The New Program Assistance Grant is designed to support the development and long-term sustainability of new cheerleading programs across Alberta. Through a combination of administrative guidance and financial support, the program reduces barriers to entry, promotes safe sport practices, and strengthens community-based cheerleading initiatives.

This two-year support program aligns with the Alberta Cheerleading Association’s commitment to athlete development, coach education, and the responsible growth of cheerleading in the province.

Approved programs will receive structured support over a two-year period, including:

• Administrative mentorship and program development guidance

• Financial assistance to offset startup and training costs

• Access to ACA resources, networks, and events

New programs accepted into this grant will receive comprehensive support throughout their first two years of operation, including:

Access to ACA Resources - Full access to all ACA resources for starting a program, including guidelines on facility needs, staffing requirements, program planning, budgeting, and membership registration with the ACA and Cheer Canada.

Dedicated ACA Representative - An ACA representative will be available to assist with:

1. Discussions and meetings with key stakeholders (school administration, community partners, facility operators)

2. Set-up of program structure and details

3. Registration processes and membership requirements

4. Connections within the Alberta cheerleading community, including other programs and service providers

Ongoing Support - Access throughout each season to ask questions and receive guidance as challenges arise during the program's first two years.

Duration - Administrative assistance remains in effect for two years from the date of application acceptance.

Accepted programs will receive financial support to offset key start-up costs:

Coach Certification Reimbursement - All coach certification fees (up to 2 coaches) will be reimbursed upon submission of a receipt of purchase and certificate of completion. Eligible courses include:

• ICU Certification (Level 1 through Premier)

• ACA Level 1–3 Certification

• NCCP Courses

• CPR Certification

• Approximate value: $1300 ($650 per coach) 

Equipment Loan Program - Free rental of cheerleading mats and safety equipment for the first two years of program operation

• Quantity determined based on individual program needs

• Equipment condition must be maintained according to the ACA rental agreement

• Rental equipment is for team use only 

• Approximate value: up to $875/season ($125 per mat) 

Attire

• One-time provision of a full team set of competition bows

• Coach selects from options supplied by the ACA with a local vendor

• Approximate value: $600

Event Registration - registration costs for the program's first two competitive seasons

• Scholastic Showcase, Scholastic Classic, True North & Provincials 

• Approximate value: $1000/season

• Funds provided are reserved for the registration costs and will be paid by the program upon registration for each event

To qualify for the New Program Assistance Grant, applicants must:

1. Be a newly established cheerleading program (within first year of operation or pre-launch phase)

   • Previous programs which have been non-operational for 3+ years are also eligible 

2. Operate as a not-for-profit organization

3. Demonstrate a formal connection to a community partner (e.g., school, recreation association, municipality)

4. Commit to meeting ACA safety, certification, and registration standards

Note: For-profit programs may access administrative support but are not eligible for financial assistance under this grant.

To reduce financial barriers for emerging coaches by providing reimbursement for certification costs, thereby increasing the number of trained and certified cheerleading coaches across Alberta.

The CIT Certification Grant Program is designed to build coaching capacity by supporting graduates of the ACA Coach-in-Training (CIT) program in achieving full coaching certification. This initiative directly aligns with grant priorities by enabling more qualified coaches to enter the sport system, improving athlete safety, and expanding access to quality cheerleading programs.

Accepted individuals will receive financial support to offset necessary coach certification costs:

1. Coach Certification Reimbursement - Coach certification fees will be reimbursed upon submission of a receipt of purchase and certificate of completion. Eligible courses include:

• ICU Certification (Up to Level 2)

• ACA (up to Level 2) 

• NCCP Courses

• Approximate value: $650 

To qualify for the CIT Certification Grant, applicants must:

Have successfully completed the ACA CIT program within the past 3 seasons (or within 3 years)

Demonstrate intent to actively coach within the upcoming season

• Submit a letter of intent to coach with a specific program in good standing with the ACA

• Must include program name, team, and level of intended coaching placement

Commit to meeting all ACA safety, certification, and registration requirements.