How much funding can be received?

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.

Financing terms and conditions

Grant funding available between $50,000 and $1,500,000 per project.
Government of Alberta funding cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost.

Eligible projects & activities

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 48,000

Implementing e-commerce platform for local artists’ craft sales

$ 80,000

Expanding daycare capacity with new educational materials and furniture

$ 89,000

Automating order fulfillment for regional specialty food producers

$ 60,000

Launching digital learning tools for adult newcomer employment training

$ 95,000

Renovating shared commercial kitchen for improved accessibility and hygiene

$ 76,500

Upgrading renewable energy system at urban food co-op grocery store

Eligibility criteria of the Active Communities Initiative program

The applicant must be a First Nation or Metis Settlement, or a registered organization in good standing for more than two years under specified provincial or federal legislation (such as the Societies Act of Alberta, Agriculture Societies Act, or as a registered charity operating in Alberta).
The applicant must currently operate, or plan to operate, the public-use community sport and recreation facility for which funding is being sought.
If operating but not owning the facility, the applicant must hold an executed lease or sub-lease with a minimum five-year term.
The project must focus on retrofitting, renewing, expanding, or building new small to medium-sized public-use community sport and recreation facilities, with the primary goal of increasing sport, physical activity, and recreation.

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

Eligibility criteria of the Active Communities Initiative program

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.

How to apply to the Active Communities Initiative program

Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
- Download and thoroughly read the Active Communities Initiative Guidelines from the official ACI website.
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
- Assess your organization and project against the eligibility requirements as outlined in the guidelines.
Step 3: Download and Prepare Application Materials
- Download the ACI Workbook from the ACI website.
- Gather all required business case materials, including those listed in section 3.6 of the guidelines (e.g., board motion, audited financial statements, owner/lease permissions, budget estimates).
Step 4: Complete Documentation
- Fill out the ACI Workbook with all requested project and organizational information.
- Assemble the business case and supporting documentation into a single PDF, including a table of contents and sub-sections as required.
Step 5: Submit Application
- Go to the ACI website and access the online submission form.
- Upload the completed ACI Workbook and Business Case PDF through the form before the application deadline.
Step 6: Await Review and Decision
- Monitor for written notification regarding whether your application was approved or declined.
- Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if contacted by the program administrators.
Step 7: Finalize Funding Agreement (if approved)
- If selected, enter into a grant agreement with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport according to the terms and conditions provided.

Additional information

Incomplete applications at the deadline will not be considered for funding.
All grant decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Grant recipients are required to publicly acknowledge Government of Alberta support in communications related to the project.
Information about approved projects and recipients will become public record.