INTRODUCTION
Funding for the PICKLEBALLBC Community and Youth Grant Programs are available for all those start-up opportunities wishing to apply. Grant awards available up to $1,000.
The youth grants have been in heavy demand so get your applications in as soon as possible as overall funding is limited.
The youth grants have been in heavy demand so get your applications in as soon as possible as overall funding is limited.
Grant Program Community & Youth Recipient Examples
Pickleball BC Community Grant Recipient Story: Williams Lake Pickleball Club
As a result of Pickleball BC's Youth Grant, Williams Lake youths were able to fully experience the joys of Canadian National Pickleball Day through the use of their new pickleball equipment.
Dear Ms. Sharon MacDonald:
Again, allow me to express our gratitude from the Williams Lake Pickleball Club ("WLPC") to Pickleball BC for granting us the funds to allow us to buy supplies (balls, paddles, safety glasses) for the children who took part in the Canadian National Pickleball Day. It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce the sport of Pickleball to the community of Williams Lake.
Once we heard the acceptance of our proposal, we added it our next meeting's agenda, and at that meeting we discussed marketing strategies that would allow us to get the word out to as many people as possible. One of our directors designed a fantastic colourful poster that became the focal point of our advertising. The City graciously printed multiple copies out for physical distribution in town and in outlying communities, which had the WLPC Executive posting these on community bulletin boards and dropping off copies to local organizations, (Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Foundry, Kids Day Camps, etc.). In addition to our “old school” methods of advertising, the City had radio ads for National Pickleball Day, inviting everyone to participate. Emails were sent to all members of the club with the request to have them forward to as many people they felt would be interested in the event.
I posted a running Event Update under Williams Lake Events on Facebook. First post had the poster and the “save the date” notice. Once I had ordered the paddles and they arrived, I was able to add the picture of the Amazon Boxes piled high on my table and then weekly. I would slowly unpack these boxes showing more and more of the goods that would be available for the day. This generated questions and interest.
I was out of town during the event, but there were three WLPC Executives there with all the paddles, glasses, balls, etc., ready and waiting for the lucky children that would be able to take them home.
Waiting in Anticipation
Executive arrived early and setup for the busy day. Paddles, balls, safety glasses were all on display for easy access and one member was equipped with permanent marker so little ones could have their names put on their supplies as soon as they arrived.
We had 19 youths take part on National Pickleball Day 2025. This was a 46% increase from last year and I’m expecting even more next year as the sport keeps growing. The remaining paddles will be delivered to our local Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization. Our Executive Secretary made a speech prior to the start of the day, thanking Pickleball BC for the generous donation of paddles, balls and safety glasses. This was met with applause and appreciation.
Extra paddles were supplied by the city for all ages that weren’t eligible for the paddle give away and there were eighteen adults that showed up to learn the sport in addition to the youth. This was a fantastic turnout and the rink was filled with activity.
Pickleball BC’s support of this initiative was instrumental in the overall success of the event. Thank you so much for your support. If there are any questions about this report, please contact me (through the above Club link that has my email) and I will do my best to answer.
Thank you so much.
Julie Bowser
Vice President
Williams Lake Pickleball Club (Society)
To apply for a Community Grant, visit this page, or visit FAQs page.
Executive arrived early and setup for the busy day. Paddles, balls, safety glasses were all on display for easy access and one member was equipped with permanent marker so little ones could have their names put on their supplies as soon as they arrived.
We had 19 youths take part on National Pickleball Day 2025. This was a 46% increase from last year and I’m expecting even more next year as the sport keeps growing. The remaining paddles will be delivered to our local Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization. Our Executive Secretary made a speech prior to the start of the day, thanking Pickleball BC for the generous donation of paddles, balls and safety glasses. This was met with applause and appreciation.
Extra paddles were supplied by the city for all ages that weren’t eligible for the paddle give away and there were eighteen adults that showed up to learn the sport in addition to the youth. This was a fantastic turnout and the rink was filled with activity.
Pickleball BC’s support of this initiative was instrumental in the overall success of the event. Thank you so much for your support. If there are any questions about this report, please contact me (through the above Club link that has my email) and I will do my best to answer.
Thank you so much.
Julie Bowser
Vice President
Williams Lake Pickleball Club (Society)
To apply for a Community Grant, visit this page, or visit FAQs page.
Pickleball BC Youth Grant Recipient Story: Southern Okanagan Secondary School
Students from Southern Okanagan Secondary School in Oliver, BC are enjoying their new pickleball equipment made possible through Pickleball BC's Youth Grant Program.
The Southern Okanagan Secondary School (SOSS) Pickleball Club is a young program in Oliver, BC working to grow the youth involvement and development in the sport of pickleball.
Contributions and grants from the local Oliver Pickleball Club (sponsor), the SOSS school PAC, and Pickleball BC have allowed the SOSS Pickleball Club to purchase 24 new high-end paddles and 100 indoor and outdoor balls.
The club has started an annual fun in-house tournament and is hoping to expand the program to compete against other schools and eventually take part in sanctioned tournaments.
The purchase of equipment is the first step in being able to accomplish these goals. Thank you.
Sabra McIntyre
Southern Okanagan Secondary School
To apply for a Youth Grant, visit this page, or visit FAQs page.
The purchase of equipment is the first step in being able to accomplish these goals. Thank you.
Sabra McIntyre
Southern Okanagan Secondary School
To apply for a Youth Grant, visit this page, or visit FAQs page.
