---
title: What is the Indigenous Coach & Officials Bursary?
description: Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) offers the Indigenous Coach and Officials Bursary through the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) to help Indigenous coaches and officials grow their skills without the cost getting in the way.
---

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October 14, 2026

# What is the Indigenous Coach & Officials Bursary?

## This bursary allows Indigenous coaches and officials to get up to $300 back on coaching and officiating workshops every fiscal year.

Indigenous Sport & Wellness Ontario (ISWO) offers the Indigenous Coach and Officials Bursary through the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) to help Indigenous coaches and officials grow their skills without the cost getting in the way.

**What does it cover?**

Up to **$300 in workshop costs per fiscal year**, reimbursed. The fiscal year is April 1-March 31.

**Which workshops qualify?**

Workshop training and certification process requirements (portfolio + evaluation) are eligible for this bursary program.

**eLearning modules purchased through The Locker are not eligible.** These modules include, but are not limited to: NCCP Make Ethical Decisions; NCCP Leading Drug-Free Sport; NCCP Managing Conflict Online Evaluation; NCCP Sport Nutrition; NCCP Coaching Athletes with a Disability; NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport; NCCP Creating a Positive Sport Environment.

[View additional workshop eligibility requirements here](https://coacheson.wpengine.com/programs-resources/funding-for-coaches/#jumplink_coach_eligibility).

**Who's eligible?**

Coaches who meet the following criteria are eligible for this bursary:

- Current member in good standing with the recognized Provincial Sport Organization/Multisport Organization/Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Body
- Are of Indigenous Ancestry
- Are a resident of Ontario

[Please read the full eligibility guidelines here](https://www.coachesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/Indigenous-Coach-and-Officials-Bursary-Eligibily-and-Application-Guidelines.pdf).

**How do I apply?**

1. You must [submit an application online](https://www.coachesontario.ca/programs-resources/funding-for-coaches/indigenous-coach-and-officials-bursary-application/) and select either **Option 1: Direct to Coach** or **Option 2: Direct to Club/Organization.**
2. Once you have applied, CAO will review the application and provide an update on approval.
3. You must complete the NCCP workshop/training.
4. Submit a Final Activity Report. This will be emailed to you by the CAO once your bursary application is approved.

At the time of your application, you must indicate whether you have personally paid upfront for the eligible workshop or certification, or if your club/organization covered the cost. If your club/organization covered the cost, the CAO will reimburse the club/organization following the completion of your training activity and submission of your final activity report.

**Coaching at NAIG 2028?**

The bursary can help cover the Professional Development that Team Ontario coaches need to complete before the Games. See *What Certifications and Qualifications are Mandatory for Team Ontario Coaches and Team Staff at NAIG?*

**Questions?** Contact Zach Fraleigh-Whiteye, Senior Manager, Sport & Wellness, at zach.fraleigh@iswo.ca. 

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