Community Grants

The Community Grants program aims to strengthen the charitable sector and engage citizens. We have made some adaptations to the program that reflect the ongoing effects of the pandemic, our commitment to Reconciliation, and advancing equity and systemic change.

The Community Grants program can only accept applications from registered charities and other qualified donees. Go to the Canada Revenue Agency’s Charities Listings website to determine whether your organization is a qualified donee. If you are not a qualified donee and wish to apply for funding, you can consider the following options:

• Make a formal application to CRA to become a registered charity.
• Nonprofit organizations without charitable status may apply in partnership with a registered charity. Please review the program guidelines for details.
• The proposed initiative must significantly benefit Calgary and area communities, which includes Calgary, Banff National Park, Canmore, Rocky View County, the Municipal Districts of Big Horn, Foothills, Kananaskis and Wheatland (including towns and hamlets), and the surrounding First Nations of Treaty 7 territory.

The Spring 2025 Community Grants cycle is now closed. The next intake for applications will open in August 2025, with a due date for applications in mid-September. Please look out for more information and the program guidelines nearer the time. You can review the Community Grants – General Guidelines in the meantime. 

1. Book a meeting with Grants staff
2. We encourage you to contact grants staff early before the application due date to discuss your initiative.
3. Once you’re ready to apply, applications are accepted through our Online Grant Portal. You can access the portal by clicking on the Online Grant Portal button below. Detailed instructions are listed in the application. If you need any assistance, grants staff are available to assist you through the application process. Additionally, Oral applications are available as an option for Indigenous and other equity-deserving communities; please contact grants staff at least a week before the application due date to set up a time for this discussion.

To discuss changes to an ongoing grant or reporting requirements, please contact Matthew Blough, Director, Evaluation & Learning. Community Grant reports are completed on the Online Grant Portal.