How much funding can be received?

The Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) Large provides non-profit organizations in Alberta with financial support ranging from $125,001 up to $1 million to upgrade, expand, purchase, or build public-use community facilities. Eligible activities include new construction, facility purchase, renovations, retrofits, and the acquisition of equipment to support arts, cultural, heritage, recreational, and sports spaces.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding available between $125,001 and $1 million per project.
Grants are approved on a matching basis: the applicant must contribute an amount equal to or exceeding the requested funding.
Government of Alberta funding cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost for each project.

Eligible projects & activities

Construction of new public-use community facilities, such as community halls, arenas, or recreation centres.
Expansion or renewal of existing arts, cultural, heritage, recreational, or sport facilities intended for public use.
Acquisition or purchase of buildings to be used as community facilities for public benefit.
Retrofitting, renovating, or upgrading publicly accessible community spaces to improve safety, accessibility, or usability.
Development or improvement of parks, playgrounds, natural areas, or outdoor spaces for community activities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 980,000

Renovating and expanding a historic local performing arts theatre

$ 1,000,000

Building a new multi-sport community recreation complex from scratch

$ 400,000

Retrofitting a heritage library for accessibility and efficiency upgrades

$ 320,000

Expanding a community-run indoor playground and wellness space

$ 980,000

Purchasing and converting a vacant hall into a cultural centre

$ 600,000

Enhancing a riverside outdoor community park with inclusive features

Eligibility criteria of the Community Facility Enhancement Program Large (CFEP) program

The applicant must be a community non-profit organization registered for at least two years and in good standing under specified Alberta or federal legislation.
The applicant organization must be operating in the Province of Alberta and maintain an Alberta-based address.
The project must focus on upgrading, expanding, purchasing, or constructing a facility primarily intended for general public use and community benefit.
The application must demonstrate organizational capacity, project readiness, and the ability to provide matching funding equal to or greater than the grant request.
Only one project application per capital project can be submitted per year by an organization.

Who is eligible?

Community non-profit organizations registered for at least two years under provincial or federal legislation
Organizations operating public-use facilities intended for arts, cultural, heritage, recreational, or sport purposes
Organizations operating libraries, museums, or community service facilities (e.g., food banks, shelters)
First Nations organizations
Métis Settlements

Who is not eligible

Municipalities
For-profit organizations
Organizations whose main activity supports the private sector rather than the public interest
Universities, colleges, institutes, and private schools
Fundraising bodies for for-profit organizations or business associations
Organizations with overdue or incomplete grant reporting for any previous government funding
Individuals

Eligible expenses

Costs to renew, expand, or retrofit existing public-use community facilities, including construction and renovation expenses directly related to the project.
Expenses for purchasing an existing facility to deliver public-use programs or services.
Construction costs for new public-use community facilities.
Purchases of equipment, appliances, or furniture integral to supporting a public-use community facility as part of the project.
Planning and design fees directly associated with the eligible project.
Professional services and materials specifically donated or purchased for the project (at fair market value).
Review engagement report or audited financials required for project reporting.

Eligible geographic areas

Organizations operating and registered in the Province of Alberta.

Eligibility criteria of the Community Facility Enhancement Program Large (CFEP) program

Demonstration of the organization’s capacity to successfully execute and manage a large-scale project.
Project viability and financial stability, including sufficient matching resources and long-term financial sustainability.
Extent of community benefits and impact, such as enhancement of quality of life and increased facility lifespan.
Economic impact, including job creation and added value for the community.
Accessibility and ability to serve a broad and diverse public, including improved public safety and access for various demographics.

How to apply to the Community Facility Enhancement Program Large (CFEP) program

Read program guidelines

Review the CFEP Large program guidelines on the official website
Verify your organization's and project's eligibility as per guideline sections
Ensure matching funds are identified and eligible

Download and complete the Registrant Form for Front Office
Submit the form to registration.cg@gov.ab.ca at least 10 business days before the deadline
Create and activate your Front Office account for application access

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Log in to Front Office and select the CFEP Large Expression of Interest (EOI)
Complete and submit the EOI form online
Provide information on project eligibility and readiness

Await application invitation

Wait for invitation to submit a full application if EOI criteria are met
Only eligible and shovel-ready projects will proceed

Submit full application package

Prepare and submit a complete application package via Front Office
Include all mandatory documents such as business case, budget, agreements, and financial statements
Submit within 45 days of invitation

Wait for funding decision

Monitor application status through Front Office portal
Respond promptly if additional information is requested by staff
Wait for notification of funding decision by email (about six months after intake deadline)

Sign grant agreement and start project

Sign the formal grant agreement if approved
Begin project work as per approved terms
Keep records for reporting and accounting purposes

Complete project and final report

Complete the project within the grant term
Submit final reporting and financial statements as specified in the agreement
Retain records for at least seven years

Additional information

Applicants can incur eligible project-related costs starting from the application submission date, but expenses incurred before submission are not eligible for reimbursement.
Notification of funding decisions is typically sent approximately six months after the intake deadline.
One application for a capital project may be submitted per year per organization, through either CFEP Large, CFEP Small, or the Community Initiatives Program (CIP) Project-Based stream.
Applicants must retain project records for seven years from the date of the notification letter of file closure.