Major Sport Events Grant Program
Application Now Open
Overview
The Major Sport Events grant program (MSE) builds on Alberta’s reputation as an attractive destination with proven capacity for hosting a wide range of national and international sport events. It recognizes the network of strong sport organizations who demonstrate the ability to collaborate and deliver high quality events.
The program provides support funding to eligible non-profit organizations to host world class national and international sport events in Alberta. The program focuses on hosting single sport events such as world championships, world cups and national championships.
| Major Sport Events Grant Program | |
| Funding Range | Up to $250,000
|
| Application Deadlines | Intake One: CLOSED Intake Two: Opens October 1, 2026 Final grant decision can take up to 4 months. |
| Applications | Organizations may submit up to two applications per MSE intake Each event should be submitted separately Applications are non-transferable |
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be sanctioned by their respective national sport organization and/or international sport federation to host a proposed event in a fair, safe, and responsible manner, and in accordance with the rules and standards of the sport set by the national sport organization and/or international sport federation.
Eligible applicants include First Nations, Métis Settlements, and non-profit organizations that have been registered, and in good standing, for more than two years under one of the following Acts:
Provincial Legislation
- Business Corporations Act, Part 21
- Companies Act, Part 9
- Societies Act
- Special Act of the Alberta Legislature
Federal Legislation
- Special Act of the Parliament of Canada
- Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act
- Income Tax Act
Applicants must be in good standing with Alberta Corporate Registries. To verify your status, click here.
Applicants registered under Federal Legislation. To verify your status, click here.
Ineligible Applicants
- Individuals
- Municipalities
- Agricultural societies
- For-profit organizations
- Post-secondary Institutions as defined under Alberta's Post-secondary Learning Act
- Foundations established and regulated under Alberta's Regional Health Authorities Act
- Non-profit organizations that primarily support private sector, profit-oriented, interests
- Other organizations not registered under one of the acts listed in "Eligible Applicants"
- Organizations with overdue or incomplete accounting/reporting relating to any grant previously awarded by Government of Alberta
Eligible Events
World class national and international events (and venues) that ensure a fair, safe, and responsible competition, in accordance with the rules and standards of the sport as set by the national sport organization and/or international sport federation, subject to the criteria outlined in “Ineligible Events.”
| Event Type | Requirements |
| National Events | Must be sanctioned by a national sport organization listed in Appendix 1 of the 2026 MSE Intake 2 Guidelines. Must include representation from no fewer than six provinces/territories including Alberta as a stand-alone competitor. Representation from an international contingent may substitute as a province to meet the minimum representation requirement. National championships for a specific sport, in a specific age group, must be confirmed by the national sport organization listed in Appendix 1 in the 2026 MSE Intake 2 Guidelines. |
| International Events | Must be sanctioned by an international sport federation listed in Appendix 1 in the 2026 MSE Intake 2 Guidelines. Must include representation from no fewer than three countries, including Canada and one country from outside of North America. |
Ineligible Events
- Events still in the bidding process
- National or international events not meeting the eligibility requirements as stipulated in Section 2.3 of 2026 MSE Intake 2 Guidelines.
- Conferences, congresses, symposiums, expos, or meetings
- Sport development/training camps
- Events hosted prior to the application deadline
- Events and/or festivals that are provincial, regional, or local
- Events that are organized for or delivered by private, for-profit organizations
- Elementary, junior high, and high school sport championships
- National and international events that include biologically male athletes in female-only classes or divisions
- Note: For clarity, in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between this criterion and the rules and standards set by the applicable national sport organization and/or international sport federation, this criterion will govern for the purposes of determining event eligibility.
- Professional events
- Events with athletes being paid a salary or an appearance fee, regardless of performance are considered professional events for the purpose of this program.
- The event must be restricted to athletes who meet amateur status criteria as defined by the relevant sport’s governing (sanctioning) body.
How to Apply - Applications Now Open
1. Read the 2026 MSE Intake 2 Grant Program Guidelines
2026 MSE Guidelines - Intake 2
2. Complete the following
- MSE Intake 2 Workbook
- Complete the Application Form
Deadline to apply is November 19, 2026 at 12:00pm MST
Contact
Connect with the Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Branch office if you have any questions:
Email: [email protected]