How much funding can be received?

The Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) Small provides non-profit organizations in Alberta with matching grants of up to $125,000 to upgrade, expand, purchase, or build arts, cultural, heritage, recreational, sport, or other public-use community facilities. Eligible activities include new construction, facility upgrades, expansions, equipment purchases, and planning or design fees for community spaces.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial assistance of up to $125,000 per project on a matching basis.
Applicant must contribute an amount equal to or greater than the grant request towards eligible project expenses.
Government of Alberta funding, including CFEP Small, cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost.
Grant funds are disbursed by electronic funds transfer (EFT) to successful recipients.
Projects must be completed and fully reported within 18 months from the date of grant payment.

Eligible projects & activities

Upgrading existing public-use community facilities to improve condition and extend lifespan.
Expanding or retrofitting public-use community facilities to meet evolving community needs.
Purchasing existing facilities or outdoor spaces for community programs or services.
Constructing new public-use community facilities or outdoor spaces for community benefit.
Acquiring equipment, appliances, or furniture as stand-alone projects to support public-use community facilities or green spaces.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 95,000

Installing high-efficiency solar panels at a dairy production facility

$ 43,000

Automating inventory management for a medium-scale textile recycling center

$ 40,000

Launching a zero-waste packaging pilot in a local grocery store

$ 65,000

Developing a digital client portal for a legal services cooperative

$ 49,000

Upgrading a microbrewery’s HVAC systems to enhance energy efficiency

$ 35,000

Creating an accessible online ticketing platform for a local theatre

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

The applicant must be an Alberta-based, registered community non-profit organization or charity, or a First Nation or Metis Settlement, with at least one full year of operations and available financial statements.
The organization must be in good standing under specified federal or provincial legislation as outlined in the program guidelines.
The applicant must own, operate, or have a formal long-term user agreement (minimum five years) for the public-use community facility involved in the project.
The project must involve upgrading, expanding, purchasing, or constructing public-use community facilities or green spaces intended primarily for general public benefit.
The applicant must provide matching funding equal to or greater than the requested grant amount from eligible sources.

Who is eligible?

Alberta-based community non-profit organizations
Charitable organizations registered under provincial or federal acts
First Nations organizations
Metis Settlements

Who is not eligible

Municipalities
For-profit organizations
Organizations that primarily support the private sector rather than the public interest
Universities, colleges, and institutes as defined under Alberta’s Post-Secondary Learning Act
Private schools (including K-12, universities, colleges, and institutes)
Organizations not registered under the specified provincial or federal acts
Organizations with overdue or incomplete grant reporting for previous ministry grants
Individuals

Eligible expenses

Upgrades, renovations, or expansions to existing public-use community facilities, including construction costs and retrofitting.
Purchase of existing public-use community facilities or outdoor spaces.
Construction of new public-use community facilities or outdoor spaces.
Purchase of equipment, appliances, or furniture that are integral to and support a public-use community facility or outdoor space, including unlicensed motorized vehicles.
Planning and design fees directly attributable to the physical development or enhancement of the facility.

Eligible geographic areas

Organizations based in Alberta
First Nations and Metis Settlements in Alberta

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

Demonstration of the organization’s capacity to execute the project, including experience, financial stability, and project management capability.
Project viability and readiness, supported by sufficient and eligible matching resources, a detailed budget, and a clear project plan with realistic timelines.
Expected benefits to the community, such as enhanced quality of life, improved public space accessibility, economic activity, or increased community engagement.
Economic impact of the project, including job creation and value added to the community.
Level of public accessibility and inclusivity provided by the project, ensuring broad community benefit and service to diverse groups.

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

Step 1: Review Program GuidelinesRead the CFEP Small Program Guidelines in detail.
Verify your organization's and project's eligibility, as well as eligible expenses and matching fund sources.
Ensure your project is ready to proceed upon funding approval.
Step 2: Register for GATE Front Office AccountDownload and complete the Registrant Form.
Select "Community Grants" as the program area.
Email the completed form to registration.cg@gov.ab.ca.
Register at least 10 business days before the application intake deadline.
Receive login credentials and instructions via email for accessing the GATE Front Office portal.
Step 3: Gather Supporting DocumentsPrepare required documentation, such as a list of board members with contact details, recent signed financial statements, signed grant agreement, estimates and supplier quotations, donated in-kind details with supporting donor letters, application for electronic payment and bank information, and, if relevant, a letter of support from the titleholder or third-party agreements.
Ensure all documents are up to date and signed as appropriate.
Step 4: Complete and Submit Application in Front OfficeLog in to GATE Front Office and select the CFEP Small grant application.
Fill in all required application fields and questions, uploading the necessary documents as prompted by the system.
Include statements on public accessibility of the facility, and attach any official support letters if applicable.
Submit the completed application before midnight on the intake deadline.
Step 5: Application Review and CommunicationMonitor email and the Front Office portal for communications from program staff.
Provide additional information or clarification if requested during the review period.
Step 6: Notification of DecisionAwait written notification of the funding decision, typically provided 5-6 months after the deadline.
Do not resubmit the same project until a decision has been communicated.

Additional information

Grant recipients must maintain financial records and supporting documents for seven years after project completion.
The Alberta government reserves the right to audit or request interim reporting at any time during the project.
Only one capital grant per facility per fiscal year can be received under CFEP Small, CFEP Large, or CIP Project-Based streams.
Any major changes to the approved project or its scope must be requested and approved in writing before implementation.