Programs and initiatives that support the development of women and girls in curling can receive up to $2,000 in financial support courtesy of a new gender equity project supported by Curling Canada.

The Women Curling Leaders Circle hosted its first Women in Leadership conference in person during the 2020 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in February here in Moose Jaw.

Curling Canada's national women's coach Elaine Dagg-Jackson said projects must build gender equity and/or expand the quality of experience for women and girls to either play or become leaders in curling.

"This project is left wide open because we do not want to put any parameters on an applicant's creativity. We want these grants to encourage women and girls to find their leadership voice within their curling community," Dagg-Jackson said in a media release. 

Curling Canada said that due to the limited access to on-ice opportunities, projects that entail an off-ice focus are encouraged.

Applications for the support will be accepted here until Dec. 31, 2020.