Financial Help

For those who need some help covering the cost of recreational activities for children whose parents could otherwise not afford it, there are some programs available, including:

• A.L.L. (Activities, Lessons, and Leisure) for Kids Program
  The A.L.L. (Activities, Lessons, and Leisure) for Kids Program is available through the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and helps cover the cost of recreational activities for children whose parents could otherwise not afford it. The programs includes the following per child:

  • One recreational class for 7 months

  • Recital fee

  All parents pay is two month covers one recreational dance program per child. This is a great way to help prepare kids for future life experiences by developing them physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively.

• Jumpstart Program
  Sometimes, families need financial assistance to get their kids into a sport or physical activity. The Jumpstart Program is committed to helping all families access a range of activities, including recreational dance classes.

  • The annual maximum amount a child is eligible to receive is up to $600, subject to Chapter discretion and/or local demands

  • The maximum amount of funding per application is $300

  • Children can be funded for successive seasons in an activity, up to a maximum of $600 per activity

• Their Opportunity
  Their Opportunity is a unique program that helps Canadian youth pay sports fees but in return, they ask that they participate in their Giveback Program where children who receive subsidies or participate in one of their core programs are asked to “pay it forward” within their community through volunteerism. This cycle of generosity will build stronger communities through active youth.

• ​Ontario Growing Up Through Sports
  OGUTS is a program that provides financial assistance to families in Ontario with children aged 4 to 18 to help cover the costs of participating in organized sports. The program is designed to support families who face financial barriers that may prevent their children from participating in sports, such as registration fees, equipment costs, and transportation expenses. To be eligible for OGUTS, families must meet certain income requirements, and the child must be registered in an eligible sports program. The program covers up to $200 per activity and up to a maximum of $600 per child per year.

These programs aim to make dance and other recreational activities more accessible to children across Ontario. Eligibility criteria and application processes vary, so it's advisable to visit each program's website for detailed information and to apply.