Student Grants to Empower Girls and Young Women Through Sport

January 13, 2026
Equity Diversity Inclusion, Youth Engagement

Thanks to the generous support of Canadian Women & Sport, we are excited to offer two $500 grants to support student-led projects that empower girls and young women through sport and movement in the Northwest Territories.

These grants are designed to help students turn ideas into action. Projects should promote inclusion, leadership, body confidence, or increased participation in school-based physical activity or sport. Most importantly, they should reflect the voices, creativity, and leadership of young people.

Who Can Apply

  • Students or student teams in NWT schools, grades 7 to 12 preferred
  • A teacher or community mentor must support the project
  • Projects must focus on girls and young women

Project Ideas

Projects should be student-designed. If you are looking for inspiration, here are some examples of what a project could look like:

  • A school-based campaign about body confidence in sport
  • A girls-only activity club such as lunch-time yoga, dodgeball, or dance
  • A mentorship program connecting older and younger girls through sport
  • A photo or art exhibit exploring what sport and movement mean to girls at your school
  • An inclusive sportswear initiative focused on design, education, or access
  • A “Train Like a Girl” challenge week that celebrates strength, skill, and confidence

These are only ideas. We encourage students to think creatively about what would make sport and movement more welcoming and meaningful in their community.

What the $500 Can Be Used For

Grant funds can support practical needs such as:

  • Equipment or supplies
  • Printing or materials for campaigns or artwork
  • Space rental
  • Snacks or food, including a well earned pizza lunch
  • Small incentives or prizes
  • Guest speaker or facilitator fees
  • Honorariums for mentors or volunteers

Timeline

  • Applications open: January 12, 2026
  • Deadline to apply: January 31, 2026
  • Projects must be completed by: June 21, 2026

How to Apply

Students will complete a simple one page application that includes:
1. Your idea, what you want to do and why
2. Who is involved, including students, mentors, and teachers
3. Target audience, who will benefit from the project
4. Budget, how you plan to use the $500
5. Timeline, when and how the project will be delivered

We will provide a short application form and light reporting at the end of the project. This may include a few photos, short reflections, or a brief video.

Application form: https://forms.gle/FUjCoz2kBkX28fzU8
Report form: https://forms.gle/KR8eBGhpZugsocxC9

We look forward to seeing the ideas, leadership, and creativity that students across the NWT bring forward. These projects are about building confidence, connection, and opportunity, led by youth, for youth.