FEMALE COACH/UMPIRE DEVELOPMENT BURSARY PROGRAM

Supported by a Sport Canada grant, Softball Canada is proud to offer financial assistance to female coaches and umpires seeking to enhance their knowledge and expertise. This bursary program aims to support female role models in softball by funding development opportunities at various levels. 

Running from March 1 to March 31, 2025, the program will provide financial support to individuals, clubs, and Provincial/Territorial associations for initiatives that advance the development of female coaches and umpires. Funding will focus on: 

• Female umpire development 
• Female coach development 
• Reducing financial barriers to participation 
• Increasing the number of female role models in softball across Canada 

This initiative is part of Softball Canada’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusivity and growth in the sport. 

HOW TO APPLY

PROVINCIAL/TERRITORIAL ASSOCIATIONS AND/OR LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

The following must be included in the application to be considered: 

• Applicant contact information
• Description of initiative (500 words)
• Purposed initiative budget
• Permission from P/T association or association president where applicable 

INDIVIDUALS

The following must be included in the application to be considered for funding: 

• Applicant contact information (including NCCP # if applicable)
• Description of coaching and/or umpiring experience
• Why you are applying (250 words)
• Coaching and/or umpiring goals (250 words)
• Written support from your P/T association

*Upon completion of the initiative, the applicant will be required to submit a final report and be able to provide receipts for any expenses. 

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

• Individuals who are in good standing with their respective local and P/T associations. 
• Local Associations who are in good standing with their respective P/T association.
• P/T associations who are in good standing with Softball Canada. 

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY

All proposed initiatives should be geared towards developing coaches and umpires. 

1. COACH DEVELOPMENT

• Community coach training through the NCCP.
• Competitive coach training and evaluation through the NCCP.
• Coach Developer training (Learning Facilitator, Coach Evaluator).
• Women in coaching initiatives.
• Recruitment initiatives.
• Professional development opportunities that relate to coaching.

1. UMPIRE DEVELOPMENT

• Training and evaluation through officials training and certification programs.
• Umpire developer training (instructor training, umpire evaluation). 
• Women in umpiring initiatives.
• Recruitment initiatives. 
• Professional development opportunities that relate to umpiring including the Blue Convention

New or existing initiatives that align with these criteria will be eligible for grant funding. All funding requests must be submitted within the designated program period (March 1-31, 2025).

Initiatives taking place outside this timeframe may still be considered, provided that all associated expenses can be purchased in advance within the program period. 

FUNDING AVAILABLE

Applicants may apply for a bursary of up to $500; however, funding is not guaranteed. Softball Canada will strive to distribute available funds as widely as possible within the program's budget. 

Priority will be given to new applicants who did not participate in the previous bursary program. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply Here

THANK YOU

This grant opportunity is proudly being supported by gender equity initiatives on behalf of Softball Canada.