Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (CCEF)

The Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (CCEF) is a community-based charitable foundation dedicated to enriching publicly funded Catholic education in Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere and Cochrane. Established in 2009 by Catholic community members, the Foundation complements basic government funding by providing additional financial resources for enhanced learning opportunities in Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) schools and classrooms.

Through donor support, special campaigns and school-based fundraising, the CCEF distributes classroom and school grants as well as scholarships. Since 2009, it has awarded more than $3.6 million in grants to CCSD schools, directly supporting projects that extend beyond the standard curriculum.

CCEF grant programs focus on clear priority areas that align with Catholic values and student success. General grants support projects in:

In addition, dedicated grants are available for participation in the Campus Calgary/Open Minds® program, which moves the classroom into the community for a week of experiential learning. Separate scholarship opportunities help recognize student achievement and create lasting legacies named by donors, alumni and community partners.

Each year, the Foundation sets an overall grants budget and publishes timelines for applications. For the 2025/2026 school year, CCEF is providing $80,000 in grant funding. CCSD schools and classrooms can apply for general grants of up to $6,000 per project. Classrooms participating in Campus Calgary/Open Minds® are eligible for grants of up to $1,500.

The grants cycle typically opens in October and closes at the end of November. Applications are assessed using a published Grant Criteria Rubric, supported by sample budget and evaluation templates. Proposals are reviewed and ratified by a Grant Committee, then approved by the CCEF Board of Directors before being announced to schools.

Applications are evaluated against criteria such as alignment with Catholic education values, impact on student learning, reach across schools or grade levels, and sustainability of the initiative. The presence of a clear budget and evaluation plan is encouraged through downloadable templates. The Foundation is overseen by a volunteer Board and supported by staff, ensuring that grant decisions are transparent, accountable and consistent with its mission.

The CCEF serves the entire Calgary Catholic School District, supporting 118 schools and more than 64,000 students. Recent data highlighted on the site indicate that, in a given year, more than 50 projects across dozens of schools receive funding, impacting tens of thousands of students. Funding helps provide technology upgrades, leadership and faith formation opportunities, inclusive playgrounds, social justice projects and other initiatives that might not otherwise be possible within standard school budgets.

Through its grants, scholarships, fundraising campaigns and partnerships with donors, alumni and local organizations, the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation plays a central role in strengthening Catholic education and helping students grow academically, spiritually and personally.