The Community Grants program supports initiatives that engage citizens and that strengthen charities.
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 next intake for the Community Grants program is the Fall 2022 cycle, which opens for applications later in the year.
Eligibility:
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 registered charity but wish to apply for funding, you can consider the following options:
- Make a formal application to CRA to become a registered charity.
- Equity-seeking groups, it is possible to 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, and the surrounding First Nations of Treaty 7 territory.
How to apply:
Review the Program Guidelines to determine the eligibility.
We encourage you to contact grants staff early before the deadline to discuss your initiative.
Applications are accepted through our Online Grant Portal. You can access the portal by clicking on the Online Grant Portal button below. Grants staff are available to assist you through the application process.
You have the option of providing more detail about your work in writing or through a short video or audio recording. If you choose video or audio, you will record, create a link and link it through the Online Grant Portal. You will still complete the other sections (Organization Information, Overview and Budget) in writing. Detailed instructions are listed in the application.
Oral applications are available as an option for Indigenous and other equity-seeking communities.
Contact:
If you have questions about applying for a Community Grant, please contact Bessie Dudu, Djaka Blais-Amare or Ingrid Wasylyshen.
Reporting:
To discuss changes to an ongoing grant or reporting requirements, please contact Matthew Blough, Grants Impact Associate. Community Grant reports are completed on the Online Grant Portal. Review the Community Grants Reporting Instructions.
Recent Community Grants:
In 2020-2021, Calgary Foundation shifted our semi-annual grant program Community Grants to the Pandemic Recovery Program.