Apply Now: Community Initiatives Program Project Grant (Canada)

The Government of Alberta’s Community Initiatives Program (CIP) Project Grant supports Alberta-based non-profit organizations to deliver community-driven initiatives, programs, and events that enhance the well-being of Albertans. Funding is available up to $75,000 for eligible projects. The next application intake deadline is 15 February 2027 (submitted through the GATE Front Office portal). Opportunity at a Glance

- Program name: Community Initiatives Program (CIP) Project Grant

- Funding organization: Government of Alberta (Alberta.ca)

- Opportunity type: Non-profit grant for community-driven initiatives, programs, and events

- Funding amount: Up to $75,000 (for eligible projects)

- Eligible applicants: Alberta-based non-profit organizations registered under specified provincial or federal acts (see eligibility section)

- Eligible geography: Projects must operate in Alberta (and for charities, operating in Alberta is required)

- Submission method: Online via GATE Front Office portal

- Application deadlines (intakes):

- 15 February 2027 (next intake deadline, per program update) - 15 August (annual intake; see “Important dates” for notifications and typical timelines) - September 1, 2026 (listed as “September 1, 2026 – one-time deadline only”)

- Review timeframe: Approximately 6 months

- Notification timing: Sent by email to contacts listed in the application; notification periods shift by intake (see important dates)

About the Opportunity

The CIP Project Grant provides funding to Alberta-based non-profit organizations for community-driven initiatives, programs and events that enhance the well-being of Albertans. The program supports projects such as: - new programs - enhancements to existing programs - community events and experiences - technology - portable equipment Applicants are instructed to review the CIP Project Program Guidelines for complete program details. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum grant amount: Up to $75,000 per project (as stated in the source).

- Matching is required: CIP Project funding is approved only on a matching basis. The applicant must contribute an amount equal to or exceeding the amount requested (and any remaining funds necessary to carry out the project), per the program’s matching requirements. Matching (key points)

- Eligible matching sources may include:

- grants - cash contributions - donated labour, materials, and/or services

- Donated labour rates (standardized):

- $20/hour — unskilled labour directly on the project - $40/hour — skilled labour (including qualified skilled trades and professional services directly related to eligible activities, e.g., artists, photographers, technical officials) - $120/hour — heavy equipment including operator - Government of Alberta funding cap: Total Government of Alberta funding for the project (including CIP Project Grant and other provincial funding) cannot exceed 50% of total project costs. Notes: The source provides additional detail on which matching sources are ineligible and how matching relates to eligible expenses. Applicants should consult the CIP Project Program Guidelines section 5. Who Is Eligible? Eligible organizations To be eligible, applicants must be non-profit organizations that are: - registered and in good standing under one of the following acts:

Provincial Acts:

- Agriculture Societies Act - Alberta’s Business Corporations Act (Part 21, Extra-Provincial Corporations) - Alberta’s Companies Act (Part 9, Non-profit Companies) - Libraries Act - Alberta’s Societies Act - Métis Settlements Act - a Special Act of the Alberta Legislature

Federal Acts:

- Income Tax Act (Charity status) - Indian Act - a Special Act of the Parliament of Canada

Applicants must also:

- have been operational for a minimum of one full year prior to applying - be able to provide a financial statement for the year - have an Alberta address that is regularly monitored by an active organization member - be operating in Alberta, if a charity Ineligible organizations

The following are ineligible:

- municipalities - for-profit organizations - organizations with overdue or incomplete reporting for any previously awarded grant by the ministry - K-12 schools as defined under Alberta’s Education Act - universities, colleges, or institutes as defined under Alberta’s Post-secondary Learning Act - individuals - any other organizations not registered under the listed acts Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Eligible projects may include (but are not limited to): - New community programs or enhancements to existing community programs Examples include leasing space, external program evaluation, wages for new or temporary staff, and program materials. - Community events and experiences Examples include venue and equipment rentals, food and non-alcoholic beverages, communications and marketing, artists and performers, and speakers. Examples include audio/visual equipment, projection screens, computer hardware, licensing fees, and website/app development. Examples include licensed vehicles, team uniforms and sport equipment, furnishings, portable office equipment. For more detailed definitions and limits, applicants are directed to CIP Project Program Guidelines section 3.3. Ineligible Projects Projects are ineligible if they include, among other things: - private sector/commercial initiatives or projects with extremely limited public access - activities related to religious observance or church sanctuaries - costs related to gaming activity or gaming equipment (e.g., bingo halls, casinos, horse racing tracks) - projects under municipal, provincial, or federal responsibility (examples provided include hospitals and schools) - new programs started prior to the application submission date - events that took place prior to the application submission date - ongoing programs, standalone research initiatives, private residential or group housing projects, or projects outside Alberta - construction/renovation/retrofitting or land purchases for any