Supporting Para Inclusion & Integration in Alpine Ski Racing
1. Program Overview
Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA) is proud to introduce the Carving the Future Grant, a funding
initiative designed to support ski clubs, teams, and organizations that are actively creating
space for para-athletes in their programming. Through the adoption of the Becoming Para
Ready resource, this grant recognizes and funds efforts to build inclusive, welcoming
environments in para-alpine skiing at all levels.
2. Purpose
The Carving the Future Grant aims to:
Promote the implementation of ACA’s Becoming Para Ready resource across Canadian alpine ski clubs.
Support clubs that are meaningfully integrating para-athletes into long-term programming.
Encourage new para-athlete recruitment through accessible and inclusive Try-It events.
3. Eligible Applicants
Open to Canadian ski clubs, race teams, or alpine organizations that:
Are in good standing with their Provincial/Territorial Sport Organization.
Are actively engaged in para inclusion or planning to do so.
Are adopting or implementing ACA’s Becoming Para Ready resource.
4. Funding Streams
Applicants may apply for one of the following grant types:
Stream 1: NextGen Grant- Full Program Athlete Integration – $5000
Purpose: Support clubs that have classifiable para-athletes fully integrated into their training and racing programs.
Eligibility Criteria:
Athlete must be classified or presumed to be classifiable.
Athlete must be integrated into the club’s full-time program (seasonal training, coaching, and events).
Club demonstrates alignment with Becoming Para Ready.
Yearly Training Plan in alignment with ACA performance pathway.
Use of Funds May Include:
Adaptive equipment
Coaching support
Facility or accessibility improvements
Competition/Classification support or travel
Stream 2: Development Grant –Carving the Future Try-It Event- $2500
Purpose:
Support clubs in delivering a Carving the Future Try-It Event that introduces athletes with
a disability to alpine skiing in a safe, welcoming environment. Emphasis will be given to
events that have classifiable para-alpine athletes on the podium pathway.
Eligibility Criteria:
Club must be plan and execute a one-day or short-format Try-It event.
Event must be open to new and existing potential para-athletes.
Event should include Para Alpine Stakeholders Such as ACA or CADS
Use of Funds May Include:
Event coordination costs
Equipment rentals or transport
Marketing and outreach
Staff or volunteer training
Stream 3: Athlete Bursary – Up to $2,500
Purpose:
For individual para-athletes attending development opportunities
Provides direct financial support for athletes participating in a Carving the Future or ACAsupported development project.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicant is a classifiable para-athlete with a demonstrated commitment to development.
Must be attending an ACA-endorsed project or CTF camp.
Coach or club support letter required.
Funds may support:
Camp or event fees
Travel and accommodation
Equipment rental or shipping
5. Application Timeline
Applications Open: Aug 15, 2025
Deadline to Apply: Nov 1, 2025
Funds Disbursed: January 2026
6. Application Requirements
All applicants must submit:
Completed online application form
Description of how Becoming Para Ready is being implemented
For Stream 1: Athlete info and integration plan
For Stream 2: Event outline and goals
Budget overview
7. Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on:
Alignment with Para Pathway
Impact on para-athlete inclusion or recruitment
Feasibility and clarity of proposed plan
Potential for continued growth and leadership in para inclusion
8. Reporting Requirements
Recipients must submit a brief report by April 30th 2026 including:
Summary of grant activities
Budget Reconciliation with Para Specific Expenditures
Photos, testimonials, or video clips
Contact information for Athletes/Coaches involved with project.
For NextGen: Athlete support plan and progress summary (GMP)
For Development: Event summary, participation outcomes, and optional
photos/testimonials