Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Humanity in Practice (HIP)

Humanity in Practice (often stylized h!p) is a Calgary-based non-profit that promotes what it calls micro-volunteering: small, purposeful acts of kindness that collectively have a large impact. Since 2005, the organization has worked with more than 80 local agencies, identifying tangible needs and then designing simple projects through which individuals, families, schools, and workplaces can contribute money, goods, and time. H!p operates as a bridge between community members who want to help and front-line organizations serving children, families, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and animal shelters.

The organization mobilizes funding and in-kind support through themed campaigns and programs. Its h!ppo program, for example, provides seasonal treat and creative play kits for children living in shelters or transitional housing, which can be financed by donations or by purchasing kits. H!p also coordinates the assembly of personal care kits, winter wear, food and literacy supports, pet supplies, gardening materials, and other essentials that are distributed to partner agencies.

In addition to in-kind support, Humanity in Practice offers at least one direct financial support mechanism: the Humanity in Practice Zane Fisher Personal Development Bursary, highlighted on its homepage. This bursary reflects the organization’s interest in mental health, personal growth, and youth development, and functions as a grant-like contribution to individual beneficiaries. The charity also leverages fundraising initiatives such as “Party with Purpose” events, where groups raise funds or pay per assembled care kit, with donations processed via its partners and matched through programs like Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink.

Resources collected or financed through these initiatives are then delivered to a wide range of agencies, including food banks, youth services, shelters for women and children, senior centres, animal rescues, and community health and education organizations. The long list of “Agencies we’ve supported” illustrates the breadth of its impact across Calgary’s social services and community sectors.

While the site does not present formal competitive grant application cycles, Humanity in Practice maintains a project-based model where needs are identified in collaboration with agencies and matched with volunteers and donors. Projects are organized by monthly or seasonal themes—such as winter warmth, literacy, mental health, pet care, or holiday supports—and contributions are curated to meet specific, practical needs.

As a small non-profit, h!p emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity: participation is designed to be easy regardless of age, schedule, or circumstances, and much of the giving can be done from home, classrooms, or workplaces. This orientation shapes how funding and material support are allocated—favoring initiatives that are simple to understand, safe, and clearly beneficial to vulnerable populations.

Humanity in Practice is led by an executive director, an associate director, and an executive assistant, and is overseen by a volunteer board of directors. The organization acknowledges corporate and community partners whose financial and in-kind support help scale its programs. Its role in the ecosystem is complementary to that of larger funders: h!p turns community goodwill into concrete resources and kits delivered directly to agencies, while also offering at least one bursary program for individual development.

Overall, Humanity in Practice serves as a grassroots facilitator of philanthropy and volunteering in Calgary, providing structured ways for donors and volunteers to support local social service organizations, youth and families, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and animals in shelters.