CFLAA Support Fund Guidelines
Please read these guidelines before completing your application.
There are 3 options for receiving financial assistance (Plan A, Plan B, or Crowd Funding) that are outlined below. The following criteria apply to the three options.
ELIGIBILITY
- A former player must have a minimum 3-year career in the CFL. A year is defined as playing at least one regular-season game and having contributed one game’s union dues to the CFLPA
- Retired for 2 years
APPLICATION INFORMATION
- An application for support can be submitted by the player, a family member, or a friend acting on his behalf.
- All information provided is strictly confidential.
- Funding decisions will be made on an objective non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, colour, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or stature as a player.
- All bills to be considered for payment must be included in your application.
- The CFLAASF pays bills only to Service Providers. No money will be paid directly to the applicant.
- Items not covered by the CFLAASF:
- Alimony
- Child support
- Taxes
- Fines
- Legal expenses
- Tuition fees
- Credit card bills
- Mortgage payments
- Luxury items
- Car purchase
FUND ADMINISTRATION
The CFLAASF is administered by a committee known as the CFLAA Support Fund Committee which is appointed by the CFLAA Board of Directors. The committee is responsible for the vetting of all applications and the allocation of funds to applicants. The committee reports to the CFLAA Board of Directors a minimum of twice a year.
THE PROCESS
Step #1
The applicant will complete an application form providing all requested information. If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance completing the form contact:
Leo Ezerins, Executive Director CFLAA
Email: supportfund@cflaa.ca
Tel: 1-877-890-7272
Mailing address: CFLAA
17 Kinnell Street
Hamilton, ON L8R 2J8
Step #2
The application is reviewed by the Executive Director for clarity, omissions, and to confirm all pertinent information is included and up-to-date. The committee will then determine if the applicant falls within the criteria for financial assistance.
Step #3
A decision on the request will be by consensus of the committee. Options include acceptance, rejection, or modification of the amount requested. The applicant will be notified of the decision in writing.
Step #4
If approved, cheque(s) will be forwarded directly to the service provider(s) to pay for any approved invoice(s). Cheques will not be issued directly to the applicant.
CFLAA SUPPORT FUND PLANS
PLAN A
Long Term Medical
This plan provides financial assistance to a fellow alumnus who is experiencing a long-term medical challenge that has created financial hardship.
Eligible Expenses
- prescription drugs
- assisted living
- medical equipment and supplies e.g. wheelchair
The lifetime maximum amount of Plan A support is $10,000 Canadian.
Click Here for the Plan A Application
PLAN B
Emergency Compassionate Grant
This plan provides financial assistance to a fellow alumnus who is facing temporary short-term financial difficulties resulting from a loss of income or an extraordinary expense.
Eligible Expenses
- rent and shelter
- food and clothing
- funeral
- utilities
- short-term health
The lifetime maximum amount of Plan B support is $2,500 Canadian.
Click Here for the Plan B Application
Crowd Funding
Crowd funding through websites such as GoFundMe, YouCaring, etc., has become a popular and successful strategy to raise funds in support of individuals and associations. The CFL Alumni Association (CFLAA) has supported some former players over the last couple of years through various crowd funding websites.
This plan provides financial assistance to a fellow alumnus who is facing financial difficulties resulting from a loss of income or an extraordinary expense.
The process for crowd funding is that the applicant needs to complete a Plan B application form.
The CFLAASF committee will review the application and then make their decision. If approved, a cheque will be forwarded for payment directly to the crowd funding manager.
The lifetime maximum amount each alumnus is eligible to receive for crowd funding is $2,500.00 Canadian.
Click Here for the Plan B Application
