which supports confidence, skill-building, friendship, and overall wellbeing.

In Calgary, the program is visible through funded registrations, equipment support, and partnerships that make programs more accessible. When more children participate, neighborhoods grow stronger and community connections improve.

How to Access Jumpstart Funding for Kids

Applying for Jumpstart service support is done through a simple online portal. Parents or guardians create an account, fill out the application, and upload any supporting documents required to show financial need.

Application Steps for Calgary Families

1. Create a family account on the Canadian Tire Jumpstart website.
2. Start a new application and choose “Individual Child Grant”.
3. If your family has special circumstances, answer “Yes” to extenuating circumstances and provide a short explanation.
4. Complete all required fields and upload supporting documents if requested.
5. Submit the application for review.

Note: Submitting an application does not automatically register a child into a program — families must still confirm program spots directly with the sport or recreation provider.

Eligibility Criteria for Assistance

Eligibility is based mainly on financial need. There is flexibility for families with special or extenuating circumstances who may not meet strict income thresholds but still require support.

Activities, Sports, and Inclusivity Supported

Jumpstart can fund more than 70 different sports and recreation programs — everything from team sports to individual activities. Most funding is used for house-league style programs, though some local chapters may support select or competitive leagues in certain cases.

A key Calgary initiative is the Calgary Adapted Hub powered by Jumpstart, which helps kids and youth with disabilities find accessible sport and recreation options. The Hub supports inclusive coaching, accessible equipment, and connections to suitable programs.

Examples of supported programs in Calgary

• Team sports: soccer, hockey (including house leagues), basketball
• Individual sports: swimming, martial arts, dance
• Adapted and inclusive programs coordinated through the Calgary Adapted Hub

Key offerings from the Calgary Adapted Hub:

• Connections to recreational, developmental, and high-performance adapted sport
• Resources to help local sport clubs become more inclusive
• Support for families to find the right program and access appropriate equipment
• Access to inclusive facilities and training opportunities

Conclusion

Jumpstart Calgary plays a vital role in making sport and recreation accessible for children across the city. By removing cost barriers and supporting inclusive programs, Jumpstart helps kids learn teamwork, improve wellbeing, and feel connected to their community.

If you want to learn more or support the program, consider visiting the links below or donating directly through the Jumpstart site. Together we can make a difference for Calgary youth.

Link References & Resources

Useful local and national resources:

• Calgary Adapted Hub
• WinSport Calgary
• University of Calgary
• Sport Calgary
• Robertson College
• Canadian Tire Jumpstart