CFAs: Community Grants Program (Canada)

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) Community Grants Program provides funding of up to $25,000 per project to support local initiatives addressing community priorities in Southeastern Alberta. Eligible organizations can apply for projects focused on workforce development, economic resilience, inclusion, mental well-being, food security, housing stability, healthcare access, and other locally identified needs. Community Grants Program Overview The Community Grants Program is offered by the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) to support charities and nonprofit organizations working to address significant social and community needs in Southeastern Alberta. The program uses local research, community knowledge, and CFSEA’s Vital Signs initiative to identify funding priorities and direct resources toward projects with meaningful and measurable community impact. The program is designed to support practical initiatives that strengthen community well-being, improve access to essential services, and build long-term resilience. Funding Amount Eligible applicants may request up to $25,000 per project.

Funding conditions include:

Grants of up to $25,000 may be requested for eligible projects. Registered nonprofit societies in Alberta that have been in good standing for at least five years may apply for up to $5,000 directly. Larger requests from eligible nonprofit societies may require an affiliate process. Multi-year funding may be considered for up to two years in specific circumstances. Project-related administrative costs may be eligible for funding up to 10% of the grant. Essential staffing costs may be eligible when directly related to the project. Equipment-based projects may be considered when the project cost is below $10,000. Playgrounds and recreation structures may qualify for grants below $2,500. Funding is intended to support projects rather than unrestricted organizational operations. Key Funding Priorities CFSEA prioritizes projects that respond to demonstrated needs in Southeastern Alberta. Additional priorities apply to rural communities, including: Improved healthcare access Affordable housing Transitional housing Initiatives that reduce social isolation Applicants should clearly explain how their proposed project responds to one or more of these priorities. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants must provide services in Southeastern Alberta and meet CFSEA’s organizational eligibility requirements.

Potentially eligible applicants include:

Registered charities Municipalities School divisions Qualified donees Nonprofit organizations working in partnership with a qualified donee Registered nonprofit societies in Alberta that meet the program’s requirements Registered nonprofit societies applying directly must generally have been in good standing for at least five years for the direct funding pathway. Organizations must also have no outstanding final reports from previous CFSEA Community Grants. Project Eligibility Requirements A strong application should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed project and an identified community need.

Projects should have:

A compelling and clearly demonstrated need Specific and achievable objectives Measurable expected outcomes A clear implementation plan Alignment with CFSEA funding priorities A defined benefit for Southeastern Alberta communities Appropriate accountability and evaluation measures A realistic and justified budget Applicants should demonstrate not only what activities will be delivered but also what measurable change those activities are expected to create. What Expenses Can Be Funded? Eligible project expenses may include costs that are directly connected to delivering the proposed initiative.

Potentially eligible costs include:

Essential project staffing Project-related administrative expenses, within the applicable limit Equipment for eligible projects under the specified threshold Eligible playground and recreation structures below the applicable funding limit Other reasonable project costs that directly support approved activities Applicants should ensure that requested costs are necessary, reasonable, and directly connected to the project’s objectives. What Is Not Funded? CFSEA does not generally fund several categories of expenses or activities. Ineligible or restricted expenses include: Core administrative expenses Debt repayment Endowments Retroactive project costs Large capital campaigns Political activities Religious activities Projects located outside Southeastern Alberta Applicants should distinguish between project-specific expenses and normal organizational operating costs when preparing their budgets. Why This Grant Matters The Community Grants Program provides an opportunity for local organizations to respond to issues identified directly within Southeastern Alberta communities. Its locally informed approach means proposals should demonstrate more than general social value. Applicants should show why their project is needed in the specific community they serve and how the proposed intervention will produce measurable results. Projects addressing workforce participation, housing, food security, healthcare, mental well-being, inclusion, and community resilience can contribute to stronger and more connected communities. How to Apply Organizations should follow the application process established by CFSEA and ensure that their proposal clearly connects the project to the program’s priorities.

Step 1: Confirm Organizational Eligibility

Determine whether the organization qualifies as a registered charity, qualified donee, municipality, school division, or eligible nonprofit working with a qualified donee. Also verify that there are no outstanding final reports from previous CFSEA Community Grants.

Step 2: Identify the Community Need

Clearly describe the problem the project will address.

Explain:

Who is affected Where the need exists Why the issue is important What evidence dem