Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Sunnyside School Council and Sunnyside School Society

Sunnyside School Council and Sunnyside School Society are closely linked parent-led bodies that work with Sunnyside Community School in Calgary, Alberta. The Council focuses on advising the school and strengthening community engagement, while the Society is a separate legal entity incorporated under the Societies Act to raise, hold and allocate funds. Together, they play a key role in financing enrichment activities and projects that fall outside regular school board budgets.

According to the site, virtually all extra-curricular activities at Sunnyside School — including swimming classes, school dances, yoga and field trips — are organized and funded by the School Council and its associated Society. They also initiate and support in-school programs and infrastructure projects such as the Grandparents Read program, the Outdoor Learning Circle, special arts initiatives like the Bison Project, and celebrations such as the school’s 100th anniversary.

The organizations rely heavily on community-based fundraising and donations. Annual and seasonal campaigns, including a spring flower and plant sale and a winter chocolate fundraiser with Purdys, are used to generate revenue for school programs. Parents and community members are invited to help by purchasing products, promoting campaigns, or volunteering.

A dedicated Sunnyside School Endowment Fund further supports “enhancement programs, projects, and initiatives” at Sunnyside Community School. The description explains that, in agreement with the Calgary Board of Education and the managing trust and in consultation with the Parent Council, grants from this fund assist with operating and capital expenses not covered by other funding sources. This positions the endowment as a structured grant-making vehicle for both program and capital needs within the school.

Funding is directed primarily to students of Sunnyside Community School and their learning environment. Grants and society funds support classroom enrichment, literacy initiatives connecting students with elders, Indigenous-focused learning projects, outdoor and naturalized learning spaces, and community-building events. The Council and Society emphasize values of connection to land, community and one another, and seek project ideas from parents and community members that align with these principles.

The website outlines elected executives for both the School Council and the Society, reflecting formal governance and accountability. All parents and guardians of Sunnyside students are considered Council members and are encouraged to attend monthly meetings where ideas and funding priorities are discussed. While the site does not provide detailed application forms, it invites proposals for new initiatives at Council meetings, where they can be considered for support through available funds and, where appropriate, the endowment’s grant-making process.