Major Sport Events Guidelines
Applications for Intake 1 Open February 12
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 calibre 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 nonprofit organizations to host world class national and international sport events in Alberta. The program focuses on hosting single sport events (e.g. world championships, world cups and national championships). These events are generally governed by a sport’s international federation or national sport organization, have a qualification process, entry restrictions and are identified as part of the national sport organization’s high performance and long-term development plans.
The purpose of the program is to streamline processes and maximize limited funding for organizations.
| Characteristics | Major Sport Events Grant |
| Funding Range | Up to $250,000 Maximum funding from all sources of the Government of Alberta cannot exceed 50 per cent of the total event cost. Government funding does not support surplus budgets. |
| Application Deadlines | Intake One: April 01 - 23:59pm Intake Two: Fall 2025 Final grant decision can take up to 4 months. |
| Applications | Organizations may submit applications for multiple events Each event should be submitted under a sperate application Applications are non-transferable |
| Matching Requirements | Applicant must cover 50% of the total event cost from non-Alberta Government revenue and contribution sources. |
| Event Completion and Financial Reporting Timeframes | Reporting must be submitted within 24 months from date the grant agreement is signed. |
| Application Package | Major Sport Events Grant Program |
| Grant Agreement | Formal grant agreement will be provided upon approval |
Important Information
Intake One application open February 12
2025 Major Sport Events Grant Guidelines - available February 12
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be registered, and in good standing, for more than two years under one of the following Acts:
| Provincial Legislation | Federal Legislation |
| Part 21 of the Business Corporations Act - Extra-Provincial Corporations | Special Act of the Parliament of Canada |
| Companies Act, Part 9 (non-profit companies) | Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act |
| Societies Act | Income Tax Act (Charities) |
| Special Act of the Alberta Legislature | |
| First Nations and Métis settlements, if they meet the sanctioning eligibility | |
Ineligible Applicants
| Agricultural Societies | Municipalities |
| For-profit organizations | Individuals |
| Universities, colleges, and institutes as defined under Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act | Non-profit organizations that primarily support private sector, profit-oriented, interests |
| Other organizations not registered under one of the Acts listed in 2.1. | Organizations that have overdue or incomplete accounting/reporting relating to any grant previously awarded by Government of Alberta |
| Foundations established and regulated under the province’s Regional Health Authorities Act |
Eligible and Ineligible 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 and/or International Federations. See MSE 2025 Grant Guidelines for more details.
Eligible and Ineligible Expenses
See 2025 MSE Guidelines for more details.
Application Process
Applications for Intake 1 open on February 12
Please complete the Online Application Form - All applications are due April 1 no later than 23:59pm
Please see the 2025 MSE Guidelines and application for complete criteria.
For further questions connect with the Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Branch office:
Email: [email protected]