What is the Jumpstart Program?
“Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a registered charity (#1379 29 451 RR0002) dedicated to removing financial barriers so kids across Canada have the opportunity to get off the sidelines and get into the game.”
Jumpstart funding can be used towards a wide variety of sports and physical activities (including CTRA's program).
Jumpstart offers funding to families with children aged 4-18 that meet their low-income criteria.
To determine eligibility, Jumpstart uses Revenue Canada’s Low Income Cut-offs (LICOs) which are published by Statistics Canada.
These are available here:
To use the Stats Can Chart:
- Find the size of the family unit down the left-hand side.
- Find the community size across the top.
Where the column and row meet is the LICO for that family unit size in the community.
To prove eligibility, applicants will have to upload an income assessment, prior year T4 statement, or three consecutive pay stubs at the time of application – this information is kept confidential.
How much funding can we get?
There are two primary pots of funding that low-income families can access:
1) The Big Play (released for a limited time each year) which provides $500/year for 3 years to get kids involved in minor hockey
2) The regular program (accepts applications “year round” - Jan 15 – Nov 1) which provides up to $300/eligible activity.
Both programs have an annual maximum of $600/child/year.
Note: these are maximums and the amount awarded is subject to chapter discretion and local demands.
What can this funding be used for?
Jumpstart funds can be used towards registration costs, transportation costs, or equipment necessary to the sport (vouchers are provided).
Eligible sports/activities are listed here:
Note: If your sport/activity is not already listed, families will be prompted to contact their local Community Partner to see if Jumpstart funding can be used.
Eligible sport/activity programs must run a minimum of five weeks in duration and at a minimum of one session per week. In the case of camps, a duration of one week with five consecutive days in session is acceptable.
What do we need to know to apply?
Recent Update: Families are now able to submit a paper application to their approved service provider. A hardcopy of the application is available for printing here or can be picked up from CTRA's office.
