NT School Sports welcomed participants to the first session of its new Funding Opportunities Webinar Series on October 6. The series is designed to help schools, communities, organizations, families, and individuals learn more about the funding and support available across the Northwest Territories.

Our first presenter was Delanie Vail, Executive Director of the Mackenzie Recreation Association. Delanie provided a practical overview of MRA, the communities it serves, and the funding opportunities available to help people participate in recreation, sport, leadership development, and community programming.

Delanie introduced three primary funding opportunities:

• The Individual and Family Grant, providing up to $1,500 for adults and up to $3,000 for youth
• The Recreation Initiative Grant, providing up to $500 for individuals and up to $4,000 for communities
• The Professional Development Grant, providing up to $1,000 for individuals and up to $2,000 for communities

Participants also learned about MRA’s community events, summer programs, leadership opportunities, and Recreation Leader Spotlight, which recognizes the volunteers who make recreation possible in their communities.

One of the most important messages from the session was that people do not have to work through the funding process alone. Applications can be completed online, through a PDF form, or directly with Delanie over the phone. Applications must normally be submitted at least two weeks before an event, with funding provided as a reimbursement after the event and final report are completed.

Delanie is originally from Fort Smith and moved to Yellowknife in 2021. Along with leading MRA as a one-person team, she continues to stay involved in sport as a coach with a U15 girls soccer team. Her passion for supporting communities, building relationships, and helping people access recreation opportunities was clear throughout the session.

NT School Sports has accessed MRA funding on many occasions and has seen the difference this support can make, particularly for smaller communities. The process is welcoming, practical, and supported by someone who genuinely wants to help people succeed.

Here is the recording of the webinar.

Thank you, Delanie and the Mackenzie Recreation Association, for helping us begin this webinar series and for continuing to create opportunities and possibilities across the NWT. To learn more about MRA’s grants, eligibility requirements, or application process, visit the MRA Funding Overview.