Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS)

The Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) is a long‑standing volunteer‑run charity based in Calgary, founded in 1908 to support children’s health. Composed of approximately 75 women members, CHAS raises money through events and campaigns and then allocates these funds to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and a wide range of community charities that serve children and young adults in Calgary and surrounding areas. Over its history, CHAS has raised and contributed more than $13 million to projects that enhance care, education, inclusion and overall well‑being for young people.

CHAS operates as a discretionary funder rather than through rigid program streams. A dedicated requests committee reviews comprehensive funding applications from agencies and projects, assesses needs, and follows up on the use of funds to ensure accountability and impact. Recent years have seen hundreds of thousands of dollars distributed annually to dozens of organizations, including hospitals, camps, counselling and mental health services, disability supports, food security programs and youth development initiatives.

The organization focuses on children and young adults facing health, developmental, social or economic challenges. Beneficiaries have included the Alberta Children’s Hospital (for equipment, research, facilities such as the helipad and swimming pool, and initiatives like the Brain Health Initiative), as well as community partners such as camps for children with disabilities or chronic illness, family support services, food banks, literacy and counselling organizations, and youth outreach programs across Calgary.

CHAS combines financial support with direct volunteerism. Members not only organize major fundraising events like the Annual Charity Golf Classic, a bridge and games luncheon, and a holiday lunch, but also volunteer at partner agencies by preparing meals, making lunches, hosting parties for patients and families, and assisting with community events. This dual approach strengthens relationships with recipient organizations and increases the impact of each dollar granted.

CHAS emphasizes responsible fiscal management and publishes audited financial statements annually, detailing funds raised and amounts disbursed to recipient charities. Its values highlight effectiveness in identifying and evaluating worthy agencies, accountability in stewardship of donor funds, and social connection through compassionate, community‑oriented relationships. With no paid staff and low administrative costs, the charity aims to direct the maximum proportion of donations to front‑line services for children and youth.

Through more than a century of continuous activity, CHAS has become a respected funding partner in Calgary’s child‑serving sector, helping hospitals and community organizations launch or expand programs, purchase critical equipment, and provide camperships and other opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.