ISWO’s Role in Supporting Sport and Wellness

ISWO’s primary role is to design and deliver sport, wellness, cultural, and leadership programs for Indigenous people across Ontario. Our focus is on:

- Creating accessible programs and events
- Reducing systemic barriers to participation
- Building community capacity through training, resources, and partnerships
- Supporting the holistic well-being of individuals and communities

To achieve this, ISWO directs its funding and resources toward community-based and provincial-level initiatives, rather than providing direct financial support to individual athletes.

No Individual Athlete Funding for Events or Club Participation

ISWO does **not**:

- Pay individual registration or membership fees for sports clubs or teams  
- Cover individual travel, accommodation, or meal costs to attend events  
- Provide individual grants or bursaries for specific tournaments, leagues, or competitions  
- Offer reimbursements for personal sport-related expenses (e.g., equipment, uniforms, training fees)

This means that if you are an individual athlete, parent, or caregiver looking for direct financial assistance to pay for club fees, event registration, or personal competition costs, ISWO is not able to fund those expenses.

Why ISWO Does Not Fund Individual Athletes

ISWO’s funding is primarily public and partnership-based. To create the greatest positive impact for Indigenous communities across Ontario, ISWO must:

- Invest in programs and events that reach many participants  
- Ensure fairness and consistency in how funds are used  
- Focus on long-term, sustainable opportunities for sport and wellness  
- Respect funding agreements and guidelines set by partners and funders  

By concentrating resources on community programs, provincial events, leadership opportunities, and capacity building, ISWO is better positioned to:

- Offer free or low-cost programming  
- Reach urban, rural, and on-reserve communities  
- Support youth leadership, employment pathways, and cultural connection  
- Create safe, culturally grounded spaces for sport and wellness

How ISWO Supports Athletes and Communities Without Individual Funding

Although ISWO does not fund individual athletes, there are many ways that athletes and communities benefit from ISWO programs and initiatives:

- Programs and Camps: Land-based learning, Standing Bear Youth Leadership programming, cultural camps, and wellness activities that build skills, confidence, and connection.
- Events and Competitions: Provincial events, multi-sport games, and major events that offer participation opportunities without individual grants.
- Resources and Training: Coaching support, leadership development, program toolkits, and guides that help communities start and grow sport and wellness programs.
- Focused Supports for Girls and Women: Initiatives and funding programs designed to reduce barriers for Indigenous girls and women in sport, delivered at a program or community level rather than as individual athlete grants.
- Partnerships and Capacity Building: Working with communities, organizations, and partners to create more local opportunities and reduce costs where possible.

These approaches aim to support not just one athlete, but entire communities and future generations of participants.

Alternative Paths to Explore for Individual Funding

While ISWO cannot offer individual funding for club participation or events, athletes and families may wish to explore:

- Band or community funding programs  
- Local Friendship Centres or community organizations  
- School-based bursaries or support programs  
- Municipal recreation subsidies  
- National or provincial sport organization grants and bursaries  
- Charitable foundations or scholarship programs focused on sport

Each community and region may have different resources, so speaking with a local community coordinator, school counsellor, or band office can be a helpful starting point.

Staying Connected with ISWO

Even without individual athlete funding, there are meaningful ways to stay connected with ISWO:

- Participate in ISWO programs, camps, and events when available in your area  
- Follow ISWO channels for announcements about upcoming opportunities  
- Share information about ISWO programs with your community  
- Connect with ISWO staff or regional partners to learn about current initiatives

ISWO remains committed to supporting Indigenous athletes and communities by creating inclusive, culturally rooted, and accessible opportunities in sport and wellness—while maintaining a clear and consistent policy of not providing individual athlete funding for events or club participation.

Funding Resources:
Dream Catcher Charitable Foundation
Jordan's Principle