The SimiSleighs Foundation Athlete Grant program aims to advance gender equality by empowering female Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls from around the world with the support and tools they need to elevate their capacity to change the game on and off the field of play.
A holistic one-year program, it equips rising leaders with the tools they need through meaningful experiences and practical skill building. During the program, grant recipients participate in monthly virtual events designed to nurture their personal and professional development, enhance their ability to lead and expand their global network. As part of the program support, grant recipients are also eligible to receive financial assistance of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000 USD), which may be used to cover approved expenses related to training to represent their country at an upcoming Olympic or Paralympic Games.
The program launched in 2023 and is expected to scale in future years on a path to award $1M USD in grant funding to elite female athletes in the next decade. Upon completion of the program, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of how their influence as athletes advances their ability to enact change. Participants will also gain a broader global perspective, access to experienced mentors and an opportunity to expand their vision and strengthen their voice. The 2024 program year will run from April 2024 through March 2025.
The SimiSleighs Foundation Athlete Grant Program is currently not accepting applications. To receive news and updates on future programs, events, how to get involved and more, sign up for our newsletter.
Athlete Grant Program
READY TO LEVEL UP WITH THE ATHLETE GRANT PROGRAM?
We're looking for female athletes from every corner of the world who are changing the game on and off the field of play. They're deeply dedicated athletes who are equally passionate about fueling positive change in the world. They are rising leaders, bold thinkers, curious minds with authentic voices, poised to write their own history. They're dreaming of their place on the podium and how it can serve as a vehicle for changing the world.
IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR THE SIMISLEIGHS FOUNDATION ATHLETE GRANT PROGRAM:
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1
Want to serve as role models and leverage their athletic talents to create positive change worldwide. They’re committed to service and have been working to advance positive social change and can demonstrate that their work has made an impact.
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2
Strive for excellence in all that they do and are determined, persistent and full of grit as they relentlessly pursue their goals and visions.
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3
Stand out for their integrity, sportsmanship and leadership.
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4
Demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow as both an athlete and leader.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA
Female athletes who are currently on an active National Team and/or training to represent their country at the Paris 2024 Olympic or Paralympic Games or Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic or Paralympic Games.
Consistent display of a high level of athletic performance and good sportsmanship.
Have not been convicted of a doping offense or sanctioned for actions contrary to the standards of sporting ethics as established by the Olympic Charter, the International Olympic Committee, (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the National Olympic Committee (NOC) or National Paralympic Committee (NPC).
A commitment to improving their communities and the world through sport.
Fluent in English.
The willingness and ability to fully commit to participating in holistic monthly programming for the entire duration of the program from April 2024 through March 2025.
18 years of age as of January 1, 2024.
ATHLETE GRANT PROGRAM BENEFITS
Financial Support
Each individual grantee will be granted an award of up to $10,000 USD to pay for costs associated with athlete training and competition expenses.
Personal and Professional Development
Grant recipients receive individual and group coaching and skills development training.
Leadership Development
Access to highly curated programming designed to strengthen and enhance athletes’ ability to lead.
Support Networks
Athletes expand their global network by connecting with other athletes and opportunities to connect with expert volunteers, world-class specialists, innovators and leadership coaches.
CLASS OF 2023
PAIGE CROZON
OLY Hopeful
Basketball (CANADA)
Mom-athlete and sport for youth empowerment leader
“As a mom and through my work with youth in indigenous communities, my hope is to push doors open and eliminate barriers to participation.”
TATYANA MCFADDEN
6X PLY
Track and Field (USA)
Wheelchair racing legend and disability rights activist
“I continue to be a voice and leader in speaking, advocating and changing laws and perceptions to make sure access and inclusion are afforded to all around the world.”
HAYDY MORSY
2X OLY
Modern Pentathlon (EGYPT)
Barrier-breaker and leading voice for women in sport
“As an Egyptian female athlete in a country in which few women play sports, I’m focused on breaking this cultural norm by encouraging younger generations to participate in sports.”
LEARN MORE
The SimiSleighs Foundation Athlete Grant Program is currently not accepting applications. To receive news and updates on future programs, events, how to get involved and more, sign up for our newsletter.