Strategic Opportunity Grants help small charities respond to emerging needs by supporting the investigation, development, and testing of solutions. This granting stream funds the planning and design work needed before implementation, not the implementation itself.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Have an operating budget of less than $2,000,000.
- Be a registered charity or qualified donee, in good standing with CRA.
- Operate in Calgary and Area.
- Complete any outstanding or overdue reports.
Qualified donees with eligible initiatives are invited to submit a grant request through our online grant portal.
Eligible activities must:
- Fall into one of three categories: Investigate, Develop, or Test.
- Occur after the grant approval date.
Stream 1: Investigate (Up to $5,000)
For organizations seeking to understand a challenge, opportunity, or emerging community need.
Examples:
- Community consultations
- Needs assessments
- Environmental scans
- Data gathering
- Governance reviews
Stream 2: Develop (Up to $10,000)
For organizations that have identified an opportunity and want to explore potential solutions.
Examples:
- Program design
- Feasibility studies
- Service model development
- Evaluation Framework Design
- Change management planning
Stream 3: Test (Up to $15,000)
For organizations requiring support to create a detailed roadmap for future implementation.
Examples:
- Prototyping new approaches
- Program design workshops
- Proof of Concept
Implementation (not eligible)
Activities focused on delivering or operating an established program or service.
Examples:
- Ongoing operational costs
- Program expansion or scaling
- Purchasing equipment for service delivery
- Marketing or promotion of an existing program
- Travel, accommodation & meal expenses
- Fund development plans
- Fundraising activities or salaries
- Regular Strategic Planning
- Hosting events/conferences
Next grant intake
Applications are due by 4 p.m. on the last day of each month and are reviewed monthly.
How to apply
- Review the program guidelines carefully.
- Book a meeting with Daudi to discuss your initiative.
- Once you’re ready to apply, applications are accepted through our Online Grant Portal.
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With Calgary Foundation’s support, The Inn embarked on a transformative Truth and Reconciliation journey. Our Reconciliation Action Plan will reshape our processes, enhancing programs for Indigenous families, and forging meaningful relationships with Indigenous people, communities and organizations.
Inn From the Cold