Closed
Source change captured:
Active Communities Initiative
Supports developing and improving public community sport and recreation facilities
Get notified when Active Communities Initiative reopens
Funding available
$ 50,000 - $ 1,500,000
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
The Active Communities Initiative provides grants of up to $1,500,000 to support the retrofit, renewal, expansion, or construction of small to medium-sized public-use community sport and recreation facilities in Alberta. Eligible activities include building new facilities or improving existing ones to enhance sport, physical activity, and recreation opportunities.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 50,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Sports
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Seniors
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Rural / Remote communities
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Construction of new small to medium-sized public-use community sport and recreation facilities.
- Retrofit, renewal, or renovation of existing public-use community sport and recreation facilities.
- Expansion of existing public-use community sport and recreation facilities to increase access or programming.
Documents Needed
- Board motion approving the application
- Completed ACI Business Case Workbook
- Most recent audited financial statements
- Operational lease agreement, if applicable
- Professional third-party cost estimates and required supporting documents
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Active Communities Initiative closed and guidance updated
The Active Communities Initiative is now closed, and the public guidance now points to updated program guidelines and revised application instructions.
The Active Communities Initiative changed from applications open with a June 1, 2026 deadline to applications now closed. The public page also adds a Program Guidelines link for program criteria, and the application instructions now tell applicants the program is closed and to visit the program page for more information. Eligibility language was also adjusted for schools: public or private schools (grades K to 12) now appears as public or independent schools (grades K to 12). Funding terms remain shown at $50,000 to $1,500,000 per project with a maximum of 50% of total project cost.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nations organizations
- Metis Settlements
- Non-profit societies registered under the Societies Act of Alberta
- Non-profit companies registered under Part 9 of the Companies Act
- Organizations established under a Special Act of the Alberta Legislature or the Parliament of Canada and operating in Alberta
- Registered charities operating in Alberta
- Extra-provincial corporations operating in Alberta under Part 21 of the Business Corporations Act
- Agricultural societies registered under the Agriculture Societies Act
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations
- Municipalities
- Individuals
- Public or private schools, including K-12 and post-secondary institutions
- Non-profit organizations that primarily support private sector interests or do not provide public access to sport facilities, programs, or services
Eligible expenses
- All expenses directly related to the construction, retrofit, renewal, or expansion of public-use community sport and recreation facilities, as outlined in the project plan and supported by third-party cost estimates.
- Equipment and non-fixed assets that are integral to the project (e.g., net equipment for courts).
- Professional project cost estimates and related budget documentation.
- Value-In-Kind (VIK) contributions such as donated labour, equipment, or materials directly associated with the project.
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations operating in the Province of Alberta
Selection criteria
- Demonstrated financial viability and self-sufficiency of the applicant organization, including operational experience and ability to maintain the facility.
- Strength of project management resources, both internal and external to the organization.
- Availability and documentation of matching contributions from non-government sources.
- Quality of community and market assessment, including evidence of demand and community consultation.
- Degree of strategic alignment with Government of Alberta and relevant municipal priorities.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are fully reviewed against eligibility, viability, and readiness requirements.
- The program may contact applicants for more information or clarification.
- Applicants receive written notification of the decision.
- All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
- Successful applicants must sign a funding agreement with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport before funding is issued.
Additional information
- Review the 2026 Active Communities Initiative Program Guidelines for program criteria.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Active Communities Initiative Program
What is the Active Communities Initiative?
The Active Communities Initiative provides grants of up to $1,500,000 to support the retrofit, renewal, expansion, or construction of small to medium-sized public-use community sport and recreation facilities in Alberta. Eligible activities include building new facilities or improving existing ones to enhance sport, physical activity, and recreation opportunities.
How much funding can be received?
Active Communities Initiative Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,500,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Active Communities Initiative program?
To be eligible for the Active Communities Initiative program, you must:
For-profit organizations are not eligible.
What expenses are eligible under Active Communities Initiative?
All expenses directly related to the construction, retrofit, renewal, or expansion of public-use community sport and recreation facilities, as outlined in the project plan and supported by third-party cost estimates.
Equipment and non-fixed assets that are integral to the project (e.g., net equipment for courts).
Professional project cost estimates and related budget documentation.
Value-In-Kind (VIK) contributions such as donated labour, equipment, or materials directly associated with the project.
Who can I contact for more information about the Active Communities Initiative?
You can contact Government of Alberta by email at aci@gov.ab.ca.
Where is the Active Communities Initiative available?
The Active Communities Initiative program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Active Communities Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Active Communities Initiative is a Grant and Funding