Hope and Health

What Hope and Health does

Hope and Health for Life Society is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization founded in 2012 and headquartered in Lake Cowichan, British Columbia. It operates a sport-for-development portfolio serving Indigenous children, youth, and families across 75+ First Nations, with core programs including the annual BC Place Community Camp (10,000+ lifetime participants), the Be the Change Mini-Pitch Initiative (9 modular soccer pitches installed across Indigenous communities since 2021), the Nautsa'mawt FC Academy (launched 2025 across 26 nations), Santa on the Pitch (600 youth annually), and the Healing-Centered Futsal pilot. The organization's proprietary 'Champions for Life' framework integrates physical literacy, mental health, cultural identity, and mentorship, anchored by a governance model that includes the Matriarchs Advisory Circle representing over 20 First Nations.

The underlying technology stack is intentionally minimal: the organization uses Squarespace for web and e-commerce, Stripe for donations and merchandise payments, SurveyMonkey for partner intake, and standard email marketing — there is no proprietary software platform. Differentiation rests on relational infrastructure rather than technology, including 13+ years of community trust, professional athlete mentorship pipelines (Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Pacific FC, UBC Thunderbirds, EA Sports FC), and culturally grounded programming designed by Indigenous artists such as Coast Salish designer Maynard Johnny Jr. Programs are delivered at zero cost to participants.

The revenue model is donation- and grant-driven rather than transactional, comprising corporate sponsorships (EA Sports FC Platinum tier, Scotiabank, Adidas, Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Kw'umut Lelum 'Life Giver' founding partner), foundation grants (MLS Works, Heart of America, Kw'umut Lelum Foundation), individual donations via the website, ancillary merchandise sales (jerseys $59.99, Socks with a Purpose $25, scarves $50), and ticketed cultural fundraising events ($100/ticket). Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: growth flows through referrals from Indigenous community leaders, Host Nation partners, families, and youth ambassadors, with high-visibility anchors at BC Place, the annual Awaken the Pitch camp, and partner-amplified awareness via Vancouver Whitecaps FC and EA Sports FC communications.

Name

Hope and Health

Legal name

Hope and Health for Life Society

Website

https://hopeandhealth.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Hope and Health is an Indigenous-led BC non-profit that delivers sport-for-development programming — including community camps, the Nautsa'mawt FC Academy, and 9 installed Mini-Pitches — serving Indigenous children, youth, and families across 75+ First Nations, funded by corporate sponsorships, grants, donations, and merchandise sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Sport for Development / Nonprofit Community Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Amateur & Grassroots Sport Associations (Community/Youth Governing Orgs) (MPAKAFAF), Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK), Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA)

Keywords

• Sport for development
• Indigenous youth programs
• Community soccer coaching
• Nonprofit athletic programs
• Reconciliation mentorship

Headquarters

HQ city

Lake Cowichan

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Grants: Hope and Health is a registered non-profit society (Hope and Health for Life Society) relying primarily on donations, corporate sponsorships, and grant funding. The organization solicits financial contributions via its website donate page, partnership brochures, and direct outreach to corporations, foundations, and individuals. Sponsorship tiers include Platinum (EA Sports FC) and Life Giver (Kw'umut Lelum).
2. Merchandise Sales: The organization operates an e-commerce shop selling branded merchandise including community camp jerseys ($59.99), 'Socks with a Purpose' by Thii Hayqwtun House of Design ($25), Nautsa'mawt FC supporters scarves ($50), and other branded items. Net proceeds from merchandise support Hope and Health sport-for-development programming.
3. Event Ticket Sales: Hope and Health sells tickets to cultural fundraising events such as the 'Awaken the Fire at Blue Grouse' gathering (June 5th, $100/ticket), which includes Coast Salish culture immersion, fashion collection presentation, original artwork sales, and prize draws. All purchases provide a charitable tax receipt.
4. Corporate Partnerships: Partnerships with corporations (Scotiabank, Vancouver Whitecaps, EA Sports, Adidas, Canadian Tire Jumpstart, etc.) provide both financial contributions and in-kind support (apparel, transport, venue access). Partners receive high-profile exposure to community leaders, corporations, and families, and are acknowledged on website, social media, and event materials.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Hope and Health is an Indigenous-led non-profit society that delivers sport-for-development programs for Indigenous children and youth across British Columbia. Its core offerings include the annual Hope and Health Community Camp at BC Place, the Nautsa'mawt FC Academy (virtual and in-person soccer development), the Be The Change Mini-Pitch Initiative (installation of 5V5 soccer pitches in Indigenous communities), Santa on the Pitch (annual holiday gift distribution), and a Healing-Centered Futsal pilot program. The organization is funded through donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships, with merchandise sales and ticketed cultural events serving as supplementary fundraising mechanisms.

Product overview

Hope and Health is an Indigenous-led nonprofit organization that functions as a sport-for-development movement, not a technology product company. Its offerings consist of community programs, physical facilities, educational resources, events, and merchandise. The core programs include the annual Hope and Health Community Camp at BC Place (where over 10,000 Indigenous youth have participated), the Nautsa'mawt FC Academy (a virtual and in-person soccer development program connecting Indigenous youth across 26+ nations with mentors and coaches), and the Be The Change Mini-Pitch Initiative (which has installed 9 mini-pitch soccer systems across BC Indigenous communities to activate a province-wide 5V5 Champions League). Supporting initiatives include We Wear Orange Every Day (reconciliation advocacy), Santa on the Pitch (annual holiday gift distribution to ~600 youth), Boot It Forward (soccer boot donation drive), a Healing-Centered Futsal pilot program, and Educational Resources (a curated annual resource list). An e-commerce shop sells branded merchandise including community camp jerseys made from recycled materials, 'Socks with a Purpose' designed by Indigenous artists, and Nautsa'mawt FC supporter scarves — all with proceeds supporting the community programming. Additional offerings include free colouring pages for children and the 'Awaken the Fire at Blue Grouse' cultural fundraising event featuring Coast Salish fashion and art.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Nautsa'mawt FC Academy: High-performance soccer academy connecting Indigenous youth athletes across British Columbia with mentors, coaches, and exclusive development experiences through a 'Champions for Life' holistic development philosophy.
• Be the Change Mini-Pitch Initiative
• Santa on the Pitch
• We Wear Orange Every Day

Products and services

• Hope and Health Annual Community Camp at BC Place Free annual multi-day soccer camp at BC Place stadium delivering sport, mentorship, and cultural programming for Indigenous children and youth from communities across BC. Delivered at no cost to participants.
• Nautsa'mawt FC Academy Virtual and in-person high-performance soccer development academy connecting Indigenous youth athletes from 26+ nations across BC with mentors, coaches, monthly Full Circle Huddles, guest speakers, video review sessions, virtual text-based mentoring, and exclusive in-person development experiences including stadium tours and professional player interactions. Delivered through a 'Champions for Life' holistic development philosophy.
• Be The Change Mini-Pitch Initiative Province-wide initiative to install 5V5 mini pitch soccer systems across Indigenous communities in BC, activating an Indigenous '5V5 Champions League.' 9 mini-pitches installed to date in Penelakut, Snaw-naw-as, Tla'amin, Stz'uminus, Snuneymuxw, Ts'uubaa-asatx, Sts'ailes, Cowichan Tribes, and Malahat.
• Santa on the Pitch Annual holiday initiative distributing stockings filled with essential items, educational toys/books, and treats to Indigenous children and youth in BC communities to support reconciliation through community engagement.
• Healing-Centered Futsal Program Pilot program blending cultural practices with physical education in Penelakut and Tla'amin communities, focused on holistic development of Indigenous youth through futsal to improve self-esteem and leadership skills.
• Boot It Forward (Boot Drive) Program collecting new and lightly used soccer boots for Indigenous children and youth, in partnership with the City of Burnaby, to enhance access to sports and promote reconciliation through community engagement.
• Awaken the Fire at Blue Grouse (Event) Ticketed cultural fundraising event at Blue Grouse Winery featuring Coast Salish culture, art, fashion, music, and storytelling, including a Thii Hayqwtun House of Design fashion collection, original artwork, and merchandise available for purchase. Limited to 100 attendees at $100 per ticket, with charitable tax receipts issued.
• Hope and Health Online Shop Direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront selling Hope and Health branded merchandise (jerseys, socks, scarves) and event tickets, with net proceeds supporting sport-for-development community programming.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 10,000 Indigenous children and youth attended Hope and Health Annual Community Camps across BC communities
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, legacy and minor.

• Kw'umut LelumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKw'umut Lelum is Hope and Health's 'Life Giver' — a founding and legacy partner. It is an Indigenous agency rooted in Coast Salish snuw'uy'ulh that provides culturally-driven family support, caregiving services, and community programs to nine First Nations on Vancouver Island, BC. As the foundational partner, Kw'umut Lelum co-created the Hope and Health model and provides ongoing community access and cultural grounding.
• EA Sports FC (Electronic Arts)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEA Sports FC is Hope and Health's Platinum Sponsor. Through the EA Sports FC Futures Initiative, EA Sports supports the Nautsa'mawt FC Academy's mission of mentoring and empowering the future generation of Indigenous youth athletes across 26 nations in BC. EA Sports is committed to community-level football through product innovation, community investment, and partner initiatives.
• BC PlacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBC Place, home of the BC Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Canada's national soccer teams, supports Hope and Health by providing tickets and hosting the annual BC Place Community Camp for Indigenous youth. This partnership offers participants the unique opportunity to play where professional athletes do, creating inspiring and memorable experiences through sport.
• BC Soccer AssociationlegacyStrategic or Co-development PartnerBC Soccer has been a key facilitator ensuring all community coaches and staff are certified in Canada Soccer Coaching and promotes the development of high-performing Indigenous athletes, coaches, and community programs. As the provincial sport governing body, BC Soccer supports Hope and Health in coach certification and program quality.
• City of BurnabylegacyStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Burnaby has partnered with Hope and Health to collect new lightly used soccer boots for Indigenous children and youth, supporting the 'Boot It Forward' program which enhances access to sports and promotes reconciliation through community engagement.
• Vancouver Whitecaps FCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVancouver Whitecaps FC has been a long-term partner providing startup donations for Mini-Pitches (inaugural Penelakut pitch), player mentorship, and youth engagement. They are a key partner in the Mini-Pitch Initiative, contributing both funding and professional soccer credibility to the program.
• Pacific FClegacyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPacific FC, based in Langford, BC, actively supports Hope and Health by donating proceeds from their Indigenous-designed 'Resilience Kit' jerseys and collaborating to host soccer camps and mentorship for Indigenous youth across Vancouver Island.
• UBC Thunderbirds Women's SoccerlegacyStrategic or Co-development PartnerUBC Thunderbirds Women's Soccer partners with Hope and Health to empower Indigenous youth through sport and mentorship. Student-athletes play a hands-on role in delivering soccer programs and inspiring young leaders in Indigenous communities.
• KenDor TextilesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKenDor Textiles, based in Delta, BC, is a leading supplier of sustainable fabrics and provides materials for all of Hope and Health's jerseys. Their commitment to environmental responsibility helps create high-quality, eco-friendly gear for Indigenous youth programs.
• Oddball Workshop & SupplyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOddball Workshop, based in Burnaby, is a premier supplier of custom sublimated apparel specializing in performance wear. Their collaboration with Hope and Health includes creating custom gear for Indigenous youth programs.
• Host Nation Partners (Penelakut Tribe, Stz'uminus, Snaw-naw-as, Malahat Nation, Ts'uubaa-asatx, Snuneymuxw, Cowichan Tribes, Gwa-sala-Nakwaxda'xw Nations, Kwakiutl, Pelly Crossing, Quatsino, Shíshálh Nation, Sts'ailes, Squamish Nation, Teslin Tlingit, Tla'amin Nation, Tsleil-Waututh, Wei Wai Kum Nation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOver 20 First Nations serve as Host Nation partners, hosting Mini-Pitches, community programs, and co-creating programming with Hope and Health. These partnerships are the foundation of Hope and Health's community-driven model, with each nation providing local leadership, community access, and cultural guidance. Partner communities span BC from the Interior to the Coast and into the Yukon.
• Thii Hayqwtun House of DesignlegacyStrategic or Co-development PartnerA creative design partner led by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. (Hope and Health's Jersey Design and Youth Artist Development Advisor) that creates Indigenous artwork for jerseys, merchandise (Socks with a Purpose), fashion collections (Awaken the Fire), and branded products. Partial proceeds from all sales support Hope and Health programming.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Right To Play: Global sport-for-development nonprofit using sport and play to educate and protect children in underserved communities. Operates the same sport-as-development-vehicle model as Hope and Health, though at much larger international scale across multiple beneficiary groups.
• North American Indigenous Games Council: Governing body for the North American Indigenous Games, organizing multi-sport events for Indigenous athletes. Hope and Health's Nautsa'mawt FC Academy participants and the 2023 NAIG medal track record (Team Ontario Boys Soccer) place it directly within this peer ecosystem.
• KidSport Canada: National Canadian nonprofit that removes financial barriers to youth sport participation through grant funding. Highly comparable mission (access to sport for underserved youth) and geography, though KidSport focuses on financial subsidy rather than community-based program delivery.
• Indigenous Sport, Wellness and Activity Circle (ISWC): Canadian organization dedicated to enhancing Indigenous wellness through sport and physical activity, with a similar Indigenous-led philosophy and focus on community-based program delivery across Canada.

Broad incumbents

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada: National mentoring nonprofit pairing youth with adult mentors. Comparable on the natural-mentoring-exposure element of Hope and Health's Champions for Life model, but operates a 1:1 matching model rather than sport-based group programming.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada: Largest youth-serving organization in Canada delivering after-school programming including sport, mentorship and educational support. Comparable on youth-development mission but broader and non-Indigenous-specific; operates club-facility model rather than Hope and Health's community-embedded approach.
• ParticipACTION: National nonprofit promoting physical activity and sport participation among Canadians. Comparable mission around reducing inactivity barriers but operates as a national awareness/advocacy body rather than direct program delivery.

Emerging players

• True Sport Foundation: Canadian sport charity promoting values-based sport development. Overlaps with Hope and Health's holistic development philosophy and Reconciliation-aligned sport narrative, but does not deliver direct programming to Indigenous communities.
• 4 Youth & Family Outcomes (formerly 4-H Canada): Canadian positive-youth-development organization engaging young people in community-based programming. Comparable youth-development framework with community-volunteer delivery model, though agriculture-rooted rather than sport-rooted.

Regional players

• PacificSport Vancouver Island: Regional sport development organization serving Vancouver Island athletes. Geographic overlap with Hope and Health's BC footprint and similar sport-development mandate, though not Indigenous-specific or community-embedded in the same way.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hope-and-health

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hope and Health