The Gopher Physical Activity Equipment Grant provides schools with up to $2,500 in Gopher gift certificates to acquire the physical activity equipment they need to advance physical activity opportunities and programming in their school community.
Teachers, school staff, and school system administrators (e.g. school board personnel) are all eligible to apply on behalf of their school(s). Applicants have the option to select $500, $1,000, $1,500, $2,000, or $2,500 in Gopher gift certificates to purchase their desired physical activity equipment. Equipment is intended to advance access to, and quality of, school physical activity programming, including, but not limited to, physical education, recess, school sport, and/or intramural programming.
Application Period
The application period opens in the fall each year and closes at the identified date and time. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. The 2024-2025 application period is now closed and the next application period will open in October 2025.
Number of Funded Projects
There is no set number for how many funded projects will be supported each year. Each year, a total of $10,000 in Gopher gift certificates will be distributed. All completed applications will be reviewed and evaluated, with the top ranked projects being selected for funding in order until all funds have been allocated. Gopher Physical Activity Equipment Grants will typically range from $500 - $2,500 and will be provided as Gopher gift certificates. Recipients will then order their identified equipment through www.gophersport.com and apply the gift certificate to their order.
Who May Apply?
School community members are encouraged to apply for the PHE Empowerment Grants Program on behalf of their school. Applications from under-represented groups are encouraged.
Examples of eligible applicants include:
- In-service teachers
- School administrators and school board personnel (e.g. principals, curriculum leads, superintendents, etc.)
Essential Considerations & Required Information
- Only one application per school/individual can be submitted.
- Applicant must have the ability and authority to implement the proposed initiative in the school identified in the application.
- Only fully completed applications will be reviewed. Applications received after noted deadline will not be considered.
- Successful applicants can expect to be notified and receive funding by January 2024. Grant funding must be spent by June 30th of that school calendar year.
- Successful applicants must provide PHE Canada with an Impact and Recognition Report prior to June 30th of that school year. A survey will be sent to recipients later in the school year.
- PHE Canada may reach out to verify the provided information or request any additional information.
Selection Criteria
The information provided in the application form and supporting documents must demonstrate that:
- There is a great need for this equipment.
- Applicant has authority to represent the school in acquiring the physical activity equipment.
- The equipment will make a real difference in the community and positively impact the health and well-being of students, in particular those underserved and/or experiencing barriers, and this equipment has the ability to be sustained into the future.
- The funding is for new purchases, an enhancement to a current initiative, and/or increases access to a current program/service and is not replacing established funding.
- The application presents a clear, detailed, and logical representation of the projected equipment, how it will be used, and the positive impact it will have on the students and school community.
Selection Process
Each application will undergo a thorough evaluation process. An application that clearly articulates and aligns with the criteria specified above in the Selection Criteria significantly enhances its likelihood of being awarded a grant.
What can I expect if my application is accepted?
If you are a successful recipient of the PHE Empowerment Grant – Gopher Physical Activity Equipment Grant, a PHE Canada staff will notify the primary applicant via the email address provided. Once project details are confirmed/approved, Gopher will email the lead applicant the digital gift card and invited to make their equipment purchase at www.gophersport.com. Gift certificates must be used prior to March 31st of the calendar year. In April, PHE Canada will email recipients a template of the Impact and Recognition Report that recipients must respond to prior to June 30th of the calendar year. If you wish to receive the Impact and Recognition Report prior to April, please reach out to PHE Canada at [email protected].