(OTTAWA, Ont.) – Wheelchair Basketball Canada (WBC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Baseline Grant – funding designed to support local programs and initiatives that promote participation in wheelchair basketball across the country. Eligible clubs can apply for up to $5,000 for projects between June 2025 and March 31, 2026.
WBC will deliver funding in partnership with Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations (PSO) and local clubs to foster strategic alignment across all levels of the sport system to increase impact and long-term success.
Priority will be given to projects that:
- Facilitate increased participation among women and girls, youth, and underserved communities.
- Focus on recruitment and retention within the club system.
- Impact multiple participants and organizations.
WBC encourages applicants to include all program-related needs in their application. While not every item may be eligible for funding, WBC and each PSO have access to additional resources that may be able to support requests that fall outside the grant scope.
For example, please do not ONLY apply for funding for a single wheelchair – such requests will not be approved independently. However, if the application includes initiatives such as:
- Several try-it events linked to club programming
- A new partnership with a rehab centre or post-secondary institution
- A competition scheduled with other clubs in the area
- An NCCP coaching course
- Regional officials training
- 1 and/or multiple wheelchair(s)
WBC will review the application, fund eligible components, and seek additional resources to meet the applicant’s remaining needs.
Eligibility Requirements
The Baseline Grant requires projects to be based in and performing services in Canada.
To be eligible to apply, organizations must be registered clubs or community providers recognized as a member of a WBC PSO.
Grantee Commitments
Applicants’ projects must outline a plan to complete the following requirements prior to the final distribution of grant funds.
- Have a certified Competition-Introduction coach with valid screenings and trainings;
- Vulnerable Sector Check;
- Criminal Record Check;
- CAC Safe Sport Training;
- Use RAMP Interactive for club/program registration;
- Participate in Wheelchair Basketball Week (Sept. 22-28, 2025);
- Maintain an active/updated online presence (social media or website);
- Complete a final report outlining the impact of the project, including participant numbers:
- Adult/Youth
- Underserved communities
- Women & Girls
- Indigenous
- Complete a final budget with corresponding receipts.
Application Details
Applications for the Baseline Grant will be submitted through a consultation with representatives from Wheelchair Basketball Canada and your Provincial/Territorial Sport Organization.
Please complete the following steps to apply for the funding:
- Review eligibility requirements and Grantee Commitments;
- Complete the applicant information form;
- Book a planning session with Wheelchair Basketball Canada HERE
The following agenda will be reviewed during your consultation:
- Planning and brainstorming session for the applicant’s project and plan for the 2025-26 season
- Projected timeline for the project
- Budget
- Alignment with WBC’s strategic priorities
- Alignment with PSO
Application Timeline
Projects will be reviewed on a rolling basis for the intake period. To discuss your proposal, please book a consultation during one of the available time slots displayed on the booking site. Book your consultation HERE.
Should you be unavailable during these dates and times, please reach out to Kathleen O’Nyon at konyon@wheelchairbasketball.ca to arrange another meeting date.
The consultation intake period will be open from May 20 to June 3.
WBC & P/TSO Commitments
WBC and your PSO are committed to working with each applicant for the duration of the project to support in the following key areas:
- Project planning
- Operations
- Strategic communications
- Registration
- Post-project analysis
- Program sustainability planning
The Baseline Grant is funded by the Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI) component of the Sport Canada Sport Support Program.
About Wheelchair Basketball Canada
Wheelchair Basketball Canada (WBC) is the national sports governing body responsible for the organization of the sport in Canada. It is a non-profit, charitable organization committed to excellence in developing, supporting, and promoting wheelchair basketball programs and services from grassroots to high performance for all Canadians. Wheelchair basketball is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, competitive sport in which Canada is held in high esteem worldwide for winning six gold, one silver, and one bronze medal over the last nine Paralympic Games. WBC will host the 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships from September 9-19, 2026.
For more information on WBC, please visit Wheelchairbasketball.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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For more information, please contact:
Kathleen O’Nyon
Membership Coordinator
konyon@wheelchairbasketball.ca
Sean Liebich
Director, Development
sliebich@wheelchairbasketball.ca