- What is the No One Left Behind Subsidy?
- No One Left Behind Registration Subsidy Status Update
- Is the NOLB Participation Subsidy still available?
- Do 100% of the donations made to No One Left Behind go directly to youth?
- How does Scouts Canada determine if a family qualifies?
- Can families who do not fall within the LICO metric qualify based solely on unique circumstances?
- How can I apply for NOLB towards Registration Fee?
- What can Groups do to support families given the changes to funding?
- What other funding options are available for families?
- How can youth be registered using 3rd party subsidy?
- Where can I find additional support or direct families for help?
- How can I contribute to NOLB?
- How can my Group contribute to NOLB?
What is the No One Left Behind Subsidy?
Scouts Canada’s No One Left Behind subsidy program strives to ensure every child has the opportunity to maximize their potential. Every youth deserves the opportunity to build their character by means of the Scouting movement to become good citizens better prepared for success in the world.
Scouts Canada believes all Canadian youth should have the opportunity to participate in Scouting.
We believe each and every young person can make a meaningful contribution to creating a better world!
Scouts are recognized worldwide as ambassadors of community. Our Scout community recognizes that the differences each person brings are an asset, diversity is an asset. Cost should not be a barrier. We want Scouting to be available to all young people in our country, regardless of their circumstances.
No One Left Behind Registration Subsidy Status Update
Is the NOLB Participation Subsidy still available?
The Participation Subsidy which previously helped families cover costs like uniforms, camps, and outdoor gear has been discontinued. This difficult decision was made so we can focus our limited funding on the Registration Subsidy, helping as many young people as possible access the program.
We understand this change may be disappointing for many families, and it was not made lightly. While we continue to evaluate the program in the coming years, we’re committed to helping families explore alternative support options.
Do 100% of the donations made to No One Left Behind go directly to the youth?
Yes! 100% of funds go towards covering costs for youth!
How does Scouts Canada determine if a family qualifies?
The needs test will apply Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) metric that is updated annually. LICO is used by many service providers and levels of government to determine recreational subsidies. LICO calculates financial need based upon a family’s size (number of family members) and household income.
For more information on LICO, please visit Statistics Canada Low Income Cut-offs.
Can families who do not fall within the LICO metric qualify based solely on unique circumstances?
Potentially yes. There is an exception's process in place that ensures that youth are not denied a Scouting experience should unique circumstances exist. This is done on a case-by-case basis. If your family is experiencing financial hardship that is not necessarily reflected in total family income, please provide details with associated extra costs along with your and your child's personal information to support@scouts.ca and one of our team members will be able to assist.
How can I apply for NOLB towards Registration Fee?
**Funding for the No One Left Behind (NOLB) Registration Subsidy is limited each year. The available funding has now been fully allocated, and the registration subsidy has been paused.**
Applications for the No One Left Behind registration subsidy are submitted during the registration process and are processed immediately. You can register your youth in Scouting Here.
After logging in into your MyScouts account and clicking on Register My Child option on the left under My Menu, proceed to JOIN SCOUTS for registering. Then select the Apply for Subsidy option within the registration process to submit your NOLB application.
You will be asked for the following information:
If you qualify, you will see an instant message confirming that subsidy has been approved and it will be automatically deducted from your registration fee on the check-out page.
What can Groups do to support families given the changes to funding?
Scout Groups can continue to support families in meaningful ways:
- Offer flexible payment plans, such as allowing registration fees to be paid in monthly installments (e.g., over 3 months).
- Set aside a portion of Group budgets to assist families facing financial barriers.
- Help families apply for community-based subsidies (see below).
While not required, these Group-led solutions can help ensure every youth has the opportunity to participate in Scouting.
What other funding options are available for families?
There are several third-party and local funding programs available across Canada:
Jumpstart (Canadian Tire)
Program that provides financial assistance to help families access organized activities such as Scouting.
KidSport Canada
Supports access to organized sports and recreational activities for children.
Other Community Resources:
Local school boards
Municipal or provincial youth grants
Faith-based organizations or service clubs (e.g., Rotary, Lions)
Groups are encouraged to help identify and guide families to these opportunities.
How can youth be registered using 3rd party subsidy?
Whether a Group can offer a flexible payment plan or assistance with allocating funds from the 3rd party subsidy provider, a Group Billing Code (GBC) will need to be requested by the Group and then used by the parent to complete youth's registration. Full information on GBCs can be found on the Group Billing Codes Support Centre article.
Where can I find additional support or direct families for help?
Contact your Group Support Scouter (GSS) for help navigating individual cases.
DONATE HERE
How can my Group contribute to NOLB?
Groups are able to contribute to No One Left Behind by including donation of a portion of proceeds from fundraising activities to the cause. Every child should have the opportunity to experience Great Safe Scouting Adventures!
Support Centre
Still need help? Please feel free to contact the Scouts Canada Support Centre:
