Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Calgary Chinook Fund
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Calgary Chinook Fund is an endowment fund established in 2001 that provides ongoing annual grants to charitable organizations serving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Calgary. Managed by the Calgary Foundation, the fund awards approximately $62,000 annually to support programs, services, education, and community initiatives promoting inclusiveness. The fund has two components: the Chinook Fund for Gender and Sexual Diversity and the Chinook Fund for the Arts. View The Calgary Chinook Fund's website for more information.
Content last updated: March 6, 2026
About The Calgary Chinook Fund
What is the mission of The Calgary Chinook Fund?
To support and build the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Calgary by providing sustainable, long-term funding to charitable organizations that offer programs, services, education, and support for the community.
What type of organization is The Calgary Chinook Fund?
The Calgary Chinook Fund is a Foundation.
When was The Calgary Chinook Fund founded?
The Calgary Chinook Fund was founded in 2001.
What is The Calgary Chinook Fund's official website?
The Calgary Chinook Fund's official website is http://calgarychinookfund.ca/.
What else should I know about The Calgary Chinook Fund?
Role of the Chinook Fund in the Funding Ecosystem
The Calgary Chinook Fund is a permanent endowment fund that provides sustainable, long-term funding to Calgary's 2SLGBTQIA+ community organizations. Unlike one-time grants, the fund's structure ensures that grants will continue forever, with the annual amount increasing as the endowment grows through donations and investment returns.
General Evaluation Criteria for Applications
The advisory committee reviews applications based on: impact and community benefit, potential reach, sustainability, level of innovation, and quality of the request. For project-based funding, the ability to describe measurable outcomes is essential. For core funding, the committee assesses how the funds will increase organizational scope.
Transparency, Governance, and Accountability
The fund is administered by the Calgary Foundation, one of Canada's largest community foundations. The advisory committee, composed entirely of donors from Calgary's 2SLGBTQIA+ community, makes annual allocation decisions. The fund publishes procedural rules, terms of reference, and conflict of interest policies publicly.
History and Evolution of the Organization
Established in 2001 by a group of donors, the fund was originally named the Chinook Lesbian and Gay Fund. In 2022, it was formally renamed the Chinook Fund for Gender and Sexual Diversity to better represent the community. In 2024, the Chinook Fund for the Arts was added to support arts-related initiatives.
Supported Audiences and Overall Impact
The fund supports registered charitable organizations providing programs, services, education, and support for and about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Funding is directed toward both project-specific grants and core operational funding, with half of annual funding allocated to each category.
Institutional Partnerships and Networks
The fund is managed in partnership with the Calgary Foundation and has received ongoing sponsorship support from TD Bank. The fund also collaborates with community organizations for events and fundraising activities.