
Closed
Source verified June 19, 2026
ActivateYYC
Funding for creative public realm projects
Get notified when ActivateYYC reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 24, 2026Latest change: The ActivateYYC page now shows the next application intake as spring 2027 instead of March 16–August 31, 2026.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 24, 2026
Latest change: The ActivateYYC page now shows the next application intake as spring 2027 instead of March 16–August 31, 2026.
ActivateYYC intake moved to spring 2027
The ActivateYYC page now shows the next application intake as spring 2027. The prior notice that applications would open March 16, 2026 and run until August 31, 2026 or until funds ran out was removed, along with the 2026 waitlist note and its June 25 outreach timing.
Funding available
$ 500 - $ 5,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Overview
ActivateYYC supports community-led public realm projects with funding between $500 and $5,000. It funds creative street, mobility, placemaking, and tactical urbanism initiatives that make shared spaces safer, more accessible, and more engaging.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Minimum amount : 500 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Calgary
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- General public
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Paint the pavement and mural projects
- Parklets and seating area activations
- Block parties and open street events
- Community art and sidewalk or boulevard installations
- Mobility and placemaking projects that reimagine streets as community spaces
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Project idea description
- Site photos, sketches, or mock-ups
- Budget breakdown or cost estimate
- Supporting files or precedents, if available
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Community associations
- Business Improvement Areas
- Non-profits and charities
- Local businesses working with a community partner
Who is not eligible
- Local businesses applying without a community partner
- Projects that are not open and accessible to the public
- Projects that are not considerate of all ages and abilities
Eligible expenses
- Creative street and right-of-way improvements, including materials and installation
- Artist fees
- Permitting and rentals
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital projects
- Permanent infrastructure
- Staffing, operations, and fundraising
- Costs incurred before the application
Eligible geographic areas
- Calgary
Selection criteria
- Impact and accessibility for the broader community
- Community support and engagement
- Project feasibility and safety considerations
- Creativity and innovation
- Location and potential impact on the area
How to apply
- Read the grant guidelines before applying.
- Submit the application by downloading the fillable PDF and emailing it, or by completing the Google Form.
- If you need assistance or an alternative method, contact activateyyc@calgarycommunities.com.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission and assessed on a rolling basis.
- Applicants are usually notified within about 2 to 3 weeks.
- Not all applications are funded.
- Successful applicants must complete a final report after the project.
- Reimbursement is issued after the final report is received and processed.
Additional information
- Only one active application per group is allowed.
- A final report is required after project completion.
- Projects must be completed and installed by October 31, 2026.
- Successful applicants must provide a detailed budget breakdown before final approval.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ActivateYYC Program
What is the ActivateYYC?
ActivateYYC supports community-led public realm projects with funding between $500 and $5,000. It funds creative street, mobility, placemaking, and tactical urbanism initiatives that make shared spaces safer, more accessible, and more engaging.
How much funding can be received?
ActivateYYC Funds up to $5,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the ActivateYYC program?
To be eligible for the ActivateYYC program, you must:
Public realm project
Publicly accessible and inclusive
Applicant tied to a group or business
What expenses are eligible under ActivateYYC?
Paint the pavement and mural projects
Parklets and seating area activations
Block parties and open street events
Community art and sidewalk or boulevard installations
Mobility and placemaking projects that reimagine streets as community spaces
Who can I contact for more information about the ActivateYYC?
You can contact Federation of Calgary Communities.
Where is the ActivateYYC available?
The ActivateYYC program is available the province of Alberta.
Who are the financial supporters of the ActivateYYC?
ActivateYYC is funded by Federation of Calgary Communities