miflippo / Depositphotos.com
Applications are closing soon for a legacy fund created following the 2023 Ontario Winter Games aimed at supporting youth sports, local clubs and recreation infrastructure across Renfrew County.
The Sport 4 All Legacy Fund, administered by the Ottawa Valley Community Foundation, will distribute about $375,000 over several years to support sports participation and facility improvements in the region.
Individuals under the age of 21, sports organizations and municipalities are eligible to apply for funding. The deadline for this round of applications is noon on Friday, March 20th.
The fund provides support in three main categories.
A youth sport grant program allocates $20,000 annually, offering grants of up to $1,500 to help cover costs such as equipment, travel and registration fees.
Another $20,000 a year is earmarked for sports clubs and organizations, with four grants of $5,000 available annually to assist teams and local programs with specific needs.
A third category focuses on major sports infrastructure, distributing $40,000 each year through grants of up to $10,000 to support new construction or upgrades to existing facilities. The funding is intended to improve accessibility, increase participation and expand recreational opportunities.
The legacy fund was made possible through contributions from local businesses and residents who collectively raised nearly $400,000 to support the Winter Games when they were hosted in the county in 2023.
Applications for the current intake opened Feb. 2, and successful applicants are expected to be notified starting April 20. Funding awarded this year will support sports programs and facility investments during the 2026 season.
The Ottawa Valley Community Foundation, formerly known as the Pembroke Petawawa District Community Foundation, was established in 2008 to help address community needs as support from government and service clubs declined.
(Steve Berard)