Role of St. Paul’s Foundation (Edmonton) in the funding ecosystem
St. Paul’s Foundation (Edmonton) is a registered public foundation created by the congregation of St. Paul’s United Church in Edmonton. Its capital originated from the ownership, operation and eventual sale of low‑rental apartment buildings formerly located beside the church. The proceeds were placed under investment management, now administered through an agreement with Edmonton Community Foundation, and the investment income is used to support charitable housing and shelter initiatives.
The Foundation focuses on organizations that provide or support housing and shelter for people in need in the Greater Edmonton area. Over the years it has distributed well over a million dollars in grants to dozens of local agencies working with vulnerable populations.
Funding priorities and typical projects
According to its grant guidelines, St. Paul’s Foundation (Edmonton) funds specific projects rather than broad operating support. Priority is given to initiatives that assist youth and women’s shelters, low‑income housing projects, and housing for people with disabilities. All funded work must relate directly to providing or supporting housing or shelter for people in need.
Applicants must be registered charities with a Canada Revenue Agency charitable registration number, and their proposed projects must align with the Foundation’s housing and shelter mandate. Grants are generally limited to one per fiscal year for any single organization.
General assessment and exclusions
In evaluating requests, the Foundation looks for organizations that demonstrate fiscal responsibility, have a committed volunteer board, represent the communities they serve, and have the capacity to complete the proposed work. Applicants are expected to show clearly how their project will benefit the community.
The guidelines specify that grants are not available for partisan political purposes or direct religious activities. Funding is also normally not provided for ongoing operating costs, deficit funding, regular programming, salaries, annual campaigns, travel, or conferences. This focus allows the Foundation to concentrate its limited resources on time‑bound, project‑based needs related to housing and shelter.
Application cycles and process
Grants are awarded twice per year, with proposal deadlines on February 28 and August 31 (or the last business day of those months for paper submissions). Applications can be submitted electronically to the Foundation’s dedicated email address or delivered in hard copy to the church office.
Applicants must use the official Grant Application form, which collects information on the organization, project description, budget, other funding sources, and evaluation plan. Supporting documents typically include financial statements, budgets, and confirmation of charitable registration. Successful applicants are expected to provide public recognition of the Foundation’s support and to submit a written final report on the funded project.