Grants
Spring 2025 Grants are now OPEN - Due for Submission on APRIL 15, 2025
CANSPEI is proud to be able to offer a granting program and newly REFRESHED granting programs to its member camps. These grants are available to all member camps in good standing - you don't have to be accredited in order to apply, however preference is given to accredited members. Although it was previously mandatory for receipt, camps who support CANSPEI by attending the Annual General Meeting, contribute volunteers on committees and projects will be prioritized.
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Details about each grant are below.
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In line with our goals, set and supported by Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage of Nova Scotia, grants are available to support the programs, operations and development of our member camps. Camps that serve historically marginalized, at-risk communities and/or underserved communities, have a clear focus on improving diversity, equity and inclusion and/or are applying for a grant in efforts to improve in these areas will be prioritized candidates.
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Page updated March 8, 2025
NEW: Camp Safety Grants
New for CANSPEI in 2025, the organization is offering a grant program to help camps in accessing safety equipment that is often out of financial reach.
2 x $1000 Bursary will be awarded to camps towards the coverage for upgrades or initiation of required safety supplies such as Transport Canada certified PFDs, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers etc.
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Beyond the priorities for all grants, applicants for these grants will be prioritized on their remoteness, their year-round site usage and for camps that own and/or operate at a stationary site.
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AED and Health Grants
Beginning in 2024, the organization offers a grant program to help camps in accessing lifesaving emergency equipment that is often out of financial reach.
1 x $1000 Bursary will be awarded to camps towards the partial coverage of an AED, AED supplies, BVMs, EpiPens or other emergency gear as needed
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2 x Full Coverage Grants will be awarded to camps for the purchase of a first time AED device & pediatric pads
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Beyond the priorities for all grants, applicants for these grants will be prioritized on their remoteness, their year-round site usage and for camps that own and/or operate at a stationary site.
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New or Reinvigorated Program Grant
The purpose of the new and invigorated program grant is to help smaller and medium sized camps introduce new programs and/or make significant improvements to existing programs, which will enhance their camp’s overall programming for their campers.
The new program being applied for must be sustainable and not a one-time program. The association is willing to provide a maximum of $1000.00 every three years to camps whose applications are approved. The aim is to have the CANSPEI share in the cost of new programming ideas, not fund the whole project.
Examples of new program or proposal ideas:
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Begin a canoe, archery, or biking program
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Build a new basketball, volleyball, or gaga ball court
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Create an environmental and nature appreciation program
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Establish a new LIT or CIT program
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Establish a low ropes & challenge course
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Create a new spiritual awareness, wellness or education program
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Professional Development Grant
The purpose of the professional development grant is to support the professional development of leaders and staff of our member camps.
This could support conference fees, courses, or having an educator come into your organization/team as well.
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Members of CANSPEI are encouraged to submit applications towards the professional development of their staff members. $1000 annual grant is available per person towards professional development per year.
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Priority, annually, will be to have new, diverse grant recipients, to align with our CCTH goals. When no new applicants are available, recurring applications will be considered.
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A report on learned knowledge and impact of the PD is required to be provided to CANSPEI.
CANSPEI considers professional development as training that is given to key camp professionals to increase their knowledge and skills. This does not include certifications that are required by your employer or by CANSPEI accreditation standards (First Aid, Workplace Safety certifications, etc.)
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Examples of acceptable topics include:
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Mental health training
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Camping conferences
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Leadership workshops
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