LULULEMON GIVES GRANT RECIPIENT (2026)

Girls Forward Foundation is proud to announce that we were selected to receive a grant from lululemon Gives.  

Being selected for a second year is incredibly meaningful. It reflects not only the impact of our work, but a continued belief from our partners in the power of sport, mentorship, and community to support girls’ wellbeing across Canada.

Building on Momentum: Our Youth Mentorship Program

With support from last year’s Community Wellbeing grant, we launched our first-ever National Youth Mentorship Program (YMP), and the response exceeded our expectations.

We initially set out to create 60 mentor-mentee pairs, but after an overwhelming interest we had to change our plans. Instead, we matched 112 pairs (222 participants), nearly doubling our goal. Over the course of the program, we also delivered 6 group workshops across a 6-month period with two additional workshops for the mentors’ professional development.

The YMP connects self-identifying girls (ages 10-16) with our REAL (Relatable, Empowered, Active Leaders) Role Models, creating space for meaningful conversations around sport, education, and lived experience. Each participant also received a welcome package to support their journey, including a workbook outlining the six themes of the program

But the real impact is found in the stories. 

One of our mentees, Kate, moved to a new city and started at a new school, and struggled with the transition. At first, she wanted nothing to do with the program. But when she discovered her mentor Hannah shared her love of basketball, that connection became a turning point. Over time, Kate’s confidence grew, so much so that she tried out for her school’s basketball team and she made it!

Looking Ahead

With renewed funding, we’re continuing to expand this work, deepening mentorship relationships, strengthening mental wellbeing, and creating more opportunities for girls to stay engaged in sport through mentorship.

Why This Matters

At a time when girls are leaving sport at high rates, programs like the YMP are critical.

This funding allows us to continue building spaces where girls can connect with like-minded leaders, grow as athletes, leaders, and individuals, and where they feel they truly belong.

About lululemon Gives 

lululemon Gives is a global impact initiative that advances mental health and wellbeing through movement and mindfulness. At a time when communities are seeking connection and care, this is how we show up and make impact—together. Through grants, partnerships, volunteering, and donations, we support organizations that promote mental health, increase access to physical activity, and address loneliness, bringing us closer to our vision for wellbeing for all.