She Leads Hockey Micro Grants
Hockey Alberta, with the support of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, is proud to introduce a new funding initiative dedicated to growing the female game across the province. This grant program is designed to empower female players, strengthen team development, and create meaningful opportunities for young athletes both on and off the ice. By investing directly into female teams, this initiative aims to support growth, increase accessibility, and celebrate the positive impact female players have within their communities.
Program Overview
She Leads Hockey Micro Grants are designed to support initiatives that inspire, empower, and develop the next generation of female players and leaders in hockey. These grants can be used to fund leadership workshops, mental health initiatives, community engagement projects, and other programs that create meaningful opportunities for girls and women within the sport. By investing in these initiatives, the program empowers more girls and women to step into leadership roles both on and off the ice. Strengthening pathways for growth and expanding opportunities across Oil Country. Through education, connection, and community impact, the Girls Leading Hockey Micro Grants help build a stronger, more inclusive future for hockey.
Program Objectives
- Develop leadership capacity among female hockey players
- Support mental health and well-being in girls’ hockey
- Encourage community involvement and social responsibility
- Empower athletes to shape their hockey experience
- Deliver impactful initiatives within the current season
Grant Structure
- Grant Amount: $25,000
- Number of Grants: 20 team grants at $1,000. 10 Individual grants at $500. *Individual is defined as female coach, official, or athletic trainer.
- Use of Funds: Must be used withing the current season.
- Time Frame: Applications will open one week prior to Female Hockey Day and remain open for one week following. January 16th-Febraury 2nd 2026.
Who Can Apply
- Registered girls’ hockey teams, coach, official, or athletic trainer in good standing.
- Eligible age groups: U11–U18 (or as determined).
- One application per team per season.
- Coach or team official support required.
Female hockey teams at any level including minor and elite are encouraged to apply. To be considered, teams must be registered with Hockey Alberta and demonstrate a clear vision for how the funding will benefit their players and contribute to the development of female hockey within their association or region. The application process will invite teams to outline their project, identify their goals, and explain how the grant will enhance the female player experience.
Examples of Eligible Projects
Teams may use the funding in a variety of impactful ways. Examples include:
- Host an educational guest speaker to lead a team workshop on mental health, confidence building, and techniques for managing high pressure situations in sport and/or everyday life.
- Purchasing new or upgraded equipment for practice to ensure female players have safe and appropriate training equipment.
- Hosting female focused skills camps, specialized training sessions, or development clinics.
- Supporting travel to tournaments, showcases, or competitive events that provide meaningful exposure and growth opportunities.
- Implementing player development programs that include leadership, mentorship, or performance focused training.
- Organizing team building activities or recognition initiatives that strengthen team culture, confidence, and connection.
- Provide life skills and wellness programming, including workshops on nutrition, body confidence, recovery, or balancing sport, school, and personal well-being.
- Dressing room mini upgrades.
These examples serve as starting points teams are encouraged to think creatively about what would best support their athletes.
