How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2025-01-31T00:00:00Z.

Who are the financial supporters of the Inclusive Spaces Program Grant?

Inclusive Spaces Program Grant is funded by Government of Alberta

What are Inclusive Spaces Program Grant's eligibility criterias?

To be an existing and already licensed private daycare or preschool facility, or a licensed family child care agency The project must aim to include vulnerable or diverse communities in an existing child care program After-school care service programs are not eligible

Inclusive Spaces Program Grant

grant_single|update May 5, 2025

AB, Canada

Funding for accessible, inclusive renovations in licensed child care facilities

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grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

grant_single_labels|projects

grant_single_labels|admissibility

grant_single_labels|criteria

grant_single_labels|apply

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grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing

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grant_single|deadlines

grant_single|openingDate December 13, 2024
grant_single|closingDate January 31, 2025

grant_single|financingType

Grant and Funding

grant_single|eligibleIndustries

Educational services
Health care and social assistance

grant_single|grantors

Government of Alberta

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grant_card_status|open

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The Inclusive Spaces Program Grant provides up to $15 million in total funding (with $5 million available per intake) to support accessible renovations and the purchase of inclusive equipment and materials for licensed child care facilities in Alberta. The program aims to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for vulnerable and diverse communities by funding projects such as wheelchair ramps, sensory rooms, and culturally relevant materials.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

Total program funding is capped at $15 million from 2024 to 2026, with $5 million allocated per intake period.
Funding amount per project is determined based on project size and complexity.
Grant funds are disbursed in two installments: 50% up front and the balance upon submission of the final report and documentation.
Professional services for the project, including design and consultation, must not exceed 10% of the total project value.

grant_single_labels|projects

Minor renovations to existing child care facilities to improve accessibility and inclusivity, such as installing wheelchair ramps, elevators, accessible doors, or washrooms.
Creating sensory-friendly or multi-sensory spaces within child care environments.
Upgrading playgrounds to be accessible for children with diverse needs.
Purchasing equipment and materials that enhance inclusion, such as adaptive play structures, mobility aids, sensory toys, or culturally relevant learning materials.
Developing linguistically and culturally responsive environments through the acquisition of materials in multiple languages or reflecting diverse backgrounds.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 39,000

Upgrading child care parking and drop-off for barrier-free access

$ 90,000

Purchasing adaptive indoor and outdoor play structures

$ 145,000

Renovating washrooms and entrances for universal accessibility upgrades

$ 59,000

Supplying assistive technology and mobility aids for enrolment equity

$ 112,000

Creating a multi-sensory room for children with diverse needs

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The applicant must be an existing childcare facility (daycare or preschool) that is public, private, or non-profit, or a licensed family child care agency in Alberta.
The project must aim to improve accessibility or inclusion in an already operational childcare program.
The project must specify and address the needs of at least one vulnerable and/or diverse community (e.g., low-income families, Indigenous peoples, single-parent families, racialized communities, children with disabilities, etc.).
The project must involve renovation or the purchase of equipment/resources that promote inclusion in the existing space.
The project must be completed by March 15, 2026.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Licensed non-profit daycare facilities
Licensed public daycare facilities
Licensed private daycare facilities
Licensed preschool facilities
Licensed family day home agencies

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Out-of-school care programs.
Companies or organizations that are not licensed daycare, preschool facilities, or family day home agencies.
Applicants seeking funding for projects or activities contrary to applicable legislation or regulation.
Organizations attempting to stack this grant with other Government of Alberta or federal government funding for the same project.
Applicants who have already received a grant for the same type of project in a previous intake.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Construction materials for accessible renovations.
Labour and installation costs for renovation work.
Costs of purchasing equipment and materials to promote inclusion (e.g., adaptive toys, assistive technology, sensory equipment, culturally relevant items).
Transportation or shipping costs for acquired equipment and materials.
Project design and project management fees (up to 10% of project value).
Consultation fees for accessibility or inclusion specialists, including assessments and expert reports.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Organizations and contractors located in the province of Alberta.

grant_single_labels|criteria

Alignment and impact: Project clearly aligns with the Inclusive Spaces Program Grant and demonstrates a positive impact on inclusion of children in the existing child care program (30%).
Justification and project design: Proposal provides a clear rationale, defines project activities, goals, and expected outcomes (25%).
Budget: Detailed, justified budget with each expense linked to activities and outcomes, reflecting market prices and compliance with guidelines (25%).
Feasibility and timeline: Project is manageable within available resources and can be completed within the grant’s timeframe (10%).
Evaluation plan: Clear metrics and methods to measure project success and inclusion impact (10%).

grant_single_labels|apply

Verify eligibility requirements

Review the eligibility criteria to ensure your organization and project meet program requirements
Identify the vulnerable or diverse communities your project will support

Define project and gather documents

Select the project type: accessible renovations or equipment and materials
Gather supporting documents such as community needs assessments if applicable

Prepare budget and obtain contractor quotes

Prepare a detailed project budget including all eligible expenses
If applying for accessible renovations, obtain two quotes from eligible Alberta-based contractors

Complete application form

Complete the official application form available on the Inclusive Spaces Program Grant webpage
Ensure all required information and supporting documents are included
Prepare attachments in PDF or JPEG format

Submit application

Submit the completed application form and supporting documents by email to JET.inclusivespaces@gov.ab.ca
Ensure submission is before the deadline (for Intake 2: June 13, 2025, 4:30 p.m. MST)

Application review and assessment

Undergo administrative screening for eligibility and completeness
Applications passing screening are evaluated by a review panel based on assessment criteria

Sign grant agreement if approved

Receive notification of application outcome by email
If successful, review and sign the Grant Agreement provided by JET within the specified timeline

Implement project and track expenses

Begin project upon agreement execution and receipt of initial funding installment
Maintain detailed documentation and expense records throughout the project

Submit final report and receive balance

Submit final report to JET as required by the Grant Agreement with complete financial documentation and project outcomes
Receive the remaining funding installment following approval of final report

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Applicants must submit one application per licensed program and type of project; multiple applications are allowed if for different project types.
Two contractor quotes are required for accessible renovation projects; if only one quote is available, a written justification must be provided.
Contractors must be independent third parties located in Alberta and not affiliated with the applicant.
There is no appeal process for funding decisions, but unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply in future intakes with new or revised projects.