The Air Canada Foundation has officially launched its Big Dreams Grant Program, a significant initiative designed to empower organizations across Canada that are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of children and youth. This program arrives at a particularly inspiring moment, as Team Canada prepares to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina, showcasing the transformative power of sports.
Inspired by Team Canada's Spirit
The Big Dreams Grant Program is deeply inspired by the perseverance and drive demonstrated by Team Canada athletes. It aims to support initiatives that utilize sport and active recreation as powerful tools for building confidence, fostering resilience, promoting inclusion, and encouraging personal growth among young Canadians. The program seeks to channel the inspirational energy of elite athletes into grassroots community efforts.
Two Major Grant Opportunities
The program is structured around two substantial grants, each valued at $100,000, for a total funding pool of $200,000.
The Healthy Futures Grant is targeted at sport-based programs that actively promote wellness, inclusion, and resilience among equity-deserving youth. This includes initiatives serving racialized, Indigenous, newcomer, and other underserved communities.
The Accessible Sports and Recreation Grant is dedicated to initiatives that enable youth with disabilities to participate fully and confidently in physical activities. Both grants are designed to reflect the core values embodied by Team Canada: transformation, hope, ambition, and the courage to dream big.
A Milestone for Community Support
Eric Lauzon, Director of Community Relations and Partnerships for the Air Canada Foundation, emphasized the program's importance. "Launching the Big Dreams Grant Program is an incredibly meaningful milestone for us," said Lauzon. "These grants are about opening doors that strengthen the health and well-being of children and youth by giving them spaces to move, belong, and grow with confidence. As Team Canada shows us time and again, sport has the power to inspire resilience, belonging, and possibility."
Lauzon further noted that the foundation is proud to support organizations that help young people across Canada discover their potential, strengthen their overall well-being, and dream without limits.
Application Process and Eligibility
The application window for the Big Dreams Grant Program is now open. Canadian charitable organizations interested in applying must submit their proposals by the deadline of March 15, 2026.
To be eligible, organizations must serve equity-deserving youth, including those from racialized, Indigenous, newcomer, and underserved communities, or children and youth with disabilities. A central focus must be on promoting inclusive physical activity. All submissions will be reviewed after the March deadline, with successful applicants being notified in the spring of 2026.
About the Air Canada Foundation
Established in 2012, the Air Canada Foundation is a not-for-profit organization with a steadfast focus on the health and well-being of children and youth in Canada. The foundation provides both financial and in-kind support to registered Canadian charities. Its core programs include the Hospital Transportation Program, which redistributes Aeroplan points to 15 pediatric hospitals nationwide, facilitating travel for sick children who need medical care far from home.
The foundation, in collaboration with Air Canada, also engages in direct fundraising efforts. These include the Every Bit Counts program, which encourages airline customers to donate loose change on board flights or in Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. The Air Canada Foundation continues to support major health-related causes benefiting Canadians and participates actively in international humanitarian relief efforts as needed.
