Sport Support Program (SSP)

The Sport Support Program (SSP) is the primary funding vehicle for initiatives associated with the delivery of the Canadian Sport Policy.   The SSP funding is aimed at developing athletes and coaches at the highest international levels; providing sound technically-based sport programming for all athletes; increasing the number of Canadians from all segments of society involved in sport, and advancing Canadian interests and values in Canada and abroad.  This funding is provided to eligible organizations in support of programming that supports the goals of the Canadian Sport Policy.

The Sport Support Program (SSP) has three delivery components:

• The National Sport Organization (NSO) component;
• The Multisport Service Organization (MSO) component; and
• The Project Stream component.

Program Objectives

The Sport Support Program’s objectives are:

• to increase the opportunities to participate in quality sport activities for all Canadians, including under-represented groups;
• to increase the capacity of the Canadian sport system to systematically achieve world class results at the highest international competitions;
• to contribute to the provision of technical sport leadership within the Canadian Sport System; and
• to advance Canadian interests, values and ethics in sport at home and abroad.

Key Stakeholders, Beneficiaries, and Recipients

The primary beneficiaries of the SSP are national team athletes, coaches and other sport participants.  Services and programs are provided to these individuals through third-party delivery organizations directly supported by the program through contribution agreements.  Contribution agreements are signed with each recipient organization.  Each agreement outlines eligible projects and other financial, reporting and performance terms and conditions.

Recipient organizations include incorporated non-profit organizations, Provincial/Territorial government departments responsible for sport that support the principles and goals of the Canadian Sport Policy, and research councils. These organizations include, but are not limited to, NSOs, MSOs, CSCs, foundations and universities.

Nationally funded organizations are required to meet the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF).  They are also required to incorporate the accountability policy areas of Enhanced Excellence, Enhanced Participation, Enhanced Interaction and Enhanced Capacity within their strategic and operating plans, serving as the blueprint for each sport’s athlete and sport development activities, and forming the basis of the funding relationship with the Government of Canada.